Explore the World - Become a Happy Traveler!: Tango Azul

10 Things You Need to Bring to the Pickleball Court:

Tennies, skorts, balls, and paddles are just some of the things that will set you up for success in pickleball. See them all here:

https://parade.com/shopping/pickleball-equipment

Tips From DUPR.com, a Pickleball Rating Company:

Choosing the right paddle is essential to success on the court as it can greatly influence your game and confidence. DUPR.com recommends these paddles for beginners:

The Rally The Rally paddle by Rally Republic is ideal for new players looking for control and consistency on the court. Its lightweight design at 8.0 oz allows beginners to play longer with reduced fatigue, making it great for improving accuracy.

GAMMA Fusion Power Known for its widest-hitting surfaces, the GAMMA Fusion Power provides a generous sweet spot for better precision. Its mid-weight design supports beginners by offering a blend of versatility and power.

ACE Heart Paddle The ACE Heart paddle is crafted with new players in mind. It provides more power and precision with each shot. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, it helps build confidence.

‍Intermediate players often prefer paddles that deliver a balanced mix of control and power, offering flexibility for both defensive and offensive shots.

JOOLA Ben Johns 3S Featuring a carbon fiber surface, the JOOLA Ben Johns 3S enhances spin and durability, making it ideal for players looking to add precision and more aggressive shots to their game. Its mid-weight design (about 7.8 oz) provides a blend of power and finesse, perfect for advancing players.
HEAD Boom Team EX Paddle The HEAD Boom Team EX paddle is designed for intermediate players seeking a balance of control and power. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to handle and maneuver, while the graphite face ensures durability and a responsive feel. The paddle features a forgiving sweet spot, which helps improve consistency on off-center hits, making it ideal for players still refining their technique.
HEAD Boom Tour EX paddle The HEAD Boom Tour EX paddle is designed to provide excellent spin and control. Its ergonomic grip ensures comfort, making it ideal for players seeking to enhance their game with power, precision, and reliability on the court. This high-performance paddle is perfect for those looking to elevate their play to the next level.

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Before diving into the best paddle for each skill level, let’s review the main features to consider:

Grip Size: A proper grip size provides better control and reduces the risk of strain. Smaller grips offer more wrist flexibility for spin, while larger grips add stability.
Paddle Weight: Lighter paddles are ideal for precision and control, while heavier paddles provide power.
Paddle Shape: Some paddles offer wider sweet spots for forgiving shots, while others are designed to focus power, making them best for advanced players.

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Choosing the Right Pickleball Paddle Based on Skill Level

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For those just starting, pickleball can feel challenging enough without worrying about advanced paddle specifications. Beginner players benefit from paddles that prioritize control and forgiveness, helping them make consistent contact and learn the basics.

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Recommended Paddles for Beginners:

The Rally The Rally paddle by Rally Republic is ideal for new players looking for control and consistency on the court. Its lightweight design at 8.0 oz allows beginners to play longer with reduced fatigue, making it great for improving accuracy.
GAMMA Fusion Power Known for its widest-hitting surfaces, the GAMMA Fusion Power provides a generous sweet spot for better precision. Its mid-weight design supports beginners by offering a blend of versatility and power.
ACE Heart Paddle The ACE Heart paddle is crafted with new players in mind. It provides more power and precision with each shot. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, it helps build confidence.

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Recommended Paddles for Intermediate Players:

Intermediate players usually have a feel for their game style, allowing them to start experimenting with power and spin. They often prefer paddles that deliver a balanced mix of control and power, offering flexibility for both, defensive and offensive shots.

