Short version: court shoes, water and sun protection. Paddles are available to hire on site — but once you are playing regularly, your own is the upgrade that actually changes your game.
Nets are set up and paddles are available to hire, so a first session needs very little. Here is the honest list of what is worth bringing yourself.
Nets are on the courts and paddles are available to hire on site, so you can turn up and play. For a first hit that is all you need — but a hired paddle is a false economy once you play regularly.
The one thing worth sorting early. Non-marking court shoes with lateral support — running shoes are built for forward motion and roll under the side-to-side movement pickleball demands.
The rooftop is open-air with very little shade. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen make a real difference during the day, and a drink bottle is essential year-round.
Once you are playing regularly, your own paddle is the upgrade that actually changes your game. Here is what matters, in the order it matters.
The main decision. Weight is the first thing to settle: mid-weight paddles (about 7.3–8.4oz) balance power and control and suit most players. Lighter paddles favour quick hands at the net; heavier ones give you more power but tire your arm. Face material matters less than weight and grip until you are playing seriously.
Outdoor and indoor balls are genuinely different. Outdoor balls are harder with smaller, more numerous holes so wind affects them less — which is what you want on a rooftop. Indoor balls are lighter and softer and will behave unpredictably up here.
The most underrated purchase and the one most likely to prevent an injury. Court shoes are built for lateral movement and have non-marking soles, which are required on our courts.
Whatever you can move in. Breathable layers work best on an exposed rooftop, where it is warmer than street level in summer and windier in winter.
Paddles, balls and apparel from the Play Pickle shop, delivered across Australia. Ask a coach on court first — they will tell you what suits your game better than any spec sheet.
Not sure what to get? Our equipment guide walks through weight, grip and what suits your game.
The questions we get asked on court most often.
Not for a first hit — paddles are available to hire on site. But hire adds up quickly, and a paddle you know beats one you borrow, so most regular players buy their own before long. Our buying guide below covers how to choose.
A mid-weight paddle, roughly 7.3 to 8.4 ounces, is the safest starting point — it balances power and control. Grip size matters more than most people expect: if you are between sizes, choose the smaller one, because you can always add an overgrip to build it up.
Outdoor balls are harder with smaller, more numerous holes so wind affects them less. Indoor balls are lighter and softer. Broadway is an open-air rooftop venue, so outdoor balls are what you want here.
Non-marking court shoes with good lateral support. Tennis or volleyball shoes are ideal. Running shoes are not recommended — they are designed for forward motion and can roll during the side-to-side movement pickleball involves.
The Play Pickle shop stocks paddles, balls and apparel with delivery across Australia. You can also ask our coaches and hosts on court — they will tell you what actually suits your game before you spend anything.
Book a court or join a social session, hire a paddle for your first hit, then get your own once you know it is for you.