Padel Alto launches the Nordic Padel Blog: ”Even my parents have heard Bandeja, Bajada, and Chiquita”
Padel Alto launches the Nordic Padel Blog where Swedish Gustaf Straht will report on what is happening within padel in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland.
— I will definitely write about the business of padel, just as much as the competitions. I will try to highlight upcoming players, but also new innovations and initiatives.
Padel Alto: Warm welcome to Padel Alto, Gustaf! Everyone is talking about the development of padel in the Nordic countries. Can you describe it?
”It has been insane – courts are being built everywhere, and everyone, even my parents have heard words like Bandeja, Bajada, and Chiquita. In the beginning, it was purely simple facilities in Sweden, however now these huge premium centers are opening throughout the Nordics. But what is even more astonishing is the business of it – starting with enthusiasts building courts and starting webshops we now see large-scale businesses financed by heavy Investors. We are seeing new brands trying to compete for market share and entrepreneurs creating innovative digital tools and businesses. However, for the first time ever, there are signs that show that the curve is flattening out, at least in Sweden. However, in the other Nordic countries – which are a couple of years behind, the curve is still pointing upwards”.
”Nobody knew what it meant, not even how to pronounce it – in Sweden”
Padel Alto: For the international readers of Padel Alto. Who are you and how did you get in touch with padel?
”I’m 36 from Sweden and work with Business Development and Marketing – I’ve been playing padel for approximately 8 years now, which is a long time in Sweden. I fell in love with the sport and have been deeply involved for years now, and spent most of my vacations in Spain since. I even spent two months in Alicante to train everyday to learn the game – and was deeply involved in the America vs Europe project last year, along with the Swedish Eurofinans Padel Tour”.
”The first time ever came in contact – I thought it was a marketing stunt during the Båstad Tennis Open. However, I was invited to play a game with one of my customers and loved it at first sight. At that time, it was hard to find a court and nobody knew what it meant, not even how to pronounce it – in Sweden”.
Padel Alto: What are you most looking forward to about starting the Nordic blog on Padel Alto?
”I’m excited to be part of the journey of Padel, becoming a global phenomenon. I look forward a lot to seeing how padel will develop differently around the globe and see culture, infrastructure and even style of play will evolve in different markets. As an example, I imagine the style of play will differ from country to country, just like it does in football or any other sport”.
”I will definitely write about the business of padel, just as much as the competitions”.
Padel Alto: What can readers expect you to be able to offer in your columns?
”Readers can expect to read about padel from different angles. I will definitely write about the business of padel, just as much as the competitions. I will try to highlight upcoming players, but also new innovations and initiatives”
Finally, I want your two favorite padel players. One on the women's side and the men's side?
”Bea Gonzalez! Her energy, athleticism, and spirit are amazing. And of course, Stupa – he has always been a favorite of mine, with his quick, smooth, and fluid movement and humbleness. However, I guess I’m a bit surprised by my choices myself, cause’ normally, my answer would be traditional right-side players that patiently build up the points”.
