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Issue 71: Canoe Polo gains popularity

Swimming Pool Managers are always looking for novel or unique ways in which to extend the use of their facility to maximise their usage and income generating potential. One activity that is gaining in popularity is Canoe Polo.

Canoe Polo is a fast exciting ball game played in kayaks, usually in a swimming pool. Teams are made up of 5 paddlers playing in special short kayaks. A water polo ball is used which is propelled by hand or paddle to score in goals suspended above the water at each end of the pool. Canoe Polo is a growing sport played by men and women of all ages and physical abilities.

Canoe Polo can be played in either an indoor or an outdoor area required is 35m by 24m. The kayaks used for the sport are fitted with front and rear bumpers to minimise any detrimental effects on the structure of the pool itself and the risk of injury to other players.

The teams are composed of 8 players with 5 players permitted in the field of play at any time. The game runs along the lines of basketball and a team is able to score points by throwing a ball into a net which is suspended above the water. The dimensions of the goal are 1.5m by 1m and these are at a height of 2m above the water.

In keeping with basketball, the player who is in possession of the ball may not hold onto it for a period longer that 5 seconds and must either throw it to another player or throw it more than 1 meter from themselves before being able to regain possession.

Other players can use their paddles to block the shot, keep goal or to make passes between players.

Canoe Polo is considered to be a contact sport in that the player in possession of the ball can be pushed over by a tackling opponent. Therefore some basic kayak water skills are essential including the ability to be able to perform an Eskimo role.

The players pictured belong to the Kangaroo Valley Canoe Club which is a long established canoeing/ kayaking club with members throughout the Northern Shoalhaven Region. The club meets weekly at the Bomaderry Aquatic Centre for training and playing canoe polo. Time is made for beginners to ‘have a go’ in a boat, in a safe, friendly environment plus the learning of paddling skills such as kayak rolling. The club has boats, paddles and safety equipment for loan to newcomers and club members.

Further information on Canoe Polo can be obtained from www.nsw.canoe.org.au