Palmas Pickleball Camp Instructors – Jump to:

Daron Lapping

Discover world-class pickleball coaching at Mexico’s premier destination in Los Barriles, Baja California. Whether through intensive clinics or personalized lessons, elevate your game against the stunning backdrop of the Sea of Cortez.

“My coaching philosophy is simple: pickleball uses few shots repeatedly, so we focus on strategy over power, placement over complexity.

 

  • IFP Certified Coach and internationally known instructor
  • Head Pro at Palmas Pickleball Academy
  • Proven Philosophy: “Play the ball, don’t let the ball play you”
  • Strategic Focus: Master placement and smart play over raw power
  • Global Recognition: Respected coach with international teaching experience

Train with Lead Pro Daron Lapping in Paradise

Pete Fagan pickleball instructor headshot

Pete Fagan

Pete Fagan hails from New Hampshire and Southern California. A retired educator, athletic director, and high school tennis coach; he has embraced pickleball as his new endeavor. Prior to pickleball, Pete had an extensive tennis coaching career. He has been an elite professional with the RSPA (formerly USPTA) since 1987. During his 35+ year coaching tenure, his teams won 4 CIF Southern Section championships and made 8 finals appearances. He worked with sectionally and nationally ranked juniors and in 2016 was named Southern California Coach of the year. He currently holds a level 1 pickleball certification through the IFP. He is a Level 1 USA Pickleball referee and a certified DUPR assessment coach. He brings expertise, energy and excitement to all his clinics and loves helping new and experienced players. He and his wife Ann live in Los Barriles and embrace the welcoming pickleball community.

Brian Simison

Level 1 PPR Certified Coach

Brian brings a unique background as both a scientist and educator to the pickleball court. A retired professor and professional biologist with more than 100 scientific publications, he has over 25 years of experience teaching college students and inspiring curiosity about the natural world.

As a PPR-certified pickleball instructor, Brian has been teaching for more than two years through both private and group lessons, while also organizing round robins, ladders, and single elimination tournaments. He has competed in over 30 tournaments and was the 2024 California State Champion in Men’s 60+ Singles.

In 2025, Brian has been based in San Felipe, Baja, where he has taught adults and high school students, helping expand and grow the local pickleball community. He is excited to bring his experience, energy, and love for both teaching and the outdoors to the Palmas Pickleball Resort & Academy.

Brian Simison
Alex Garcia pickleball instructor at Palmas Mexico

Alex Garcia

Alex Garcia is a bilingual (English & Spanish) pickleball instructor who creates a welcoming, high-energy learning environment where players feel supported, challenged, and inspired to improve. Whether working in private lessons, group clinics, or match-play coaching, his focus is always the same: helping players enjoy the game more while elevating their performance.

Based in Los Barriles, Mexico Alex coaches pickleball players of all levels—from first-time beginners to competitive athletes—helping them build strong fundamentals, refine technique, and develop confidence on the court. His dynamic, encouraging, and results-driven coaching style ensures every session is both effective and fun.

THE PALMAS ADVANTAGE

World Class Facilities

  • Professionally maintained, lighted courts

  • Mexico’s premier pickleball destination

Internationally Recognized Coaching

  • Learn from a globally respected instructor

  • Emphasis on placement over power

  • Consistent, repeatable shot development

  • Smart game strategy and court positioning

  • Personalized feedback and improvement plans

Complete Mexican Experience

  • Recreational play opportunities with locals

  • Beautiful coastal paradise setting

Palmas Pickleball Aerial Image