WHAT IS CANOE POLO?

The game of canoe polo is played in kayaks, approximately 2.7 meter long, with rounded ends and rubber bumpers. The game can be played in a swimming pool, or on a lake or pond, (such as the pond near the Muskoseepi Pavilion that we play on in the summer) and has five players on the water from each team. Goals, with dimensions of 1 by 1.5 metres, are positioned at each end of the pitch-or playing area-2 metres above the water. The ball, a standard water polo ball, must be passed to other players to move the ball around on the pitch or dribbled, not unlike basketball. A player has five seconds to decide what to do with the ball. The object of the game is to put the ball in the opponent's goal more times than they put it in yours. A goal-keeper is usually in place to try and block opponent's shots on goal. Games usually consist of two ten-minute halves. It is an exciting game to watch with rapid changes in the pace of the game when loss of possession occurs, and players race back and forth in their boats from one end of the pitch to the other. It has been compared to a combination of Ice Hockey, Basketball and Water Polo with tactics and teamwork as an essential part of the game. Hand tackling and boat checking are allowed, adding a certain physical aspect to the game, much to the delight of spectators.

The Wapiti Whitewater Kayakers are 3 time Canadian Champions in Canoe Polo, and welcome new players on a regular basis to play recreationally, and competitively. This sport is a great off season activity for whitewater paddlers as it helps in stamina, balance, agility, speed, and to shed the pounds often accumulated during the winter months.

The sport started in the UK where they don't draw much distinction between canoes and kayaks. "Canoeing" and "kayaking" are effectively synonyms for "paddling". In fact, what we call "canoes" they often call "Canadian canoes!". Technically it should be "kayak polo" but around the World, "Canoe Polo" is the name of the sport.

If you would like to see what it is all about, drop by, and inquire when a session is underway. To see upcoming sessions go to the schedule page and look for dates highlighted in red.