Smash Padel Whitstable

Smash Padel Whitstable is a dedicated padel venue based at Whitstable Rugby Football Club in Chestfield, Kent, part of the wider Smash Padel group. It offers three panoramic, canopy-covered courts that allow play in all weather, open from 7am to 10pm seven days a week. Booking, free ‘Intro to Padel’ sessions, socials and coaching are all handled through the Nettla app, and rackets can be hired for GBP3 an hour. The club runs a clear beginner pathway, including a six-week PADELXpress course, plus junior programmes for ages 4 to 17 and regular social play. Through the rugby club, players have access to changing rooms, lockers and hot showers.

New to padel? What you need for your first session

Most UK padel venues hire rackets by the hour, so you do not need to buy anything before your first game. Check this club’s booking page for hire availability and prices.

Once you have played a few times and want your own kit, this is the order we would buy in.

• Court shoes first. Clubs hire rackets, they do not hire shoes, and running trainers slide on padel courts. This is the single purchase that most improves your first month. See our best padel shoes for UK players.
• Then a racket. Once your technique has settled you will know whether you want control or power. Start with our best beginner padel rackets, or read how to choose your first padel racket.
• Balls last. Most clubs provide balls for casual sessions. When you start playing regularly, see our best padel balls for UK courts.

🛒 Shop padel kit on Amazon UK →

Never played before? Read the rules of padel and how padel differs from tennis before you turn up.

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