INNISFAIL – Kayakers from across the province recently gathered at the Innisfail Aquatic Centre for the Cottonwood Kayak Club’s annual canoe polo tournament.
The one-day event took place on Jan. 19.
About 25 participants from Innisfail and area, as well as from Calgary, Edmonton and Rocky Mountain House took part.
“It’s a sanctioned Alberta Canoe Polo (Association) tournament,” said Jill Wagers, treasurer of the Cottonwood Kayak Club. “Individual players come together and then we make up teams, dividing them up according to their experience level.
“We try to match up teams so we make it a really friendly tournament for all the players,” she added, noting kayakers from beginner level to national level played on a total of six teams in the tournament.
“We’ve got (kayakers) from middle school age up to senior level and mature players,” said Wagers.
The tournament also provides an opportunity for participants to practise their canoe polo skills and remain active over the winter months, she noted.
“This is the second tournament of the indoor season,” said Wagers. “Calgary usually has one before us, and in February, Edmonton hosts a big international tournament. It’s a good warm-up tournament.”
The indoor canoe polo season runs from fall to spring every year.
“We usually keep our pool time (in Innisfail) until the end of April and then go outdoors,” said Wagers, noting there are weekly practices in the winter months. “We play (canoe) polo in this pool every Friday night and we have a drop-in paddling session on Sunday afternoons.”
Wagers said the sport has lots of action and physical play, but players learn skills, rules and safety procedures. Experienced kayakers also support those who might be new to the game.
“With the beginner paddlers, our coaches teach them to roll and exit their (kayak) safely,” explained Wagers. “The advanced players really watch out for the beginner paddlers. Everybody always wants to grow the sport so they really try to mentor the new paddlers.”
Wagers said the annual tournament is a great experience for everyone.
“It’s a really fun, physical game. The (canoe polo) group have a strong sense of community,” said Wagers. “They play in a different environment and at different levels.
“It’s just a really great tournament.”
