New to tennis? Start here.
Never held a racquet? Haven’t played since high school? Good. You can start tennis at any age. You don’t need to be good to be welcome.
You belong on the court
Most people who play tennis in Campbell River aren't experts. They like being outside, moving and laughing at a missed shot. Some started last summer. Some are coming back after twenty years. Some play every week.
You don't need a club membership or a rating to start. You only need to want to give it a go.
- Brand new. You've never played. Start slow, close to the net, with easy balls.
- Coming back. You played years ago. It comes back faster than you think.
- New in town. You already play and want someone to hit with.
What to bring
- Shoes with good grip. Court shoes are best. Running shoes are fine for your first few times.
- A racquet, if you have one. No racquet? Tell us on the form.
- Water. The court may not have a fountain.
- Layers and a hat. Campbell River weather changes fast.
- Balls, if you have them. A new can is a nice touch. Not required.
What a first hit looks like
- Say hi at the gate. Courts are shared. If people are mid-point, wait for a break before you walk on.
- Start close to the net. Short, gentle rallies inside the service boxes ("mini tennis"). It's the easiest way to get a feel for the ball.
- Move back when you're ready. Rally from further back, at your own pace. Nobody keeps score.
- Try a few serves. Underhand is fine to start.
- Plan the next one. Swap numbers if you both want to, or put your name in for another hit.
Stop whenever you like.
Three easy ways in
Everyone starts somewhere different. Pick the one that fits you today. You can do all three.
TRY: have a friendly hit
Tell us when you're free. We'll match you with someone patient at your level.
LEARN: take some lessons
Check the City of Campbell River Recreation Guide for current programs. The Campbell River Tennis Club runs its own lessons and programs; contact the club directly for details.
PLAY: join a regular game
Once you can keep a rally going, come to a session or ask for regular hits.
The secret: start with a slower ball
Tennis Canada recommends "progressive tennis" for beginners of every age. You start with a softer, slower ball on a smaller court. Then you work up to the regular yellow ball.
- Red ball: big, soft and slow. Played on a quarter of the court.
- Orange ball: about half the bounce of a yellow ball. Three-quarters of the court.
- Green ball: about three-quarters the bounce. Full court.
- Yellow ball: the regular ball.
Slower balls mean longer rallies, fewer chases to the fence and more fun sooner. Plenty of experienced adults use them too.
Learn about progressive tennis (Tennis Canada)
Sharing public courts
Campbell River's public courts are City courts, first come, first served. A few habits keep things friendly:
- Wait for a break before you cross behind someone's court.
- If people are waiting, be kind and share the court.
- Send stray balls back between points, with a gentle roll or bounce.
- Respect bookings. Some times are booked, including Campbell River Tennis Club times at Willow Point in summer.
- Leave it clean. Take your empty cans and bottles with you.
Common questions
Do I need to join a club?
No. No membership is needed to join the list, and you play on public courts. Want club leagues and programs? The Campbell River Tennis Club runs its own membership. Contact the club directly.
Do I need a rating?
No. When you ask for a hit, pick New, Returning or Regular. If you're curious, Tennis Canada has a self-rating guide (link on our Play page).
I'm nervous I'll be terrible.
Everyone misses a lot at first. We match hits by level, so a new player gets a patient partner, not a competition.
Am I too old to start?
No. Lots of people start or come back to tennis later in life. Softer balls and doubles are easier on the body. Check with your doctor if you have a health concern.
What does it cost?
Public courts are free to use. City lessons and club programs set their own fees. Check with them.
What about when it rains?
Outdoor tennis in Campbell River mostly slows down in the wet months. Read what we're working toward on Our story.
Our story
Is Play Tennis CR the Campbell River Tennis Club?
No. We're a separate community effort. We don't speak for the club or the City.
Ready when you are
Tell us when you like to play. We'll help you find your first hit.
Play Tennis CR is a community effort to get more people playing tennis in Campbell River. We're separate from the Campbell River Tennis Club and don't speak for the club or the City of Campbell River.
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