Pickleball in Cebu City: how to choose a court

More people in Cebu are picking up a paddle, and there are more places to play than there were a year ago. With a few options near you, the best court is not always the closest one on the map. Here is what to weigh.

Start with how long it takes to get there

In Cebu City, distance on the map and travel time are often very different things. A court ten minutes away at 3 pm can take forty at 6 pm. Think about when you will actually be travelling, and consider venues in neighbouring cities such as Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu or Talisay if they are easier to reach from your home or office.

Indoor, covered or outdoor

• Outdoor courts are the cheapest to run but depend on the weather. Midday sun is hard going, so early morning and evening are more comfortable.
• Covered courts keep off most of the sun and light rain, though wind and heavy rain can still get in.
• Indoor courts are the most reliable in the rainy months, and they use a softer ball than outdoor play.

Check the hours and the rate

Venues set their own hours and rates, and peak times such as weekday evenings and weekends are usually the busiest. The venue page on Bisogo shows the hours, the rate per hour and which slots are still free, so you can compare before you commit to a place.

Small things that add up

• Parking, especially if you are bringing a group.
• Whether paddles and balls can be rented or bought on site.
• Water, restrooms and somewhere to sit between games.
• The number of courts, if you want to play with a bigger group or in the same session as friends.

A good habit is to try two or three venues and settle on the one that fits your schedule. You will quickly learn which hours stay free and which fill up.