Competition / Canoe Polo

CANOE POLO

Canoe Polo is not what you might expect from canoeing, but the thrill of this fast-paced ballsport-in-a-boat is addictive.


Two teams of five paddlers go head-to-head, using their hands and paddles to launch the ball through their opponent's goal. In a match, paddlers need all their wits about them to concentrate on their team-mates, their competitors, the ball and their boat. Bring it all together and it's a challenge unlike any other.

LEARN MORE
What's a competition like?

Polo matches happen on outdoor pitches, set up either outdoors on still water or in a swimming pool. The pitch can be up to 35m long, but the goals are only a metre high and hung two metres above the water.

A match lasts for two halves of ten minutes. During this time each team's players vie with each other for control, either passing to their teammates or shooting for goal. To keep the pace, each player can only keep the ball for five seconds at a time.

You can't get too caught up in the moment, though, or you're in for a rude awakening from your opponents. Ramming isn't allowed, but pushing, shoving and capsizing all make for a faster game.

How do I get started?

Polo's a team game, so you'll need to find other people to play with. The easiest way is to find a local club where you can learn the basics and get some practice. Check out our Club Finder to find your nearest club - just tick the box for Polo to narrow down your search.

What are the opportunities in Wales?

Once you know your way around a pitch, there are various competitions and leagues you can join in Wales.

What do I need?

To get started through a club, you won't need any polo-specific equipment as they'll have enough gear for the whole team. Paddlers use flat, round-tipped polo boats which are easy to turn yet fast in a sprint. They’ll wear protective buoyancy aids and helmets with face protection.
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