You don't need much to get started. Here's what to look for in each sport.
Tennis
Need: Racquet ($30–$80 beginner), tennis balls (can of 3 for ~$5), athletic shoes with lateral support. Where: Dick's Sporting Goods, Big 5, or used racquets at Play It Again Sports. Sports Basement in Walnut Creek is great for deals.
Pickleball
Need: Composite or graphite paddle ($25–$60 starter), outdoor pickleballs, court shoes. Where: Amazon, Pickleball Central, or most sporting goods stores now stock paddles. REI and Sports Basement carry paddles too.
Basketball
Need: Basketball (size 7 men's, size 6 women's/youth), basketball shoes or cross-trainers. Where: Target, Walmart, or any sporting goods store. An outdoor rubber ball ($15–$25) is fine for park courts.
Soccer
Need: Soccer ball (size 4 youth, size 5 adult), shin guards, soccer cleats. Where: Soccer Wearhouse (online), Big 5, Dick's. Shin guards start at ~$10. Molded cleats are fine for youth leagues.
Volleyball
Need: Volleyball (indoor or outdoor), knee pads for indoor play, volleyball shoes (indoor) or bare feet (sand). Where: Sporting goods stores. A Mikasa or Molten ball ($20–$40) is standard.
Baseball
Need: Glove ($30–$80 youth), bat (league-approved), helmet, cleats. Where: Big 5, Dick's, or Play It Again Sports for used gloves. Most youth leagues provide helmets and bats for beginners.
Flag Football
Need: Football, flag belt set (~$10), receiver gloves (optional), cleats. Where: Amazon, Target, or sporting goods stores. Most organized leagues provide flags and footballs.
Swimming
Need: Swimsuit, goggles ($8–$15), swim cap (for pool rules). Where: Target, Amazon, or Swim Outlet (online). Speedo and TYR goggles are popular beginner picks.
Track & Field
Need: Running shoes (most important!), moisture-wicking clothes, water bottle. Spikes optional for competition. Where: Fleet Feet (Walnut Creek & Pleasanton) for proper fitting. Road Runner Sports is another local option.
Golf
Need: Starter club set ($150–$250), golf balls, tees, golf shoes. Where: Roger Dunn Golf, Golf Galaxy, or used sets at Play It Again Sports. Start with a half set (7 clubs) to keep it simple.
