Welcome to Pura Pickleball Sports Club!
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is with great excitement and pride that we introduce Rick Brennan, the owner, and his amazing staff!
Rick has been enchanted by Costa Rica for many years. His frequent visits to this enchanting country have allowed him to form a deep bond with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and, most importantly, its warm and welcoming people. The staff at Pura Pickleball hold the same values and are here to make your experience memorable!
His love for Costa Rica and its community has inspired him to give back in a meaningful way.
Pura Pickleball is designed to serve a diverse audience: local residents, tourists, and visitors who come to experience the wonders of Costa Rica with this popular sport.
The staff of Pura Pickleball are committed to excellence and share a passion for both pickleball and the community of Jaco.
We invite you to join us in celebrating our Pickleball Club + Kitchen and to experience the joy and camaraderie it promises to bring.
Our Team
Rick
Owner & Operator | Pura Pickleball & Retreat Center, Jacó, Costa Rica
Rick Brennan is the owner and operator of Pura Pickleball and Retreat Center in Jacó, Costa Rica — a destination dedicated to sport, connection, and personal growth. He is currently expanding Pura Pickleball into the SOWA Project, a community-based wellness initiative designed to give back through its core focus on pickleball and paddleball.
Rick is also a Neurodiverse Leadership Expert, Author, Podcaster, Business Coach, and Speaker.
Before founding Pura Pickleball, Rick spent over 40 years as a senior executive in the pharmaceutical industry, most recently leading a $4 billion division for a Fortune 5 company, overseeing more than 2,500 pharmacies. His extensive background in leadership, operations, and human development now fuels his mission to inspire others through sport, wellness, and inclusive leadership.
In his spare time Rick coached 7 state/provincial championships in two sport, winning 5 consecutive Atlantic championships.
Heydin
Simona
Simona coordinates Pura Pickleball Retreats, ensuring that everything meets your expectations and that your stay with us is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re joining a pickleball retreat, traveling with friends, or planning a customized stay, she provides support throughout your visit and looks forward to sharing her passion for Costa Rican nature and culture with you.
Leslie
Leslie will greet you with a big smile as soon you arrive at the reception. She’s always happy to help if you have any questions. And if you’re feeling hungry or thirsty, Katy will be more than happy to take your order and serve you some delicious food or refreshing drinks.
Keyling
Key is in charge of the kitchen, bringing flavor and joy to our days with her delicious cooking. She always works with a smile and a great attitude. If you get the chance to try her food, you definitely won’t regret it!
Ana
Ana makes sure everything — from the courts to the bathrooms — is always clean, tidy, and ready to use. She’s always around in the mornings with a smile, happy to help with anything you might need when you come to play.
Pura Pickleball Celebrates One Year of Building Community — and Expands into Immersive Pickleball Retreats
Jacó, Costa Rica — November 2025 — Pura Pickleball, Costa Rica’s premier pickleball facility, is celebrating its one-year anniversary. In just twelve months, Pura Pickleball has grown from a few dedicated courts into a vibrant community hub where locals, travelers, and pickleball enthusiasts from around the world come together to connect, compete, and make friendships that last a lifetime.
From the beginning, Pura Pickleball’s mission has been simple but powerful: to build community through sport, wellness, and shared experiences. With professional-grade courts designed solely for pickleball and a welcoming social atmosphere, Pura Pickleball has quickly become the beating heart of the sport in Costa Rica.
“Our focus has always been on connection,” said Rick Brennan, Founder of Pura Pickleball. “At Pura, people don’t just come to play — they become part of something bigger. Every match, every laugh, every high-five helps create a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the court.”
Now, Pura Pickleball is taking that same community spirit to the next level with Pura Pickleball Retreats — immersive, customizable experiences that combine pickleball play, skill development, and Costa Rica’s world-famous adventure and relaxation.
What makes Pura Pickleball Retreats truly unique is how they integrate guests into the local community. In many traditional retreats, participants arrive as a group of 12 to 16 people and mostly play within that small circle. At Pura, the experience is completely different — retreat guests join and play alongside the local Pura Pickleball community, meeting people from around the world who share their love for the game.
“When you come to Pura, you don’t just play with the people you arrived with — you play with the people who live here, the people who’ve made this their home,” Brennan added. “You leave not only with better skills, but with new friends, new memories, and a true sense of belonging.”
Located in the vibrant beach town of Jacó, Pura Pickleball offers the best of both worlds: the Pacific Ocean on one side, with world-class surfing, SUP, and beach activities — and the lush jungle on the other, with waterfalls, wildlife, and unforgettable tours. Guests can enjoy everything from monkey and crocodile tours to ocean adventures, yoga sessions, and sunset games surrounded by the sounds of nature.
At Pura Pickleball, every retreat embodies the pura vida lifestyle — a perfect blend of play, adventure, and connection.
About Pura Pickleball
Founded in 2023, Pura Pickleball is Costa Rica’s only pickleball-exclusive club, located in Jacó, Puntarenas. Built on the belief that pickleball is about more than sport — it’s about community — Pura Pickleball offers professional courts, lessons, social play, tournaments, and destination retreats. It’s where play, friendship, and adventure meet in the true spirit of pura vida.
Connect with Pura Pickleball
