Advertisement

Beach Tennis in Ottawa: Your Ultimate Guide to Sand and Swing

Why Try Beach Tennis in Ottawa?

Beach tennis combines the best of tennis, beach volleyball, and badminton into one fast-paced, sun-soaked sport. Played on a sandy court with a lower net, beach tennis uses paddles and a slightly depressurized tennis ball to create a unique blend of strategy, agility, and fun.

Ottawa might not have an ocean, but its riverside parks, sandy courts, and growing beach sports community make it a hidden gem for beach tennis enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to try a casual game with friends, compete in a tournament, or sharpen your skills with professional coaching, Ottawa offers a vibrant beach tennis scene for all levels.

With its easy-to-learn format, minimal equipment, and social vibe, beach tennis is the perfect summer sport to get you moving, sweating, and smiling—all while soaking up the sun!

Benefits of Beach Tennis

✅ Full-Body Workout – Improves strength, agility, and coordination.
✅ Cardio and Endurance – Fast-paced rallies elevate your heart rate.
✅ Strengthens Core and Lower Body – Playing on sand engages stabilizer muscles.
✅ Improves Hand-Eye Coordination – Precise ball control and quick reactions sharpen reflexes.
✅ Mental Focus and Strategy – Tactical play keeps you mentally sharp.
✅ Low-Impact on Joints – The soft sand reduces stress on knees and ankles.
✅ Social and Community-Focused – Doubles and mixed-gender play encourage teamwork and connection.

“Playing on sand forces you to use every muscle—beach tennis makes you strong while having fun!”

What Is Beach Tennis?

Beach tennis is played on a sand court, similar in size to a beach volleyball court, with a net set at 1.7 meters (5’6”). The game is typically played as doubles, but singles matches are also popular. The rules follow a simplified version of tennis, with elements of volleyball and badminton mixed in:

🎯 Scoring: Uses standard tennis scoring (15, 30, 40, game).
🎯 Serves: Underhand serves only.
🎯 No Bounce: The ball cannot touch the sand—volleying is required.
🎯 Paddle Play: Players use solid paddles instead of strung racquets.
🎯 Fast Rallies: Points are short, intense, and fast-paced.
🎯 Winning Strategy: Placement and teamwork are more important than power.

Top Beach Tennis Courts and Locations in Ottawa

Ottawa’s expanding beach tennis scene includes several dedicated courts and multi-sport facilities. Here are the best places to play beach tennis in Ottawa:

🎾 Mooney’s Bay Beach (Best for Community Play and Tournaments)

📍 Location: Riverside Drive, Ottawa

  • Court Type: Sand
  • Number of Courts: 4
  • Difficulty: Beginner to expert
  • Special Features:
    • Home to local beach tennis leagues.
    • Public drop-in play available.
    • Professional-grade sand.
    • Annual beach sports festivals and tournaments.
    • Free parking and beach amenities.

🏆 Pro Tip: Join a local beach tennis meetup—Mooney’s Bay has an active and welcoming community.

🎾 Britannia Beach (Best for Relaxed, Casual Play)

📍 Location: Britannia Road, Ottawa

  • Court Type: Sand
  • Number of Courts: 2
  • Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
  • Special Features:
    • Beautiful riverside setting.
    • Fewer crowds—great for practicing.
    • On-site concession stands and restrooms.
    • Great for mixed doubles and social games.

🏆 Pro Tip: Try an evening game at sunset for a cooler, more relaxed vibe.

🎾 Westboro Beach (Best for Sunset and Scenic Play)

📍 Location: Kitchissippi Ward, Ottawa

  • Court Type: Sand
  • Number of Courts: 1
  • Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
  • Special Features:
    • Small but well-maintained.
    • Close to bike paths and walking trails.
    • Perfect for casual games and warm-ups.
    • Great for private games with friends.

🏆 Pro Tip: Grab a post-game drink at the Westboro Beach Café nearby.

🎾 Terry Fox Athletic Facility (Best for Indoor Beach Tennis)

📍 Location: Riverside Drive, Ottawa

  • Court Type: Indoor sand
  • Number of Courts: 2
  • Difficulty: Beginner to advanced
  • Special Features:
    • All-season facility.
    • Professional-grade sand and lighting.
    • Available for private rentals and training.
    • Great for winter training.

🏆 Pro Tip: Use this facility to stay sharp during the off-season!

🎾 Ottawa Beach Tennis Club (OBTC) (Best for Competitive Play)

📍 Location: Mooney’s Bay Beach

  • Court Type: Outdoor sand
  • Number of Courts: 4
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to expert
  • Special Features:
    • Organized leagues and tournaments.
    • Professional coaching available.
    • Training programs for kids and adults.
    • Great for social and competitive play.

🏆 Pro Tip: OBTC hosts annual ranking events—great for testing your skills against top players.

Essential Beach Tennis Gear

Beach tennis requires minimal equipment, but the right gear can improve your performance and comfort:

✔ Beach Tennis Paddle – Lighter and smaller than a regular tennis racquet.
✔ Beach Tennis Balls – Slightly depressurized to reduce bounce.
✔ Sunglasses – Polarized to reduce glare from sand and sun.
✔ Sand Socks – Protect feet from hot sand and improve traction.
✔ Lightweight Clothing – Breathable and moisture-wicking.
✔ Hat or Visor – Protects from sun exposure.
✔ Sunscreen – Essential for long sessions in direct sun.
✔ Water Bottle – Hydration is key in the heat.

🏆 Pro Tip: Use a paddle with a textured grip for better control in sandy conditions.

How to Improve Your Beach Tennis Game

🔥 Master the Underhand Serve – Keep it low and controlled to reduce return options.
🔥 Work on Placement Over Power – Sand slows down the ball—aim for open spots.
🔥 Develop Quick Reactions – Beach tennis points are fast; stay light on your feet.
🔥 Practice Cross-Court Shots – Angled shots create harder returns for opponents.
🔥 Stay Balanced on Sand – Keep knees slightly bent and weight forward for stability.
🔥 Focus on Doubles Strategy – Communicate with your partner and cover the court together.
🔥 Anticipate the Bounce – The ball reacts differently on sand—adjust your timing.

Beach Tennis Strategy Tips

🎯 Attack the Net – Control the net to put pressure on opponents.
🎯 Target the Middle – Forcing confusion between opponents creates errors.
🎯 Use Lobs Strategically – High lobs reset the point and give you time to reposition.
🎯 Keep Moving – Stay light on your feet to adjust quickly.
🎯 Mix Up Your Serve – Use variation to keep opponents guessing.

Beach Tennis Safety Tips

🏖️ Warm Up Properly – Stretch to prevent muscle strains.
🏖️ Stay Hydrated – Heat and sand cause rapid dehydration.
🏖️ Watch the Sand Temperature – Sand heats up quickly—wear sand socks if needed.
🏖️ Protect Your Skin – Apply sunscreen and wear a hat or visor.
🏖️ Avoid Overexertion – Take breaks between matches.
🏖️ Communicate with Your Partner – Avoid collisions and confusion.

Final Thoughts: Serve, Smash, and Have Fun!

Beach tennis in Ottawa delivers the perfect mix of fitness, fun, and competition. Whether you’re diving for a save at Mooney’s Bay or working on your backhand at Britannia Beach, Ottawa’s beach tennis scene offers year-round opportunities to play, improve, and connect with fellow athletes.

💬 What’s your favorite beach tennis memory? Share your story! #OttawaActiveBeachTennis #ServeAndSmash