PICKLEBALL MANIA REACHES BORACAY
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
By Pauline Reitzer
Boracay has long been known for its powdery white beaches, water sports and active outdoor lifestyle. Now, another sport is quickly finding its place on the island: pickleball.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Its appeal lies in its accessibility: easy to learn, suitable for all ages and social by nature. What started as a recreational pastime elsewhere is quickly evolving into a thriving community in Boracay, with dedicated courts, regular open-play sessions and a growing number of enthusiasts picking up a paddle for the first time.
Three Courts, One Growing Community
The emergence of dedicated pickleball venues across the island suggests that the sport is gaining serious momentum.
Masey Pickleball Boracay is located inside CityMall Boracay. Currently the island's only indoor pickleball facility, it offers players a climate-protected environment that allows games to continue regardless of weather conditions. The venue has become a popular gathering point for both residents and visiting players, hosting regular open-play sessions and helping introduce newcomers to the sport.
Paddles Up Pickleball Academy is an open court located behind Timog Kiteboarding in Bulabog, making it the is the perfect spot during kiting season and early morning sessions. Beyond providing court space, the academy focuses on introducing new players to the game while helping more experienced athletes refine their skills, further contributing to the sport’s development on the island.
Boracay HomeCourt Pickleball is an open court located near Cagban and is the island’s newest pickleball community. It provides another outdoor alternative for players who enjoy playing in the open air and has quickly attracted a growing membership of local and visiting athletes eager to join the sport thanks to the family ambiance it offers.
More than just a trend?
What makes pickleball different from many sports fads is its broad appeal. Children, parents, retirees and competitive athletes can all play together on the same court. The smaller playing area reduces physical strain while still providing a fast-paced and engaging workout.
The sport’s inclusive nature has helped fuel its remarkable global growth, and Boracay appears to be following the same trajectory. Visitors who discover pickleball during their vacation often return to play again, while residents are increasingly incorporating the sport into their weekly routines.
As participation continues to grow and more facilities emerge, the possibility of organized leagues, tournaments and youth development programs becomes increasingly realistic.
Masey Pickleball Boracay
📍CityMall Boracay, 2nd Floor
🕘 Daily: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
🏓 Open Play (all levels): Daily, mornings & late afternoons
💰 Open Play: ₱150 | Paddle rental: ₱100
💰 Court rental: ₱300/hour (max. 6 players)
💰 Paddle rental: ₱100
📲 Book through ReClub
Facebook/Instagram: Masey Pickleball Boracay
Boracay HomeCourt
📍 Cagban Road, near Cagban Port
🏓 Open Play: 5 p.m. until midnight (reservation required)
💰 Open Play: ₱100 (with free home-cooked dinner)
💰 Court rental: ₱200/hour
💰 Paddle rental: ₱30
🎾 Coaching available by reservation
📲 Book through ReClub
Facebook: Boracay HomeCourt
Paddles Up Pickleball Academy
📍 Behind Timog Kiteboarding, Bulabog
🏓 Open Play: 6 p.m. (max. 25 players)
💰 Open Play: ₱150
🎾 Coaching available by reservation
📞 (0962) 284 8686
Facebook: Paddles Up Pickleball Academy
HomeCourt: Where Pickleball Feels Like Family
By Pauline Reitzer
Averille Sacapaño, who was born and raised in Boracay, is a pickleball and beach tennis pro player and coach. She shares how HomeCourt Pickleball began as a family dream.
“We were the only ones in our family playing pickleball,” she recalls. “The property belonged to a relative, and we encouraged them, especially my father, to build a dedicated court. Eventually, they fell in love with the sport too, and that’s how HomeCourt was born.”
HomeCourt is regarded as one of Boracay’s most welcoming pickleball venues. While players come for the courts, many stay for the community vibe. Open play starts at 5 p.m. and ends at midnight, but often stretches late into the night as everyone enjoys the company.
“We wanted everyone to feel welcome, whether it was their first time holding a paddle or they were already experienced players. Pickleball is one of the most social sports, so building a friendly and inclusive community has always been one of our priorities,” says Sacapaño.
That welcoming atmosphere extends beyond the game. Players often stay after matches to share a free dinner prepared by the Sacapaño family, enjoy impromptu jam sessions and make new friends.
For those hesitant to try the sport, she offers this advice: “Just give it a try. You don’t need a sports background to enjoy pickleball. Everyone starts somewhere, and the community is incredibly welcoming.”
A former competitive tennis player who later switched to beach tennis, Sacapaño admits she wasn’t immediately sold on pickleball. But as she discovered its strategy, fast-paced rallies, and close-knit community, she found herself embracing the sport.
Her dedication led her to become the first professional pickleball athlete to represent Region VI. Looking ahead, she hopes pickleball will help showcase another side of the island.
“If we can inspire more people to play while bringing more tournaments and visitors here, it’s a win for the sport, for our community, and for tourism.”
For HomeCourt, every match is about more than competition; it's about building a community, one game at a time.
The family behind Boracay HomeCourt: (left) Averille Sacapaño; (right) Keisha, KR and Samie Magro
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