|
| Go-Paddle: An Introduction to Canoe Polo. |
What is Canoe Polo?
|
Canoe Polo is one of the most popular paddlesport disciplines and in recent years has seen phenomenal growth, being classed as one of the fastest growing team sports worldwide.
It is a mixture of basketball and waterpolo, is played in kayaks and requires a combination of kayaking skills, ball handling skills and teamwork. The game can be played indoors, within a swimming pool or outdoors on any stretch of flat
water such as a lake, marina or regatta course.
Each team consists of 5 players who attempt to score goals in a goal area suspended vertically above the water. Paddlers pass the ball to each other, attempting to move the ball towards their goal and take up a shooting position. A paddler can only retain posession of the ball for a maximum of 5 seconds and can be tackled (usually capsized) by an opponent
whilst in posession. Advanced players have developed a wide range of specific ball handling skills, using their paddles to retrieve the ball, dribble, shoot and defend their goal.
A game lasts a maximum of 20 minutes, divided into two half periods, with each side changing ends at the interval. Two referees preside over the game, one on each side of the pitch. Players use helmets with metal face grills for protection and use padded buoyancy vests for upper torso protection. |
How Do I Get Involved?
|
Within the UK, the sport of Canoe Polo is administered and regulated by the British Canoe Union. One of the best sources
of specific information is the UK Canoe Polo website. This provides full details of forthcoming events, rules, competition results and general advice for beginners.
Another good source of information and advice is your local canoe club. Most canoe clubs have some paddlers involved in canoe polo with many clubs having separate canoe polo sections. Search the go-paddle club database
to find your nearest canoe club that has an active interest in canoe polo. |
Organisation
|
There are two main canoe polo competitions within the UK. The first is the National League with events being organised on a regional and divisional basis. Division 4 of this league is split into 4 separate regions with teams
only competing against other teams in the same region. As teams progress through the divisions they compete with teams on a national basis so Division 1 includes the top teams from across the country. Progression through the divisions is by promotion at the end of each season.
Approximately 90 separate teams compete within the national league.
The National Canoe Polo Championship is an annual knock out event held over a single weekend. |
|
|
