Free intro sessions for complete beginners

We run free small-group intro sessions on the Central Coast for people who have never held a paddle. Paddles are provided, there is no membership and no cost, and everyone there is starting at the same point. Sessions run about two hours and finish with you knowing how to keep a game going.

Updated August 2026
Morro Bay Recreation Center, California Central CoastMorro Bay Recreation Center

Next session

  • Thursday, September 246:00 PMSanta Maria, Hagerman Sports Complex Pickleball Courts9 spots left
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Decide these first

You do not need anything

Paddles and balls are provided. Bring flat shoes, water, and nothing else. No membership, no signup fee, and no equipment to buy before you find out whether you like it.

Everyone is a beginner

These are not open play sessions with beginners tolerated at the edges. Everyone in the group is new, which means nobody is waiting for you and nobody is annoyed at a missed shot.

What actually happens

A short explanation of scoring, then rallies, then real games with shuffled partners. Most people are playing points within twenty minutes, and leave able to join a public open play session without feeling lost.

What to expect on the day

The sessions are deliberately small so nobody spends the morning in a queue. The whole point is court time, not instruction.

Arrive a few minutes early, pick up a paddle, no need to know anyone.
Scoring explained in about five minutes, which is genuinely all it takes.
Unscored rallies first, so your first shot is not in front of an audience.
Short games with shuffled partners, so you play with everyone there.
You leave knowing where the public courts are and when open play runs.

Questions

Are the intro sessions really free?

Yes. The intro sessions are free, paddles are provided, and there is no membership or signup fee. Our paid events are private bookings for groups, which is a different thing.

Do I need my own paddle to try pickleball?

No. Paddles and balls are provided at the intro sessions. Flat shoes and water are all you need to bring.

Does everyone need to know how to play?

No. Pickleball is the rare sport where a complete beginner and a regular player can enjoy the same game. The court is small, the ball is slow, and scoring takes two minutes to explain. Matching people so games stay even matters far more than anyone having played before.

How long is a beginner pickleball session?

About two hours, including the explanation, warm up rallies and real games. Most people are playing points within the first twenty minutes.

What happens if it rains?

Outdoor courts are unplayable wet, so an outdoor booking needs either a reschedule clause in the permit or an indoor backup. Ask the venue what their rain policy is before you pay a deposit, because most public permits do not refund for weather.

No cost, no membership

Come to the next one

Pick a date and we will save you a spot. If you would rather ask a question first, text us and a person answers.

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