Sunday, April 15, 2001
[ TENNIS ]
If you ever thought tennis was an exclusive country club sport, think again. The majority of tennis being played on this island occurs on the 182 public courts at district parks around Oahu. Tennis: Courting this
sport easy for all agesBy Linda Aragon
Special to the Star-Bulletin"Several thousand people play each day," said Don Andrews, the tennis specialist for the City and County of Honolulu. "We see a few hundred people alone here at Diamond Head Tennis Center."
There are 47 public parks on Oahu that have, on average, three to four tennis courts available at no cost on a first-come, first-serve basis. Some of the city's courts, such as those at Ala Moana Park, are lit until 9:30 p.m.
The four courts at Kapiolani Park are lit 24 hours a day, and yes, people do play well past midnight.
Lessons: Some of the most inexpensive classes are offered at city courts through the United States Tennis Association's local chapter for about $3 per class. However, to get beginners interested, the USTA offers a free class once a year.
Madeleine Dreith, community program director for the Hawaii Pacific Section of the USTA, said the USTA will offer free introductory one-hour classes on April 29 and May 5 at various district and private courts throughout Oahu as part of their Free-For-All program to celebrate May, which is USA Tennis Month.
"We provide rackets and balls, so all you have to do is show up and bring water," Dreith said.
For more intensive classes, Dreith said the USTA offers a six-week program taught at many city parks. The classes meet one evening a week and cost $18 for the six classes.
Private clubs also offer classes to members and nonmembers.
The Kailua Racquet Club holds an ExerTennis class, which focuses on the cardiovascular training of the sport.
"Eight people are in a class and the instructor is constantly feeding you balls," said Roxanne Vogelgesang of KRC. "You meet other players, and it's a total workout."Members pay $11 per class. Nonmembers pay $1 more.
For players who want to focus more on strategy and learning different shots, Tate Strommen, a personal trainer at the Hawaii Tennis Academy, suggests a lesson with a tennis pro.
"You'll have more opportunity to advance to a competitive level,'' he said. "(At a tennis club), you'll also have more people at your level or better than you that you can play with. You can progress with them. It really helps improve your skill."
Tennis leagues: After learning the basics and advancing in skill, those who truly get addicted to the sport have a choice of leagues or teams to join.
On any given weekend there are tournaments or league playoffs at various courts around town. Playing in a league gives players an opportunity to get matched up with many opponents in their skill range.
"First, the players need to know the fundamentals, like how to keep score,'' said Cindy Siok, one of the directors of the Oahu Tennis League. "They are given six opponents. You play in one match a week that you arrange on your own with your opponent.
"If you win three of those matches, you go on to play more opponents."
Players who keep winning advance to the league's final playoffs and an end of the season tournament.
There are also tennis teams, which may better suit some players.
After taking beginner classes, "If the people get really hooked then the next level would be team tennis," Dreith said. "It's less competitive than the leagues and more social with an emphasis on fun."
Said Andrews: "Even if you don't have a partner, we encourage a lot of people to come down here (to Diamond Head Tennis Center. That's the advantage of having a central waiting area, you can find other players looking for a partner."
There's some tennis etiquette involved when you see other players waiting for an open court. While the park courts are free, there is a 45-minute playing limit when other players are waiting, according to Andrews.
"The busiest time is usually in the early morning and late afternoon,'' he said. "But for those who don't mind playing in the heat of the day, the courts are generally available.''
Equipment: When purchasing a tennis racket, experienced players suggest speaking to someone who is knowledgeable about the game.
Vogelgesang works in the Tennis Hut, the pro shop at the Kailua Raquet Club. The shop is open to the public and "We're competitive price-wise with the big stores," she said.
Vogelgesang said, when purchasing a racket discuss with a salesperson your style of play.
She said players should expect to pay about $100 for a decent beginner's racket.
GETTING STARTED
U.S. Tennis Association
Hawaii Pacific Section, 955-6696
Tennis Free For All
April 29 and May 5Oahu sites:
Ala Moana Park, Hale Koa, Hawaii Prince Tennis Resort, Hickam Tennis Center, Ihilani Resort & Spa, Iolani School, Kamehameha Schools, Kailua District Park, Kailua Racquet Club, Kalakaua District Park, Kalani High, Kaneohe District Park, Kilauea District Park, Koko Head District Park, Manoa District Park, Makakilo Community Park, Mililani Neighborhood Park, Moanalua Community Park, Pearl City High School, Turtle Bay Hilton, Waipahu District Park, Waianae District Park.
Neighbor islands:
Call 888-848-2744