VENICE, Calif. – Gyms are closed, but the paddle tennis courts at Venice Beach are not, so Joe Grano is using Mayor Garcetti's Safer At Home Order as the opportunity to learn something new. 

“It’s my first time playing paddle tennis actually. I’m a tennis player and Sam is a big paddle guy,” Grano said. 

RELATED STORIES:

Paddle tennis is like a hybrid of tennis and ping pong, featuring a lower net, smaller court, and paddles instead of racquets. 

Most importantly, it is a sport that in this time of isolation offers the chance to be socially distant and active, while also getting some fresh air. 

Grano was brought to the Venice Beach Paddle Tennis Courts by his good friend Sam Jurist. 

“I’m an everyday kind of guy in the gym,” joked Jurist.

With the Safer At Home Order, tennis courts are among the facilities listed as open with limited access -- although that could be subject to change according to a Department of Parks and Rec representative Spectrum News 1 spoke with.

When Grano texted Jurist that the courts were open, Jurist was happy to show his friend how to pick up a new game. 

“We came down, they were open, and we’re excited to play,” said Jurist. 

Even though it was his first time on a paddle tennis court, with the skills of a tennis player, it did not take long for Grano to catch on.

“It’s a great sport for social distancing because we’re on different sides of the net,” he said.   

With nothing feeling normal these days, the chance to break out of the routine still brought Grano and Jurist all the things they enjoy with exercise. Paddle tennis gave two friends the chance to be outside, have a human connection, and break a sweat. 

For the latest updates go to: coronavirus.gov