The Rising Popularity of Beach Tennis in Brazil

The Popularity of Beach Tennis

Beach tennis, also known as paddle tennis, has exploded in popularity over the last few years. This fun outdoor sport combines elements of traditional tennis and racquetball and is played on sand courts.Participants wear special camisa beach tenis shirts and use paddles instead of racquets to hit a perforated ball back and forth over a net.

The Rise of Beach Tennis in Brazil

Brazil is one of the leading hotspots for beach tennis growth and participation. The tropical climate and extensive coastline provide the perfect backdrop for year-round play. Major tournaments like the #praiarj21 pro beach tennis open held in Rio de Janeiro attract top players from around the world and legions of fans.

Beach tennis first started gaining popularity in Brazil in the 1990s, but has absolutely exploded over the last 5-10 years. It is now one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Brazilians love beach tennis because it combines the fun and active nature of volleyball and soccer with the technical challenge of tennis. It's an exciting and engaging activity for both recreational and competitive athletes.

Beach Tennis Attire and Gear

Specialized equipment and clothing make playing beach tennis more convenient and comfortable:

• Camisa beach tenis shirts are lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking to keep players cool and dry under the #sol. Long sleeve UV protection styles like the manga longa block the sun's harmful rays.
• Paddles enable players to generate power and spin on sand courts. Lightweight graphite and composite materials are most common.
• The ball is slightly smaller and less pressurized than a tennis ball while still bouncing consistently on sand.
• Cushioned shoes provide lateral support and protect feet when lunging and changing direction in loose sand.

Growing Places to Play in Rio de Janeiro

With beach tennis participation booming amongst carioca21 residents and visiting tourists alike, Rio de Janeiro has responded by building courts to meet demand. Prime spots include:

• Beach tennis courts at various beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, often next to #volleyball nets
• Club and condo #tennis facilities adding dedicated beach tennis courts
• Beach tennis programming through gyms and academia studios
• Crossfit style group beach tennis conditioning classes

Visitors planning beach vacations, hitting up #riodejaneiro #rj #021 hotspots, or getting in some exercise can now easily find places to play beach tennis thanks to its ever-growing footprint. Scheduled games, lessons, camps are all available to experience and learn this fun sport.

Beach Tennis Tournaments and Events

Major tournaments and events for both amateurs and professionals showcase the high performance potential of beach tennis and build further enthusiasm.

#praiarj21 Pro Beach Tennis Open

As mentioned previously, Rio hosts a major professional beach tennis tournament every year. The Association of Beach Tennis Professionals (ABTP) sanctions the event which draws dozens of top 50 ranked men's and women's athletes from around the world chasing a large prize purse. Courts are setup on Copacabana beach, with spectators enjoying the competitive matches and ambiance.

Amateur Competitions

For non-professional players, Rio's beach tennis scene offers no shortage of events to test skills against others. These include:

• Weekly beach tennis socials and mixers bringing together groups across different skill levels
• Organized doubles leagues similar to recreational tennis ladders
• Resort tournaments for vacationing guests
• Corporate and charity beach tennis tournaments
• City and state championship events

Special events like these make beach tennis engaging for all ages and abilities seeking friendly competition, camaraderie, and raising money for causes.

Beach Tennis: Fun in the Sun

For Brazilians and visitors to Rio de Janeiro alike, beach tennis represents an enjoyable activity for soaking up sunshine, ocean vistas, and burning calories. Specialized camisa, paddles, balls and courts have made beach tennis more accessible and appealing. Given its many positives we can expect its popularity to keep growing in the coming years!

FAQs

What is beach tennis?

Beach tennis is a sport similar to traditional tennis but played on a sand court with paddles instead of racquets and a special ball that bounces on sand. It combines elements of tennis, racquetball and volleyball.

What equipment do you need to play beach tennis?

You need a beach tennis paddle, beach tennis ball, proper footwear for traction in the sand such as beach tennis shoes, and comfortable clothing you can move in such as beach tennis shorts and shirts.

Where can I play beach tennis in Rio de Janeiro?

Many beaches in Rio like Copacabana and Ipanema have designated beach tennis courts. There are also clubs, condos, gyms and crossfit boxes in Rio offering beach tennis programming and courts.

What major beach tennis tournaments happen in Brazil?

Rio hosts a major pro beach tennis open every year sanctioned by the Association of Beach Tennis Professionals. Top international athletes compete for prize money and ranking points.