Pickles Athletic Paddles Are Now USAPA Approved — What That Means for You

We’ve got big news—our Pickles Athletic pickleball paddles are now officially USAPA approved. This is a huge milestone for us, and an even bigger win for players across the globe who want to bring serious style and performance to the tournament court.

What is USAPA Approval, and Why Does it Matter?

If you’re new to the game (or eyeing your first tournament), here’s the scoop:
USAPA stands for the USA Pickleball Association, the sport’s official governing body. Their approval means our paddles have met the highest standards of quality, performance, and safety—making them eligible for use in official pickleball tournaments around the world.

In short? You can now take your favourite Pickles Athletic paddle from casual rallies to championship play.

Same Bold Design, Now Tournament-Ready

One thing that hasn’t changed: our commitment to making paddles that feel as good as they look. Whether you’re playing pink, blue, green, orange, or red, your go-to colourway is now available in a USAPA-approved version—so you don’t have to choose between confidence and compliance.

We’ve kept the signature PA balance of power, control, and comfort, and added the elite specs that meet competitive regulations. It’s the same paddle you love—just turned up to pro level.

Pickleball is Booming in Australia (and Beyond)

Here’s why now is the perfect time to upgrade:
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in Australia, with more than 25,000 players nationally and 40+ official clubs affiliated with Pickleball Australia. Courts are popping up everywhere, from Bondi to Byron, and tournaments are becoming more competitive by the week.

We want you to show up in style—and show up strong.

Female-Founded and Built from the Ground Up

We started Pickles Athletic in 2023 with a simple mission: bring personality, performance, and design-forward energy to alternative racket sports. Founded by Annabel Ellis and Olivia McLennan, we’re proudly female-led and passionate about creating gear that goes beyond the basics—whether it's pickleball, padel, or POP tennis.

Getting USAPA certified is just one more step in our mission to help more people play, compete, and feel great doing it.

Ready to Upgrade?

If you're looking for a tournament-ready pickleball paddle that still turns heads, you're in the right place. Our USAPA-approved paddles are now available online in every colour—just select the "USAPA Approved" option before adding to cart.