OUR Story

More Than a Paddle: The Story Behind GRAFTON

GRAFTON began in 2022, as people were re-emerging from the COVID era—looking for ways to be active, get outside, and reconnect with others through sport. That’s when my mom, Wendy, discovered pickleball. At first, it was just something new to try. But it quickly became something more: a sport that was competitive, social, and energizing at a time when all of those things were hard to come by. Soon after, she introduced the game to me—and together, we found a shared passion that brought us closer and connected us to an entirely new community.

We played often—sometimes just the two of us, other times with neighbors and strangers who quickly became friends. Pickleball gave us a way to bond, laugh, and stay grounded. We didn’t know it at the time, but those early mornings on the court would spark something much bigger.

The more we played, the more we noticed that the gear didn’t match the experience. The paddles on the market lacked thoughtful design, and they didn’t provide the durability or performance needed to elevate our game. Many felt flimsy, uninspired, or generic—rarely built for players who actually cared about how they played and how they felt on the court.

I couldn’t stop thinking: Why isn’t anyone building a paddle that reflects the energy of this sport—modern, fast-paced, community-driven—and made with true intention?

That question became a challenge. And before long, it became a mission.

I started ordering paddles and cutting them open in my apartment. I studied how they were built, what materials were used, and where the shortcuts were taken. I shared the idea with Wendy, and together, we committed to creating something better. Not just a better paddle—but a better brand. One built on performance, precision, and connection.

Over the next year, we designed and tested hundreds of prototypes. We played regularly at local parks and facilities within our Maryland pickleball community, asking real players for honest feedback. We listened intently, adjusted constantly, and refined every detail—from core composition and balance to surface texture and edge design.

From day one, we promised ourselves we’d never cut corners. If the industry defaulted to shortcuts, we’d go the long way. Every paddle we created had to serve players who demanded more—from their gear and from themselves. Whether you were brand new to the game or grinding out tournament points, we believed everyone deserved a paddle that elevated their performance—and their confidence.

The result is GRAFTON: a modern, design-forward brand for today’s pickleball player. We’ve created our paddles to match every playing style—whether you’re an all-court player who thrives with the Blaze 1.0, a power player drawn to the explosive Aqua 1.0, or a control player who relies on the precision of the Terra 1.0.

But GRAFTON is more than a product. It’s a community-driven movement—built on feedback from the players who use our paddles and shape our vision. Everything we create is grounded in the same passion that started it all. And as we grow, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of performance and design—always keeping the player at the heart of what we do.

This journey started with one question—and a deep love for the game. From that, GRAFTON was born.

And the truth is, we’re just getting started. We’ve been building, testing, and working behind the scenes on the next evolution of the GRAFTON experience—new ideas, new innovations, and new ways to help players elevate their game. Our mission to raise the standard in pickleball has only just begun.

Chris
Founder, GRAFTON Pickleball