We are blessed with our “winters” in Dubai. The weather is just awesome to enjoy the outdoors and do some sports. Today we are proposing you a very cool one. Besides, it is accessible, fun and a great workout. We are talking about the game of beach racket (or bat and ball).
We wanted to know more about this sport, so we asked the pros. Amer El-Kalache is the General Manager of PlayMore LLC, a company that has brought the Ace SPORTS LIFESTYLETM product line of premium handcrafted beach rackets to the UAE and that is organizing Ace Playgrounds across the UAE to spread the love for the game.
THE GAME OF BEACH RACKET
Hi Amer! Tell us about the Beach Racket scene in Dubai?
We all have played this game in one form or another when we were children on the beach. Some of us call the game “beach racket” while it is also called Frescobol, Palette, Racket, and Raccettoni in Brazil, Lebanon, Egypt, and Italy respectively. In Greece, it is called Xyloracketa, literally “wooden racket”.
Dubai and the UAE in general, having amazing sandy beaches, is a great place to play this sport. I love outdoor sports and being on the beach is great during this time of the year. We are organizing events on Kite Beach and people are very receptive. It is fun and a great workout. You don’t need expensive equipment or even to rent a court, you get a tan and make new friends while you are at it!
What do we need to be able to play Beach Racket?
It is very simple. You will need a set of awesome beach rackets, a pair of tennis balls, and a friend (you can also play in groups of 4 people). No court rental is required as you can play anywhere without the need for a net or boundaries. The aim of the game is to keep the ball up whilst playing as fast as possible.
Tell us more about the rackets…
Let me explain a bit about the design of the beach rackets. We designed the rackets in two different weight classes to address the varying proficiency of the players; a 360 gram for the seasoned player who prefers an attacking style of play and 390 gram for the beginner who might opt for a defensive style. The rackets also embed what we call Air Pockets to reduce vibration of the racket. This system allows vibration ripples to spread evenly throughout the body of the racket upon ball impact, increasing stability and maximizing its playability performance.
We have three colors you can choose from: Aqua, Coral and Ultramarine and they come in a kit, which holds 2 rackets, 2 balls, and they are all put nicely in a spacious canvas beach bag. The canvas beach bag has plenty of space to carry your beach towel. That way, you have everything you need to start playing and enjoying the game.
Don’t forget to get protected from the sun, so use sunscreen appropriate for your skin tone and type and have a cap or a t-shirt on. We also have some beach apparel available so check out our website to see what we offer.
BEACH BODY BABE!
What kind of workout are we doing when playing beach racket?
Beach racket is a great general workout for all age groups with various fitness levels. You are moving your legs in sand, so the resistance of the floor and the fact that is an uneven surface request from your body more effort to keep the balance and to propel from one side to the other.
You are also utilizing your arms as you would in tennis, helping tone upper body, especially your arms and shoulders.
It is great to improve coordination and it is a lot of fun. So, we can say you are working out your social skills at the same time! I’ve personally met a lot of new people and lost weight by playing this game on Dubai’s beaches on the weekends for the past 3 months since we started.
Where can we practice this sport in Dubai?
We have created groups and we play not only on the beach but also in the park. Everyone who likes outdoor activities is more than welcomed to join. We set up Ace Playgrounds to play every Friday at the Ripe Market in Zaabel Park (from 9 AM to 4 PM) and on Saturdays at Kite Beach from 3 PM to 5 PM. To stay up to date on our Ace Playgrounds, and to join one of our get-togethers, you can follow our Facebook or Instagram page.
Where can we buy the beach rackets?
We are selling our premium beach rackets online through our website (free delivery within the UAE!). You would receive your rackets within 3 business days. Also, we are setting up market stalls in various spots in the UAE, especially the Ripe Market at Zaabeel Park on Fridays.
Seems interesting, right? You can check more information and events in the following links:
Website: uae.aceplaymore.com
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