JOOLA Ben Johns 3S Featuring a carbon fiber surface, the JOOLA Ben Johns 3S enhances spin and durability, making it ideal for players looking to add precision and more aggressive shots to their game. Its mid-weight design (about 7.8 oz) provides a blend of power and finesse, perfect for advancing players.
HEAD Boom Team EX Paddle The HEAD Boom Team EX paddle is designed for intermediate players seeking a balance of control and power. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to handle and maneuver, while the graphite face ensures durability and a responsive feel. The paddle features a forgiving sweet spot, which helps improve consistency on off-center hits, making it ideal for players still refining their technique.
HEAD Boom Tour EX paddle The HEAD Boom Tour EX paddle is designed to provide excellent spin and control. Its ergonomic grip ensures comfort, making it ideal for players seeking to enhance their game with power, precision, and reliability on the court. This high-performance paddle is perfect for those looking to elevate their play to the next level.
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Recommended Paddles for Advanced Players:

JOOLA Vision CGS 16 For players who prioritize power, the JOOLA Vision CGS 16 delivers explosive shots. Its lightweight design with an elongated shape enhances reach, perfect for players who have mastered control and are ready to dominate on offense.
GAMMA Airbender 16 The GAMMA Airbender 16 offers unmatched customizability with its adjustable end cap weighting system and Zorbicon Shockbuster gel insert to reduce vibrations. Its design enhances maneuverability, maximizes spin and control, and provides the perfect balance of power, comfort, and precision.‍
ACE Club The ACE Club Paddle offers a perfect balance of power, control, and comfort. Its 8.1 oz weight design delivers maximum power without the added weight, while the comfortable grip reduces fatigue, ensuring reliable performance during extended play.

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Winter Weather in Your Area? Go South to Play!

Many players from northern states, Canada, and Europe travel to Mexico, such as La Ventana, Baja California, Mexico.

The new pickleball courts are just 2 hours from Cabo airport (or 45 minutes from the La Paz airport). If you stay in La Ventana it is a quick drive or walk from the Tango Azul vacation apartments. The courts overlook the Sea of Cortez and are open to members and the public from October to April. Members only on Tuesday & Friday. Public drop-in Mon, Wed, Thur, Sat, and Sun. Drop-in Fee - 200 Pesos, cash only!

For more information go to:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Tango-Azul-Pickleball-Resort-100082970300231/

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https://a-happy-traveler.blogspot.com/2025/01/pickleball-tournaments-and-festivals-in.html

https://a-happy-traveler.blogspot.com/2025/01/new-to-playing-pickleball.html

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Traveling through Baja California one might discover lots of palapas, artfully built, using only natural materials: wood, sisal, and dried palm leaves. The most beautiful can be found at the Tango Azul Resort.

A palapa is an open-sided structure topped off with a thatched roof made from dried palm leaves. A palapa originally meaning "petiole of the palm leaf" is an open-sided dwelling. It is very useful in hot weather and, therefore, very common on Mexican beaches and deserts.

History of Palapas
Palapa is derived from the traditional construction methods of the 'bahay kubo' ("nipa hut") architectural style of the Philippines, carried to Nueva España (along with coconuts, which are not native to the Americas) via the Manila galleons during the Spanish colonial period. Palapas are also common in Honduras and other Central American countries. The builder of these great structures are not only craftsmen but also Artists.

Typical in Mexico
Ubiquitous throughout Mexico where they have long provided locals with protection against both the rain and sun, the palapa has also become a common feature within the tourist industry. For visitors attracted to the region’s world-famous beaches, they provide a practical and picturesque sunbed for those who don’t necessarily wish to expose themselves to the full-on sun.

Benefits of Palapas
With an increasing focus on wellness and wellbeing tourism, the palapa is also the ideal structure for anyone wanting to partake in a massage or yoga class. The palm roof provides excellent shelter from the elements while the open sides mean that you’re still outside in the fresh air; far preferable to being stuck indoors in a stuffy or frigid studio. You will find palapa shops, bars, restaurants, spas, gyms, water sports centers, etc.

No matter how hot it is outside, there is always a cool breeze in a palapa. The average price of palapa kits ranges from $5,000 - $8,000 - depending on the size and accessory options added such as the number of posts, and the type of thatch.

See also how Palapas are built: