WHAT IS CANOE POLO? | CanoePoloYork

The Game

Canoe Polo is best described as a combination of water polo, basketball and kayaking! Tactics are similar to both water polo and basketball but with the added complexity of kayaks. Canoe polo games are often fast-paced and exciting as well as requiring both a sense of tactical positioning and a good degree of fitness. The game is also a contact sport where players can jostle kayaks and even push each other over!

The Pitch

Canoe Polo is usually played in pools 35m x 23m but can easily be played outside on lakes or flat water as well. Goals are suspended 2m in the air requiring the ball to be thrown in. Additionally a jostle zone is present up to 6m away from the goal line where all players are free to make contact regardless of the balls position. Substitutes must remain behind the goal line.

Players and Officials

Each team may have up to 8 player with up to 5 on the pitch at any one time. A player may substitute themselves at any time by paddling into the substitute area before the second player can then paddle onto the pitch.

The game has 2 side-line referees who control the flow of the game. Both a time keeper and and score keeper. Matches last between 14-20 minutes with a change of ends at half time.

The Equipment

Canoe polo is played in special kayaks which are designed to be both lightweight and manouverable. for protection the kayaks have both front and rear bumpers.

Both helmets with faceguards and a padded buoyancy aid are worn. Players may use their paddle as well as their hands to control the ball. The ball itself is a typical water polo ball capable of floating on the water and is textured to aid grip.

For more information and rules visit www.canoepolo.org.uk and check out useful info

The best way to understand the game is to play it! Throughout our training sessions we will explain both rules and tactics and develop on these as you progress. It's also both entertaining and informative to watch the sport. York is home to several tournaments throughout the year which we will both watch and attend.