All Eyes on California Pickleball Association
If you’ve played pickleball anywhere in California, chances are you’ve heard the buzz around the California Pickleball Association—better known as CAPA. And trust us: the excitement is well-earned. CAPA is one of the driving forces behind the West Coast’s pickleball boom, creating opportunities for players of all levels to compete, connect, and grow. That’s community building worth celebrating.
Bringing California Pickleball Together
CAPA’s mission is simple, and one we can all get behind:
“We love the sport of Pickleball and want to bring it to more people, places, and platforms across California.”
Whether you’ve been playing for years or you’re still figuring out your third-shot drop, CAPA makes it easy to feel at home on the courts.
The 30+ volunteers that make California Pickleball Association what it is.
What sets them apart is how intentionally they connect every corner of the community—players, coaches, clubs, facilities, and even businesses looking to step into the sport. CAPA doesn’t just run events; they build ecosystems.
Where Competition Meets Community
California is a big state with an even bigger pickleball appetite, and CAPA has become one of its most reliable event hosts. The association runs like a fine-tuned machine, with over 30 volunteers working to ensure every event goes off without a hitch. Their tournaments are known for being well-organized, welcoming, and fun—packed with players who want a competitive experience without the intimidation factor.
CAPA uses a round-robin plus playoff format, which gives players plenty of matches before medals are awarded. That structure is a big hit with newer players and seasoned tournament vets alike. They also offer divisions for all skill levels, incorporate DUPR ratings for accuracy, and sometimes include prize money for top-level brackets. Registration is simple—and you can even find a playing partner right on their tournament page.
California Pickleball Association provides thousands in prize money and giveaways each year.
In short: CAPA tournaments feel like the perfect blend of competitive energy and friendly, community-driven vibes.
Helping Players and Coaches Level Up
Tournament’s aren’t all they do. CAPA’s work goes beyond brackets and medals—they offer private and group lessons, partner with certified coaches, and help clubs and facilities run their programs more efficiently.
For brand new players looking for an intro to the rules of pickleball, CAPA’s “Learn to Play” page breaks down everything from serves to positioning in an easy-to-follow format. The “Lessons” tab connects players with nearby instructors, making it simple to find quality coaching without feeling overwhelmed.
For clubs and coaches, CAPA provides a statewide support system that helps them grow their programs while staying connected to a larger pickleball network.
And for everyone involved, it’s a reminder that pickleball is at its best when people learn—and play—together.
More Than Matches: Events for Every Group
One of CAPA’s standout strengths is how they bring pickleball into unexpected spaces. From corporate team-building events to community celebrations and family-friendly gatherings, CAPA creates environments where people can experience the sport in an inclusive, low-pressure setting.
It's one of the many ways they’re growing the game far beyond traditional courts.
Why We Love CAPA
At Empower Pickleball, we have a soft spot for organizations that put community first—and CAPA does exactly that. Here’s what makes them special:
They create pathways for players at every level.
Their events are competitive but never exclusive.
They help coaches, clubs, and facilities thrive.
They celebrate what makes pickleball meaningful: connection, joy, and community.
Their home base pickleball facility with 20+ permanent courts in Los Cabos Sports Village in Fountain Valley, CA.
When you show up to a CAPA event, you don’t just play matches—you meet people, learn something new, and leave feeling even more connected.
California’s pickleball community is growing fast, and the California Pickleball Association is helping lead the way with heart, structure, and a whole lot of enthusiasm. Their work is creating opportunities for players across the state to grow, compete, and feel welcomed on the courts.
If you’re in California, check them out—you won’t be disappointed.
Organizations like CAPA remind us why we play: to bring people together, to share the joy of the game, and to build something bigger than ourselves.
