I've played tennis all my life, except for the last couple of years. I'm hoping to take it up again on Bonaire. Where can I find courts, and more importantly, players? Is there a tennisclub on the island and if so, what are the costs involved? Do tourists bring their racket along? Tournaments? Is there a good sportshop where I can have my rackets stringed if need be?

I wonder if the heat keeps the number of tennis players down? I would guess night tennis would be OK, tho. I am not speaking from first-hand, knowledge at all, tho, Marc. I know someone with some insight will come to your rescue with this question soon. Boy...you are off to live on Bonaire....that sounds wonderful. YOu are fulfilling your dream. It is our dream as well. The best of luck to you both. CArole

Thanks Carole

I've played in very warm conditions before, in Spain, Italy, but even here in Holland. You're right though that playing in the evening is probably the best on Bonaire and I was counting on such.

There is the Toucan Tennis club at the Plaza Resort which comes together Thursdays in the evening I think. Just contact Plaza for information.

I also saw some folks playing night tennis at the court next to Mangos at Sanddollar.

I suspect the wind plays a part in limiting also-- steady 15-20 knots!

Fiona's right - Mango's offers tennis, and if you can make friends with someone living in Sabadeco, they have a private tennis court there too.

Jake

I forgot to add that Divi paved over their tennis courts to make a parking lot for the casino a couple of years ago....lack of players or despirite need for additional parking?? Most likely the latter. I forgot about Sabadeco....lots of folks up that way probably into tennis, just as Jake mentioned. Carole

Hmm... I'll stick with the rackets I already have then, and hold off on investing in a new Wilson . I'll see if I can play at all first.

Hi Marc
We just re-surfaced the two tennis courts at Sand Dollar (part of the Mango's Sport Club). We have memberships available to the public for the courts for a one time inscription fee of fls. 150, then it's only fls 45 monthly. You do not have to be a member or hotel guest to play; you can also pay per hour to see if it's something you want to take up again.

If you stop by Mango's when you arrive, I'm sure my husband, Jan, will be able to match you up with a few partners (and probably himself-he's a tennis fanatic). We can string rackets here, but it's best if you buy your own string & bring some spare packages with you. We will be organizing club Bar-b-Ques, tournaments, round-robbins, etc. too.

And, what's most important, is that the courts are right next to the bar! ;-)

What do you mean re-surfaced? Were they under water? . "Only fls 45" is still almost three times the amount a club in Holland would cost, so I'll see how it goes first. I'll be sure to stop by though, and will try not to hit any glasses on the bar

No, they were 10+ years old and not really maintained much during that time; the constant Caribbean sunshine/climate is cruel to court surfaces. They're like brand new now. Harbor Village used to charge fls 100/month (or close to it) for their memberships. I find it hard to believe that a tennis club membership, for an entire month (unlimited hours/night lights, etc), is only fls 15 in Holland ($8.60). Our charge, fls 45 per month (which includes unltd court time) is appx. $25--quite cheap by tennis standards most anywhere. Last time we were in Holland, we paid fls 14 for just a can of balls, and over NLG 25/hour-and that was with a membership.

The club I played for almost my entire tennislife charged 350 dutch guilders for a year membership... and that's including membership of the KNLTB, the Dutch Tennis federation. 350 NLG is some $145, but then no other costs were involved (no subscription fee) for the rest of the year and you could play as often as you wished.
I'll bring balls and strings Should I bring some extra?

No, thanks, I've got enough balls for now...(oh groan)!

No, thanks, I've got enough balls for now...(oh groan)!

oops, sorry for the double (fault)!

[double groan]

Don't "let" it happen again ;-)

You're right-I'll try not to take "advantage" of the board.

"Love,"
ruth

As Boris Becker once said to this girl he'd picked up during Wimbledon: "How old are you anway?"... and she said: "Fifteen, love"

Now, I'll do you all a "service" and quit this "game" of words... It's been "smashing"! ;-)