What began as a casual “learn and play” session among family members has, in just two months, grown into one of Dubai’s fastest-growing Filipino pickleball communities—now more than 200 members strong.
The Dink Lab is the brainchild of husband-and-wife founders Jessiel and Trix Hinolan, who never set out to build a movement. They simply wanted to play.
“Me, Jessiel, and my husband, Trix, started a simple ‘learn and play’ session with our family, with only around eight players and two courts booked,” the couple recalled. That first session came with an unexpected observation. “We noticed that the other courts at the venue were not being used at the same time. So that gave us an idea: why not book a few courts and invite other pickleball enthusiasts and turn a small family session into an opportunity to build a community?”
That single decision set everything in motion.
A lab for the love of the game
The community’s name is a nod to the sport itself. In pickleball, a “dink” is one of the most important shots in the game—a soft, controlled shot that lands in the opponent’s non-volley zone. Pair that with the idea of a “lab,” and the philosophy comes into focus.
“We liked the idea of a ‘Lab’ because that is essentially what we wanted The Dink Lab to be,” the founders explained, “a community where players can learn, experiment, improve, and enjoy the game together.”
That spirit of experimentation extends to who’s welcome. The Dink Lab makes a point of embracing total beginners, offering them a comfortable space to learn the basics, build confidence, and eventually play alongside more seasoned members. “We believe that everyone should have an opportunity to discover the game, regardless of their experience or skill level,” the couple said.
Growing by word of mouth
Reaching 200-plus members in two months is no small feat, but the Hinolans credit organization and genuine enjoyment rather than aggressive marketing.
Before hosting open plays, the couple focused on structure. “We wanted to make sure we could organize the sessions in a way that would give everyone fair playing time and the opportunity to play with different people,” they said. With help from pickleball friends, they adopted web-based tools to manage rotations and matchups—and the response was immediate. “The feedback from our members was very positive, with many appreciating how organized and fair the sessions felt.”
From there, growth took care of itself. Regular members began inviting friends and colleagues, and word of mouth did the rest. “Before we knew it, we had grown from a small family session into a community that now regularly fills the courts,” the founders said.
For the Hinolans, that organic growth is the most meaningful part. “Knowing that the community grew because people genuinely enjoyed the experience and wanted to share it with others”—that, they said, is the real reward.
Painting the court
The community recently marked its momentum with “Paint the Court,” an event that saw members arrive in their brightest, most colorful outfits for a day of games, prizes, and raffles made possible by sponsors. The celebration coincided with the fifth anniversary of Virago, a Filipino-owned business.
“Paint the Court was our way of bringing more color and energy to the game,” the couple said. “It was more than an event, it was a celebration of our growing community and way of giving back to our members who have supported The Dink Lab from the beginning.”
More than pickleball
Ask the Hinolans what The Dink Lab means to them, and the answer moves quickly past the sport itself.
“We’ve seen people come in not knowing anyone, and after a few sessions, they’re already making friends, playing together, and bringing more people into the group,” they said. “We’re not just building a group of pickleball players, we’re building a community where people feel comfortable, welcome, and happy to come back.”
That welcome is deliberate—especially for newcomers. The founders are intentional about making sure beginners never feel intimidated playing alongside more experienced members. “We always encourage everyone to be patient, help them understand the game, and give them the confidence to keep playing and improving.”
In the end, they say, the paddle is just the starting point. “Pickleball is what brought us together, but the friendships and connections we’ve made are what make the community special.”
Just getting started
For a community only a few months old, The Dink Lab has big plans—coaching programs, tournaments, events, and collaborations are all on the horizon. But the founders are clear that scale won’t come at the expense of spirit.
“We want to keep growing while keeping the heart of The Dink Lab the same,” the Hinolans said. “But most of all, we want to continue building a community where everyone feels welcome and belongs.”
From a family of eight to a community of 200-plus, The Dink Lab is proof that sometimes the strongest connections start with a single, soft, well-placed shot.
