Meet Our Founder

Smiling man holding a paddle and tennis balls on a court.

About Coach Bruce

Founder of Palms & Paddles

I believe pickleball is more than paddles, points, and rallies — it’s connection, it’s community, it’s Ohana.

My wife, a proud local born here in Hawaii and a dedicated physician, and I have built our lives around that same spirit — through Hobbs Medical & Associates, our clinic focused on health, wellness, and prevention, and through my mission to bring that same level of care, connection, and purpose to the pickleball court.

For over 25 years, I competed in tennis, chasing precision and mastery until a shoulder surgery opened a new path. A friend handed me a pickleball paddle and said, “Try this!” From the first swing, I was hooked.

What captured me wasn’t the game itself at first — it was the energy. The laughter between points. The way strangers became teammates. It reminded me of Ohana — that shared sense of belonging that defines life in Hawaii.

That spirit became the foundation for Palms & Paddles — a vision to blend the Aloha of Hawaii with a professional, transformative approach to coaching.

Today, I lead the pickleball program at Ko Olina Beach & Sports Club, serve as a certified coach with the Hawaii Pickleball Academy, and work with players across Oahu to elevate their skills, confidence, and love for the game.

Join the Palms & Paddles Ohana.

If you feel that spark — that drive to play, learn, and belong — let’s connect. Let’s build your game.

Let’s start your journey today.
— Coach Bruce

What Our Students Say

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Tom Zheng

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Great player and even a better coach. Best part: wonderful person - you learn from Coach Bruce in a fun and supportive environment and you improve without feeling pressured.

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Jessalyn Lopez

Director of Tennis at KoOlina Beach + Sports Club

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Coach Bruce is an incredible asset to the Ko Olina Beach & Sports Club and to anyone looking to elevate their pickleball game. His energy and enthusiasm make every session engaging, and his ability to deliver clear, insightful tips has helped players of all levels grow tremendously. As the head pickleball coach, Bruce has had a remarkable impact on our club—members consistently rave about how much their skills and confidence have improved under his guidance. He brings both expertise and passion to the court, creating a fun and supportive learning environment. Not only is he a fantastic coach, but he is also an outstanding pickleball player. Playing against him is always a challenge in the best way possible, and it pushes you to bring your game to the next level. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, encouraging, and truly invested in your improvement, Coach Bruce is the one. We’re lucky to have him, and I can’t recommend him highly enough!

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Alexander Hubbard

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had an opportunity to be coached by the owner, coach Bruce , and I had a great experience. He is very knowledgeable and conscientious about what he teaches. My experience was amazing, and I look forward to continuing working with him and his company into the future.

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Angel Brown

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was visiting Hawaii on business and decided to take some pickle ball lessons in my downtime. I saw a review about Coach Bruce and decided to give him a call. After speaking with him and answering some of his questions I felt right at ease. I decided to purchase a package of lessons from him and he exceeded my expectations. Everyone session was fun, motivating and full of “aha” moments. If you want fast improvement and a coach who truly cares, book a lesson with Coach Bruce! He’ll get you right!

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Steve Devine

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bruce is an outstanding coach and trainer. His drills are both engaging and effective, and he consistently brings a fantastic level of energy to every group session, regardless of the players' skill level. He has been instrumental in preparing us for tournaments, and his valuable network of players across Oahu is a real asset!

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Dean Kaneshiro

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Coach Bruce really helped me to improve my game through the lessons Iʻve had with him. He has way of being able to evaluate my skill level quickly then do the drills that specifically work on areas of improvement. Most important, he always very encouraging and positive which keeps me motivated to get better. I also like that he teaches through showing and doing that keeps the lesson moving to further increase my learning. Now, I play with my friends on weekends with way more confidence and fun.

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Kitty Daly

Designation

Bruce is a real pro when it comes to coaching pickleball! He’s super knowledgeable, patient, encouraging and fun to learn from!