Earlier this spring, a group of eight members from our VIC Padel Club took part in the club’s first-ever Padel Training Camp, held in Umag, Croatia. The camp combined daily training sessions with time to relax, enjoy local culture and strengthen connections within the club.

The group trained under the guidance of two experienced Croatian coaches. Each day began with a structured training session focused on improving key technical skills. The afternoons were reserved for matchplay among participants. For some of us, the technical sessions came with a few surprises — after years of playing, it turned out we had been getting even the basics, like forehands and backhands, a bit wrong all along.

The first day brought rainy weather, but the coaches quickly arranged an alternative venue in Poreč, where we trained at a brand-new facility with both indoor and outdoor courts. By the second day, the sun returned, and the group was able to train on the outdoor courts in Umag, adding a relaxed, holiday atmosphere to the sessions.

Between matches, we enjoyed Croatian cuisine and explored the charm of Umag’s old town in the evenings. On the return trip to Vienna, we made a stop in Trieste for a late brunch and a walk through the historic center — a fitting end to a memorable long weekend.

The camp was a great opportunity to improve our game, learn from professional coaches, and spend time together off the court. It comes highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their skills and connect with fellow padel enthusiasts.

— Written by our member Laura.