Meet Wulff | Street paddle co-founder & activities fanatic

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wulff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wulff, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Promoting since day one the human connection and facilitating ways of interaction throughout on and off court events. Adding Venice beach to the equation, Street Paddle was born surrendered by inclusivity, diversity and a judge-free environment playing one of the best paddle sports that has ever been invented.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was a kid without a clear dream, never knew what profession I wanted to study or what school get into it. Luckily, my parents got my into sports and I was ‘a natural’ in everything I got into (but swimming).

i played for the Venezuelan national teams in tennis and Fútbol, I highly recommend to parents to do so with their kids because Tennis is a solitaire sport and Fútbol is the total opposite, it built my character.

Growing up in a country with strong family ties and lifelong friendships, then moving to the US looking for a more expansive life out of my comfort zone, I was teaching tennis at the Ritz Carlton in MdR and I found a hidden treasure in Venice Beach, THE PADDLE TENNIS COURTS.

A totally unknown sport for me and for everyone that I spoke about it.

I started playing and the more I got into it, I discovered more treasures within the treasure. This place attracted a very unique community: rough but cool, very diverse, fun underground, deep down all lovers and passionates for the game of paddle tennis.

The pandemic hits and I started coaching Harrison and Jack in their cul de sac and that’s how street paddle was born (I didn’t realize it back then)

Then I was lonely at home lockdown and racket sports were allowed to be played. So I came up with a 32 players Round robin tournament that was virtually organized and people connected with each other through text messages, met up in a public park and that was magic. Everyone was so humbled to be part of it because we were missing that in life, the connection and interaction with others. That just gave me so much joy and made me connect to my roots, I felt people became friends and family to me and in between then.

Fast forward, now we have multiple tournaments year and an all year around format “The Tour” where 400 players divided in 4 different divisions, all genders (beginners through Pros), they meet up and play once a month, input their scores online and they get match up with different players each round based on their performance.
Adding a monthly “Social Mixer” where everyone is welcome (not only the tour participants). These take place in local businesses/rooftops/bars/spaces/art galleries. where we encourage our community to be apart of the event, exposing their gifts (singers, ballerinas, magic shows, etc)

It has not been easy because without experience you can’t do perfect.. and experience takes it tolls to be acquired.

Now I can say Im living a dream that I didn’t imagined or pictured, I’m building a home away from home for me and most important for everyone else.
p.s: I still get homesick now and then.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Im definitely a ‘west of the 405’ person so for sure I will guide my friends to the cool stuff in the west side.

Im a kid, I like parks with activities and there is so much going on and must seen stuff in Venice Beach, I always immerse my visitors into one area because LA is too big, so I rather them becoming locals that sightseeing around.

the cool skatepark, roller blading/skating circle, walking the super awesome artsy boardwalk, riding bikes down the bike path to check out the bay, playing paddle tennis, of course!.. walking the venice canals after grabbing a coffee in Bellisimo cafe or Menottis.

Eats: Going to hinanos for a burger and a beer, having a nice dinner at Zinque, Chinese food at Maos kitchen next to the Venice sign, great white must do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents back home are my daily inspiration My brother is the main muscle
My mentors/school of life: Christine, Katrina, Leslie, Mike and Sam
My friend Aaron Bencid
Support since day one: Sveinn, Linda, Adam & Gillian
Last but not least, my friend who became my partner, Street Paddle Co-Founder Andrea Carrano

Website: streetpaddle.com

Instagram: street.paddle