The Scottish woman who's jazzing up the UK's 'fastest growing sport'
These cool rackets are shaking up the game
If your January resolution is to take up a new sport, may we suggest padel.
This fast growing game is played on an enclosed court, with solid perforated rackets, and balls are played off the court walls, in a style similar to squash.
However, it’s especially appealing, as this month, Edinburgh entrepreneur, Georgie Rennie, is launching Pounce Padel - a range of rackets designed especially for women.
We asked her to tell us more.
What’s your background?
I grew up in Guildford and moved to Edinburgh in 2008 for university, then had a quick stint down in London, moved back here in 2016 and I’ve lived here ever since. My background is predominantly in advertising technology. I’ve focused my career on helping big brands to understand their advertising efforts and fine-tune their marketing plans. Now I’m using that expertise to help grow my own brand (albeit with much smaller budgets!)
How did you get into padel?
I have a terrific group of girlfriends who frequently play, but it took me a long time to try it out. I felt embarrassed about my lack of sporting ability, and I didn’t want to let the team down. They persuaded me to join one session, and I fell in love. I was surprised by how I could keep up. This game is very accessible for beginners - you don’t need to serve, for one thing - but it also has the technical strategy element. It really is the perfect sport for anyone looking to get back into team sports, and is very sociable as it’s most commonly played as a group of four. This is my favourite part of playing. I now play at least once a week. I’d like to play more, but with three kids, free time is so rare. Padel has been the most amazing addition to my life. I get some time for myself, play with friends and get active, it really is a win-win.
How did the business come into being?
I saw a man wipe the usual dull communal padel racket against the front of his sweaty shorts and quickly thought that I needed to expedite my need for my own racket. I searched online, and the market was very confusing - with prices ranging from £50 to £400. I was just looking for an allrounder racket, something that I could use now and grow into - and something that looked the part. Everything was very blokey-looking, with fluro colours, reds and acid greens. I had a very clear idea of the type of designs I wanted to see, but I couldn’t find them. So, I got my son’s Paw Patrol colouring pencils out and started to draw what I was looking for. I floated the idea to a couple of close family and friends, which went down well, and then I got to researching seriously.
Is there a big padel scene in Scotland?
The scene is exploding. Padel is currently the fastest-growing sport in the UK, including here in Scotland. People can play at self-serve courts operated by the likes of Game4Padel and Power League that are dotted across Scotland, as well as at David Lloyd clubs, which have newly introduced padel courts. There are also lots of independent sports clubs across the country that have built padel courts in a rapid response to the rise in customer demand. We are slightly behind with regards to indoor padel clubs, but I know that there are at least five that are due to open in Scotland early next year. These will become destinations.
What’s different about your rackets?
A quick Google search for ladies’ padel rackets will show that there is nothing like them on the market, which is really frustrating in a sport where women make up 40 per cent of players. At Pounce Padel, we’re challenging the “pink and sidelined” approach to women’s sports gear with rackets that deliver premium performance, unapologetic style and inspire more women to move and play. We have chosen the perfect beginner to intermediate racket for women, the shape (teardrop), weight (350g) lighter than the average, medium balance, and then created designs that actually inspire you to play. Our rackets come in three colourways: sage green, blush pink and leopard print. We’ve already had incredible feedback from our soft launch in November, with all the rackets selling out in less than three weeks. Customers have already told us that our non-intimidating and fun designs have inspired them to play for the first time. This, for me, is what it is all about.
Which colour do you anticipate will be the bestseller?
From our soft launch, the sage green sold out first. But to be honest, they’ve all been very popular, so I’m looking forward to seeing which colourway sales are highest during our official launch month.
Where are they made and are any special materials used?
Our rackets are made in China. We took a long time to choose our manufacturer as we wanted to make sure we did extensive research with countless samples and user testing - and we’re very proud of our rackets today. Our teardrop racket frame is 100 per cent carbon, has a 3K carbon weave surface, a medium balance and weighs 350g. For women progressing through beginner and intermediate levels, our racket offers a reliable all-round option. The 3K carbon surface provides good touch and feedback, while the 100 per cent carbon frame adds stability and strength. It’s a racket designed to feel comfortable from the first hit and it’s dependable as your game grows.
They will be available from our website at £135. We are also offering a launch deal of free UK shipping for all Pounce Padel products purchased in January.
What do you hope for the brand in five years time?
I want Pounce Padel to change the game for women. To be more than just a padel racket brand. To be a community that inspires women of all ages and stages to take up sports. I’m not here to reinvent the sports that are out there, but I hope to redefine who gets to play. In five years, I want to be known for that.
Are you excited about the launch or nervous?
Both. This is something I’ve been working on for the past year, and I’m ready to bring the brand to market. The response to our initial soft launch was hugely positive, so I’m hoping we can continue on that trajectory and ace it (pun intended).
Is January a good time to launch?
I think it’s a great time. It is when we start to think about our goals and resolutions for the year ahead. Whether that is to get more active, start a new hobby, make healthier life choices, or meet someone new. Padel ticks many of these boxes.
For more information and to shop, please visit pouncepadel.com
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