[Awclist] renewed interest in Kayak Polo

[Kelly Gossett]

All,
There's been a renewed interest in Kayak Polo, and I'm glad to see it gaining momentum.  The game should go on whether I'm at the pool or not. More often than not, I'm working with beginners and rarely have time to organize matches. 

Kayak Polo is a fun way to introduce people to the sport and integrate a variety of river running skills, rescues, buddy assisted rescues, hand rolls and other challenges that make us better boaters. 

Everyone who has an interest should familiarize themselves with the
"official" rules as well as local rules (which may deviate to
accommodate beginners w/o hand rolls, paddle rolls, etc).  There are
penalties and fouls, but we rarely enforce them at the pool, in part,
because no one knows how to enforce them. That needs to change to keep order and fairness in the game. 

Bill Savada has compiled a list of resources for rules, history, etc. Click the links below:
Condensed rules
Kayak Polo FAQs
...another interpretation of the rules

At one time, there were a few instructional & referee videos out there, but none formatted for US dvd players. I'll look into that again. 

Safety should always be our primary concern. To that end, PFDs and helmets are required, without exception.  The PFD is required to protect your ribcage and kidney area from blunt boats. 

I'll look into bulk rates on universal baseball helmets with face masks. A few years ago, Big 5 was willing to sell us a dozen universal size helmets (which were actually quite comfortable), for a discounted rate.   Until then, bring your own helmet. It's your face...

If there's enough interest, I can contact the US National Team Coach, a good friend from Dallas. It may be possible to have him come out for an evening, or weekend and help us get started the right way. 

Again, I encourage all who wants to play, to familiarize yourself with the rules, and your own personal interpretation.  It would be best to have a referee for each game, especially if we begin playing teams in Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Durango, Ft. Collins or other more competitive teams in CO and TX. 

Comments, suggestions, and motivated volunteers to learn the rules and referee matches should contact me to see what we can do to make this a fun, safe and beginner friendly game.

Thanks,
Kelly
505-803-2201



      
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