Canoe polo is a team sport played in kayaks where the aim is to score more goals than the opposing team by getting a ball into their goal. Key aspects of the game include using 5 players per side, playing in two 10-minute halves, and following rules around ball handling and movement. Protective gear like helmets and personal flotation devices are required due safety concerns from collisions in the water. The author began playing after being inspired by their father and now plays at an intermediate level for their local club.

1. Canoe polo

2. Canoe polo is a sport Played inside or outside Pool or lake Played in kayaks 5 players on a side, plus up to three subs Aim of the game is to get more goals than the other team Played in two halves Each half is about 10 minutes

3. Kayaks Ends are blunted, and it’s more streamlined than a normal kayak, about 3m long

4. Helmet Like a normal bike helmet, has a mask, and straps have to be tighter.

5. PFD (personal flotation device) Made out of foam, used as armour to stop being by boats

6. Spray deck Keeps you in your boat and stops water from going in so you don’t sink.

7. Ball Has extra grip, round, floats easier than most balls, like a water polo ball

8. Paddle Made up of the shaft and two blades, hand grips

9. Goals There are 2 goals, are about 1.5m long and 1m high, and are about 2m off the water

10. Rules and how it works You can’t take the ball off somebody who is touching the ball with your paddle You can’t hold on to the ball for more than five seconds You can’t paddle with the ball on your spray deck If the ball touches the side then it’s out Last person to touch the ball with their equipment then it’s the other teams ball At the start of game (or half) the back of your boat must be behind the goal line

12. Thought canoe polo was cool by watching some his games

13. Started playing social grade

14. Now I play intermediate grade for St Peters because they were short of players

15. The manager watched some of my games and thought that I was good

16. I play at Freyberg and Thursday nights

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