Is table tennis having a moment? Try it for yourself in Charleston

Move aside pickleball, there’s a new racket sport in town.

A person in mid-air hitting a table tennis ball in a large gymnasium. Onlookers are watching, and the blue table is in the middle of the room on a basketball court.

Table tennis was invented in the late 1800s. | Photo via College of Charleston

The nation’s collective interest in table tennis exists in a strange time loop: once every four years, as the Summer Olympic Games roll around, interest in the sport spikes.

Now, with the success of “Marty Supreme,” the game is gaining attention again — no Summer Games required. If you want to get ahead of the curve, grab a paddle and head to one of these local spots:

  • The Hanahan Recreation and Parks Department has playing hours for annual members of any ability on Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m.
  • The City of North Charleston also offers table tennis for adults through its Parks and Recreation Department.
  • Head to Folly Beach’s Sand Dollar Social Club for a taste of old Charleston and a relaxed environment to play. For 50+ years, this cash-only establishment has welcomed locals through its storied doors.

Did we miss your favorite place to play table tennis? Let us know.

More from CHStoday
Did you know? The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in Charleston more than 200 years ago.
From wings and beer to big-screen thrills, here’s where to watch the NCAA Basketball Tournament in the Holy City.
Join the annual event, Charleston by Design, to explore history through the lens of art and design.
CHStoday had the chance to chat with Oscar from One Beautiful Question about what inspires him and his work.
From award-wining country artists to chart-topping bands, there’s no shortage of concerts to enjoy live music in the Holy City this year — use this guide to find your next concert.
Spicewalla, an Asheville-based spice brand, is helping you add the flavors you love (from Chef Shuai Wang’s North Charleston restaurants) to your pantry.
The new rooftop restaurant will overlook the Cooper River and offer coastal Italian dishes.
The waterfront home in Riverland Terrace was owned by the Halsey family of WB Halsey Lumber Company.
The land and building set to house a new Mount Pleasant restaurant and event space, Frank & Jack’s, have been listed.
This downtown bookshop, Philosophers & Fools, is inviting the Charleston community to celebrate two years of drinks, snacks, and books.