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Introduction to Kayak Polo

Vancouver Island Kayak Polo (VIKP) is a group of polo enthusiasts within the Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Society (VIWPS.) We’re excited you’re here! Whether you’re just learning to kayak or an experienced paddler, polo is for you!

Kayak polo is a fast-paced, contact sport played in a pool or outdoor pitch with two teams of five players. The objective of the game is to score more points than the opposing team by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s net. Each goal is worth one point. Nets are elevated six feet above the surface of the water, and each team may have one goalie. The goalie attempts to block shots with their paddle.

Players can move the ball down the pitch either by dribbling or passing to other players. Defensive tactics include positioning defensive boats between the net and offensive players, using defensive boats to push offensive boats, and blocking passes and shots with paddles or hands. Players are also allowed to use their hands to push a player with the ball. However, paddles must not come within one meter (3 feet) of another player’s body.

Kayak Polo Overview

Kayak polo is played on a 23 x 35 meter pitch. Games consist of two 7-10 minute halves, with 5 players from each team on the pitch at a time. The game starts with the ball thrown in at the centre of the pitch, with one player from each team sprinting for the ball. Once one team has possession, they attempt to score through strategic positioning, passing, and dribbling.

Safety is a priority, therefore it is important to mindful of your paddle handling and paddle distance from other players.

Rules of the Game

  1. Dribbling
    • Players can move the ball down the pitch either by passing to teammates or by dribbling. A legal dribble requires a player to throw the ball at least one meter away from their boat, paddle to it, pick it up, and throw it again.
    • Similar to basketball, it is considered traveling to carry the ball in a player’s hand or on the boat while paddling, which results in a turnover of possession. Furthermore, a player can only possess the ball for a maximum of 5 seconds. If a player exceeds this time, a turnover in possession results.
  2. Goalie Fouls
    • It is illegal to touch the goalie while they are positioned in front of the net and actively working to block shots. If a player from either team touches the goalie in any way or pushes another player into the goalie, it is considered a foul and ball possession turns over.
    • If the goalie actively plays for the ball, they are considered fair game and opposing players can make plays against them.
  3. Paddle Fouls
    • A player’s paddle must not be within 1 meter of another player’s body. This is particularly important when a player is reaching for the ball with their hand and another player is using their paddle to attempt to get the ball.
    • Players cannot reach their paddle across the spray deck of another player’s boat or make contact with another player or their gear with the paddle.
    • It is illegal to lean on or use another player or their boat for balance.
    • If a paddle foul is called, ball possession goes to the other team.
  4. Jostling and Pushing
    • One-handed pushes to a player holding the ball are permitted, as long as no other boats, sidelines, or pool walls are nearby. Pushes must be to the upper arm, side, or back and are typically an attempt to roll the player with the ball.
  5. Out of bounds
    • If the ball is thrown out of bounds, possession turns over to the other team and a player can throw in the ball at the point where it went out of bounds. Throw-ins can be directed to a teammate or as a self dribble. Play proceeds as normal following a throw-in.
  6. Obstruction
    • An obstruction penalty occurs when a player intentionally impedes another player’s progress/movement when neither player is within 3 meters of the ball.
  7. Free Shots/Penalty Shots
  8. Presenting the Ball
    • Before play can resume following a goal, penalty shot, throw in, or corner, the player holding the ball must present it by holding it above their head to signal the start of play.

Gear

Each player must have a kayak, paddle, spray skirt, pfd, and helmet with a face guard. VIKP can provide loaner gear to interested paddlers. Most players wear a swim suit/shorts and a rash guard or tee shirt to cover their shoulders and upper arms.

  • Kayak
  • Paddle
  • Spray Skirt
  • PFD (Personal Floatation Device)
  • Helmet (with face guard)