South African Canoe Polo

Canoe Polo is a 5 a side, fast and dynamic team sport where players compete to score goals in raised nets. Polo combines paddling and ball handling skills with an exciting contact team game, where tactics and positional play are as important as the speed and fitness of the individual athletes.

The ball can be thrown by hand, or flicked with the paddle. Pitches can be set up in swimming pools or any body of flat water.

Kayaks are specifically designed for Polo and are short and manoeuvrable with padded ends. Paddles are light weight and designed with both pulling power and ball control in mind. Body protection, helmets and faceguards are all compulsory!

There are internationally agreed ICF rules for the game and the World and African Championships are held on alternate years. It is also a World Games sport – the showcase tournament for disciplines vying for Olympic recognition. You can learn more about the sport’s history here.

Within the South Africa there is a National Championship, with categories for Open, Women and Junior competitions, with many regional events held throughout the year.