Exclusive Interview with Balwin Padel Ambassador: Karyn Hambridge
We are thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with Karyn Hambridge, one of our dedicated Balwin Padel Ambassadors. Karyn's passion and commitment to the sport make her an inspiring figure within our community. Let's dive into her journey and insights into the world of padel.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into padel?
I’m privileged to be part of the Balwin Padel team captained by Sebastian Brokmann and guided by the legendary Willy Lahoz. I'm lucky enough to be part of a team that includes my doubles partner, Izelle Anderson. We complement each other's strengths and quirks, making each match a blend of intense rallies and light-hearted banter. From joking about missed shots to cheering each other on with encouragement, our partnership thrives on mutual respect and a shared love for the game.
With a solid foundation in tennis, I've found padel to be an exhilarating blend of familiarity and new challenges. While both sports share fundamental techniques, such as racquet skills and court positioning, padel introduces unique elements like playing off the walls and the dynamics of doubles play. These nuances have sparked a renewed excitement for learning and mastering the intricacies of padel strategy.
2. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in padel?
Padel is known for being inclusive and welcoming to players of all ages and skill levels. You can find a place within the community whether you're a beginner or an experienced player. A great starting point for new players is to connect with the coaches at the various clubs (such as Balwin Thaba Eco Estate) or join in fun social events like Americanos that are organized by the staff.
3. How do you promote padel within the community through your ambassador role?
The South African padel community is a vibrant and growing group of enthusiasts who share a passion for the sport. There are often events, tournaments, and leagues at local and national levels. These events (such as the 200k Balwin tournament from 12-14 July at Thaba) bring players together and showcase the competitive side of padel. As a brand ambassador for Balwin, I am committed to showcasing the brand's commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement within the padel world.
4. How important is community engagement to the success of padel as a sport?
Community engagement is crucial to the success of padel as a sport. It creates a supportive environment where players can learn, grow, and enjoy the game together. The sense of belonging and camaraderie within the community fosters a positive atmosphere that encourages more people to take up the sport and stay involved.
5. What do you hope to achieve in your role as a Balwin Padel Ambassador in the coming year?
In my role as a Balwin Padel Ambassador, I aim to continue promoting the sport and encouraging participation at all levels. I hope to see more events and initiatives that bring players together, provide learning opportunities, and showcase the exciting nature of padel. My goal is to help grow the community and support Balwin's mission of excellence and innovation in padel.
6. Do you have any pre-match rituals or routines that you follow?
Yes, I do have a few pre-match rituals. Before each match, I spend some time warming up and focusing on my strategy for the game. I also take a moment to visualize positive outcomes and remind myself of the joy and excitement of playing Padel. This helps me enter the court with a positive mindset and ready to give my best performance.
We hope you enjoyed this insightful interview with Karyn Hambridge.
Stay tuned for more updates and events from Balwin Padel.
Let's keep the momentum going and continue to grow our amazing padel community!
