Austin Kayak Polo

Wet and Wild Fun, Serious Sport!
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Welcome to Austin Kayak Polo!
 
This sport, also known as Canoe Polo overseas, is an official international sport that is a cross between water polo, basketball, and hockey. Two teams of five players paddle kayaks and pass a water polo ball using their hands and paddle. The object of the game is to throw the ball into the goal of the opposing team. Players cannot paddle while holding onto the ball. They can only hold the ball for five seconds before they must pass or dribble. While one team passes the ball and tries to score, the other team defends their goal and tries to gain possession of the ball.  If a player has the ball, it is legal to push them over!
 
There are special kayaks designed for the sport, which most regular players own.  The club also has it's own gear to loan to new players.  You can also play in most whitewater kayaks.  Safety equipment includes a life jacket and helmet with face mask.  The game looks fast and furious but it is generally safe.

World Championships, Essen Germany, 2004
 
Austin Kayak Polo is an informal group of players.  There is no president, meetings, or dues.  We just play polo.  (OK, we socialize a little too.)  We've been playing here since 1998.  We won the National Men's Championships in 2005 and the Women's Championships in 2007.
 
Right now (spring 2008) we play twice a week, Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM.  We play under the Mopac (Loop 1) bridge on the north shore of town lake in downtown Austin, Texas. 
 
We play all year round unless the temperature is under 40 degrees. The lights from the highway allow us to play in the dark in fall and winter.  All games are pickup games, with all levels mixed.  We just make the teams even from whoever shows up.
 
We do own some club equipment, which we loan to beginners.  There is a small charge for repeated use of club equipment (so that we can maintain it).
 
If you want to play, the best way to reach us is to subscribe to the yahoo group listed at right.
 
Austin Kayak Polo is a division of the Austin Paddling Club, a 501-c(3) non-profit organization.
 
 Contact Information:
 
 Austin Kayak Polo
 c/o Adrian Nye
 1803 Larchmont Dr.
 Austin TX 78704
 512-585-1015
 
Upcoming Events:
 
September 14: Learn to play Kayak Polo clinics from 4 to 6pm under the Mopac Bridge.  
 
Every Sunday at 4 until October 22: Youth Kayak Polo Program
 
Oct 31-Nov 2:  US Kayak Polo Nationals in San Marcos, TX