In 2022, during a trip to Europe, Alain Siu, president of the tennis and squash club PHOENIX in Punaauia, discover the paddleSeduced by this rapidly expanding sport, he decided – without waiting for approval from its leaders – to order two courts. Three years later, it is a real sports revolution who wins French Polynesia.

Rapid growth

Today, PHOENIX club matters 5 outdoor and 4 indoor tracks, all stormed from 6:00 a.m. to 23:00 p.m. by more than 1 regular subscribers. The phenomenon, affectionately nicknamed "padelmania", has spread to other municipalities such as Piraeus et Papeete.

The main clubs in operation:

  • PIRAE PADEL Club : 5 tracks, resulting from a public-private partnership with the municipality.
  • PAPEETE Club Excelsior : 4 tracks, geared towards a family audience.
  • PAPEETE Dragon Club : 2 tracks dedicated to the development of social padel.

With now 2 practitionersincluding 40% women, French Polynesia stands out as a reference for padel in the Pacific.

The miracle of padel in French Polynesia: a success story in just 3 years

An exemplary structure

All clubs have invested in the training of instructors qualified and implemented improvement sessions. The reception of coaches from Spain, France, Portugal, Argentina and El Salvador has helped raise the local level to enviable standards, comparable to some European clubs.

The PHÉNIX club remains the spearhead of Polynesian padel, not only by the quality of its infrastructure, but also thanks to a exemplary volunteer organization, looking to the future.

The miracle of padel in French Polynesia: a success story in just 3 years
The miracle of padel in French Polynesia: a success story in just 3 years
The miracle of padel in French Polynesia: a success story in just 3 years

Ambitious projects

The craze is not waning. new land projects are planned for 2026 and 2027, both in existing clubs and in new ones new municipalities. Hotels, private investors and communities locals prepare between 5 and 10 new installations.

The creation of the Federation of Padel of French Polynesia (FPPF) is underway, with the ambition of playing a central role in the future areas Padel Pacific.

An international tournament to reach a milestone

The first edition of AMERICAN EXPRESS PACIFIC PADEL CUP, co-organized by theAECP, PHOENIX club et American Express, marks a real turning pointThis international tournament brought together:

  • 32 pairs in the men's final table,
  • 16 pairs in the women's table,
  • over 200 pairs in qualifications,
  • either near 500 players involved from this first edition.

An event that foreshadows a new era for padel in French Polynesia.

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