Order on the Court: Lobb’s Padel brings the latest game craze to The Woodlands in style

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Padel is a fast-growing, highly social racket sport that beautifully bridges the gap between tennis and squash. Invented in Mexico in 1969, it’s typically played in doubles on an enclosed glass-and-mesh court roughly one-third the size of a traditional tennis court. While it utilizes the same scoring rules as tennis, the surrounding walls are fully integrated into live gameplay, creating quick-thinking, 360-degree rallies where strategic placement overrides pure power.

A standout 5-star venue combining five premium indoor courts with an upscale lifestyle hub has set up shop in The Woodlands: Lobb’s Padel & Coffee. This classy, family-friendly, accessible padel facility features full locker rooms, a wellness center equipped with a sauna and cold plunge, and an on-site cafe and full bar serving specialty coffee and post-match drinks.

Co-founders Victor Ernaelsteen and Justin Huet Dastarac brought Lobb’s to its location at 3905 FM 1488 Suite 120 at Kuykendahl early last month. These young entrepreneurs – along with their Community Manager Julia – bring a vigorous, competitive energy to the Township area, mixing aggressive athletics, friendly competition, and extensive self-care into one smooth experience.

“Our soft opening was on August 7, the day after we finished construction. The club wasn't quite done, but we wanted to open the doors anyway,” Dastarac told Woodlands Online. “Since then, we’ve opened every space and amenity – the coffee shop, the bar, the wellness area that features cold plunge and infrared sauna with red light therapy, showers with essential oil diffusers, and skincare and soap from our partner Malin+Goetz.”

The court’s grand opening will take place on Saturday, September 19, featuring food and drinks all day, all homemade in their own kitchen. The facility’s accompanying “Lobb’s Coffee” – run by Fifth Vessel Company – guarantees the quality and, in the owners’ opinion, the best coffee in The Woodlands, inviting the public to come and put that claim to the test.

“Additionally for our grand opening, we will have Mat Pilates on the courts with our awesome coach, Sarah, open play, free intro coaching sessions for padel, a DJ set for good music and good energy, and plenty more activities, pop ups, and activities,” said Dastarac.

Since padel is brand new for most Woodlanders, the staff has designed everything to be as welcoming as possible; individuals and groups can just hop in without bringing their own crew. Programming includes open play, round robins, mini tournaments, plus Lobb’s’ signature weekly rituals such as the weekly Friday Socials, a ladies-themed Padel & Mimosas, Mat Pilates & Matcha every Saturday morning on the central court (matcha included), and Padel & Brunch every Sunday morning.

Dastarac and Victor Ernaelsteen are more than business owners; they have skin in the padel game. Originally on a career path after studying at Imperial College London as a materials engineer coupled with being a former semi-pro tennis player in Belgium and France, Dastarac worked in research and development at HEAD, the Austrian-based racket and ski brand juggernaut. Ernaelsteen is a former professional tennis player who competed on the tour around the world.

Friends since childhood who grew up playing against each other and training together on the same courts in Belgium, the duo decided two years ago to leave everything behind to chase the dream of building their own padel club in the United States. After an adventure of fundraising, hunting for a location, and construction, they are enamored of the fruits of their labors with the Lobb’s finished project here in The Woodlands.

“In one word, we believe in community,” said Dastarac. “Our mission is to fuel good times through movement, hospitality, and community. Every amenity is designed around that same idea. A cozy coffee shop and bar with the best Belgian beers and European wines, generous homemade sandwiches, focaccias and avocado toast – breakfast, brunch and lunch, and you never have to play padel to enjoy any of it. We are proud of our wellness space with relaxing music, cold plunge, sauna, rinse showers, lockers, DJ booth, and more.”

Sessions and tours are bookable on the center’s website at lobbspadel.com, Woodlands Online business directory listing, and ‘Lobb’s Padel’ app at the Apple Store. Stop in for a coffee or mimosa, book a court, take a guided tour, and embrace the latest paddle-and-ball craze to hit The Woodlands.

Photos