People can’t seem to get padel courts quick enough in today’s world. Padel Alba, based out of Alicante, Spain, is one of the world’s leading court manufacturers. Their dedication to innovation and quality is something Cage 91 wanted to take a closer look at, to see behind the curtain as to how they are continuing to improve the courts and clubs that host the game we love.
Unlike many of the newer manufacturers rushing to meet the surging global demand for padel courts, the Padel Alba team has over 20 years of experience within this young industry. Over the course of two decades, the company has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience in the manufacturing and assembly of courts. This deep expertise has likely given Padel Alba the confidence and stability to become a pioneer in the court manufacturing business. They are pushing the envelope to develop cutting-edge solutions, such as their canopy designs, high wind-speed courts and sound reduction technologies.
An eye for Innovation
From the outset, Padel Alba has always been driven by innovation, and sometimes that inspiration arises from unfortunate circumstances. Their latest breakthrough, the sound barrier, was born out of such a situation. In Budapest, Hungary, the closure of a padel court due to noise complaints from a nearby resident raised a crucial question: how will padel address this issue as the sport continues to grow?
This problem mirrors a trend seen in the U.S. with pickleball, where noise complaints have been a major obstacle to the sport’s expansion. But Padel Alba, with its constant focus on innovation, stepped forward with a solution: the Padel Alba Sound Barrier. This soundproof wall, designed specifically for padel courts, comes in six different finishes—aluminium, concrete, steel, and wood—allowing clubs to choose the best fit for their environment. Additionally, Alba have developed an exciting new design that integrates plants into the barrier, offering a more visually appealing option that blends seamlessly with the upscale, country club aesthetic many padel clubs are now aiming for.
And it certainly doesn’t stop there—Padel Alba has also developed an impressive canopy court covering, designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions, specifically engineered for areas prone to hurricanes, such as Florida. And as if those innovations were not enough, arguably their most impressive offering is their highly durable court designs that can endure wind speeds of 125 mph and 150 mph, making them ideal for the most extreme environments.
“I can imagine a nightmare scenario where poorly constructed courts in hurricane-prone regions could endanger human lives. No one in padel wants to see this”
In a recent talk with Ray Brinkmanis, the charismatic Co-founder and Co-CEO of Padel Alba, he told Cage 91 that he believes these innovations are crucial for the continued growth of padel, pointing to a potential “nightmare scenario where poorly constructed courts in hurricane-prone regions could endanger human lives”. In his view, building courts that can withstand such severe conditions is not just a matter of longevity but of safety, now more so than ever as padel continues to expand away from the mild and relatively predictable climates that it has called home for so many years.
Gone Global
Padel Alba has established a presence in nearly every corner of the padel world, from Australia to the US, and from Germany to Canada. Their team of engineers is constantly on the go, installing courts and training distribution companies in the assembly process, ensuring that wherever a court is needed, Padel Alba can deliver.
In his discussion with Cage, Brinkmanis reflects on the areas of demand that have most surprised him and the Padel Alba team in recent years. He points to their significant role in the padel booms in both the US and UK, predicting that the rapid rise in courts and clubs will become even more evident by next year. Another unexpected area of growth is Germany, where Padel Alba has partnered with major operators to accelerate the sport’s expansion. However, despite these developments, Brinkmanis notes that sport-fanatical South Africa remains one of Padel Alba’s largest and most important markets.
Only the finest
More than just their impressive innovations, what really sets Padel Alba apart is their dedication to building top-quality courts. From manufacturing their own steel to guarantee precision, to making sure every court—whether indoor or outdoor—meets the same high standards, they take real pride in their work.
Their courts are also super customizable. Whether it’s court colours, logos in the glass, or branding on the pitch, Padel Alba makes sure clients can create a court that’s truly unique to their club.
Initially hesitant, likening it to picking a favorite child, Brinkmanis eventually named the Cape Town installation for Africa Padel as his top choice
With hundreds of custom-designed courts installed around the world, Cage 91 asked Brinkmanis to choose a favorite. Initially hesitant, likening it to picking a favorite child, Brinkmanis eventually named the Cape Town installation for Africa Padel as his top choice. With stunning views of the mountains in the background and the iconic Cape Town harbor just a stone’s throw from the court, it’s easy to see why he made that choice.
Having emerged as the top choice for padel operators around the world, you can be certain that wherever padel’s meteoric rise takes it next, Padel Alba will be following close behind.
