Weiland Tang Is Keeping Players (and Paddles) In the Game

Pickleball Spotlight: Weiland Tang

The Kaimuki native turned a courtside favor into a one-of-a-kind paddle care service.

He built a court over the family swimming pool. That tells you most of what you need to know.

Although he didn’t know it at the time, when pickleball came for him three years ago, golf didn't stand a chance. These days he's on the court five or six times a week, and he's not just playing. He's watching—noticing the scraped edges, the worn grips, and all the ways equipment quietly fails the people using it. So, he decided to do something about it, and Petrie Paddle Repair was born.

Without further ado, please meet Weiland Tang!

Currently residing in: Honolulu, Kapahulu Area.

Where did you grow up, and what high school did you go to?

Grew up in Kaimuki and went to St. Louis School. I later lived in Oregon, where I worked for Intel Corporation.

How did you discover pickleball, and when did you start playing?

I started playing pickleball about three years ago when my wife invited me to join her and her friends. At the time, I was mostly focused on golf and thought I could balance both—but now, pickleball has completely taken over, and I play it exclusively.

What do you love most about pickleball?

It’s an intriguing sport, and I really enjoy the challenges it presents. But more than that, it’s the people you meet and the social connections you make that truly make it such a rewarding and enjoyable activity.

How often do you play?

I play five to six times a week, and sometimes even twice on Wednesdays.

What paddle are you using, and what do you like about it?

J2K Pro from the Honolulu Pickleball Company. It has a good balance of power, control, spin, and sweet spot.

What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?

I practice on a personal court I built over the old covered swimming pool at my family home. I continue taking lessons and attending clinics to keep improving my game. While I enjoy recreational play, I always strive not to be the weakest link on any doubles team I play on.

What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, volunteerism, school, etc.)?

My wife and I love traveling and cruising to different countries. We’ve visited all seven continents and explored many exotic destinations—truly, the world is a big place.

In addition, we volunteer at various local tournaments, serving as monitors and substitute players.

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You started helping friends with paddle upgrades and repairs, and now, you’re offering your services to the public.  What sparked this initially, and what do you enjoy most about it?

My paddle repair service started right on the pickleball courts, fueled by my love for the game and the joy of spending time with friends and fellow players. As the sport grew and more people joined, I began noticing more paddles with scraped tops and worn-out grips.

I first started installing edge guards for myself and friends to help protect our paddles. Soon after, I began replacing worn grips and recommending overgrips to preserve the original handle while improving comfort and control. Over time, I also helped players install weights and offered guidance on proper weight distribution to enhance paddle balance and performance. My goal has always been to customize each paddle so it feels just right for the individual player.

What began as a simple favor for friends quickly grew into something more, especially since I didn’t know of anyone else offering this service.

You’ve now worked on dozens of paddles—what does it mean to you to help other players improve and extend the life of their gear?

I genuinely enjoy helping players upgrade and protect their equipment, and seeing their satisfaction with a refreshed paddle brings me a lot of fulfillment. Watching players’ happiness with their refurbished and upgraded paddles inspired me to turn a small favor into a service for the broader pickleball community.

Anything else on your mind?

I also maintain an inventory of over 80 edge guards in 25 different colors, 50 overgrips available in 20 colors, an assortment of weights, and complete grip replacement kits.

I’m also starting to offer this service at the various venues where I play pickleball, aiming to help as many players as possible—even if it means sacrificing some of my own playing time.