One of the most common questions we get at Carpe Dink'em Pickleball is simple: "Which session should I book?"
It's a great question — and the honest answer is that booking the wrong session can make your first few times on court feel either overwhelming or underwhelming. Neither is what we want. So here's a straight-talking guide to help you find your fit.
Start here: What's your pickleball experience?
Before we get into the sessions, a quick self-assessment. Be honest — there's no ego on a pickleball court (or there shouldn't be).
- Never played before, or played fewer than 5 times: You're a beginner. Welcome — you're in the best company.
- You understand the rules, can keep a rally going, and know what a dink is: You're intermediate.
- You play regularly, move well on court, and know your rating: You're advanced.
- You're competitive, consistent, and play at 3.5+ level: You're upper advanced.
The sessions — and who they're for
Social Saturdays — Beginners & Curious First-Timers
If you've never picked up a pickleball paddle before, Social Saturdays is your session. It's relaxed, welcoming, and designed so that nobody feels lost or left behind. You'll play, you'll learn, and you'll probably laugh a lot. There's no pressure, no scoreboard obsession — just good people getting into a great sport.
Saturday mornings, Coolum SHS. $15 casual.
Monday & Wednesday Intermediate — The Sweet Spot
You know the basics, you can sustain a rally, and you want more of a workout than Social Saturdays offers — but you're not quite ready (or interested) in the ultra-competitive upper advanced scene. Monday and Wednesday Intermediate sessions are your home.
These sessions run round robin format with plenty of rotation, so you'll play with and against a wide mix of people at a similar level. Great for improving quickly without the intimidation factor.
$15 casual — or save with a 10-session pass.
Thursday Advanced — Serious Play, Round Robin Format
Playing at 3.5 or above? This one's for you. Thursday Advanced is fast-paced, competitive, and runs a round robin format that keeps the energy high all session. Players here are consistent, move well, and know how to construct a point.
If you're coming from a tennis background and picked up pickleball quickly, Thursday Advanced is usually the right fit after a few intermediate sessions to adjust to the court size and dinking game.
$15 casual.
Upper Advanced — King/Queen of the Court
Our most competitive session. King/Queen of the Court format means the pressure is real — winners stay on, losers rotate. This session is for players who are serious about their game, comfortable under pressure, and looking for a genuine competitive challenge.
If you're unsure whether you're at this level, you're probably not quite there yet — and that's completely fine. Thursday Advanced is excellent preparation.
$15 casual. Saturday mornings, Coolum SHS.
Sunday Skills & Drills — All Levels Welcome
This one's a little different. Rather than open play, Sunday Skills & Drills is a coached session focused on technique. Whether you're a beginner working on your serve or an intermediate player trying to nail your third-shot drop, this session will accelerate your improvement faster than open play alone.
Open to all levels. $20 per session.
Still not sure? Here's the simple rule
When in doubt, go one level down from where you think you are. You'll have more fun, you'll build confidence faster, and you'll be ready to move up sooner than you think. Nobody ever regretted playing a level below their ceiling — but plenty of people have turned up to an advanced session too early and felt out of their depth.
And if you genuinely can't decide — just send us a message. We'd rather you ask than book the wrong session and have a frustrating experience.
See you on court. 🏓