Canoe Polo
|
What is canoe polo?
Canoe polo is an exciting team sport at which Great Britain excels. It is a five a side game, a cross between water polo and basketball, played in 3 metre long kayaks with rounded ends for safety. Two teams compete to score goals in a rectangular net suspended 2 metres above the water. With the ball being thrown by hand or flicked with the paddle, it’s a fast and exhilarating canoe team sport.
Why play canoe polo?
It’s a great way to keep fit. A good way to practice kayak skills. It’s fast and exciting. Action packed. Challenging and competitive. It builds team work. It’s easy to get started. Most of all - it’s GREAT FUN.
|
|
Canoe polo has been played for over 25 years, mainly in pools by white water paddlers practising their skills in the off season. In the last decade the sport has evolved significantly, and the introduction of an International set of rules has reinforced canoe polo as a top sport. Since its early beginnings the national League has expanded to 4 divisions. The International scene has expanded to the point where the first World championships were held in Sheffield in 1994. The next major step must surely be Olympic recognition.
|
|
Where can I play?
Canoe polo is played in most clubs around the country as part of their regular sessions. To practice, any area of flat water where goals can be suspended will be acceptable. Competitive polo is normally played in swimming pools, local leagues are organised by the WCA Polo committee and national leagues are run by the BCU. All leagues follow the same basic ICF rules, as do the International Tournaments, organised throughout the summer, which are played outdoors. The Welsh Open International is held in Haverford West on an annual basis.
|
Contact:
North Wales: Sue Fletcher, 20 Deganwy Rd, Deganwy LL31 9DG
South Wales: Tony Griffiths, Ty Amlwg, Pentwyn Rd, Treharris, Mid.Glam CF46 5BS