Information for New Players
Welcome! We're excited you want to give kayak polo a try. Here's what you need to know.
How Do I Start?
If you're new to kayak polo, we ask you to attend 1-2 intro sessions before joining regular practices. We will teach basic boat control and safety skills, go over the rules of the game, practice some basic polo skills (dribbling, passing, tackling, etc) and do some informal scrimmaging.
If you have previous kayaking training (whitewater, slalom, intensive sea kayaking, etc) your basic paddling skills will translate to polo. We ask that you attend at least one intro session, but we will focus on getting used to the different gear and learning the polo rules and ball control skills.
Please read the rest of this page, then email us to schedule an intro session. Please tell us about any previous polo or kayaking experience, and let us know if you have any of your own kayaking gear.
If you are already an experienced polo player you can probably jump right into practices. Drop us a line at info@bostonkayakpolo.com.
What Should I Do To Prepare?
Please read our quick start to the kayak polo rules before your first session.
You can also read an introduction to kayak polo gear.
What Should I Bring?
Sessions typically last around two hours. You will get wet! Here's what to bring:
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Water shoes
- Water
- Warm clothes for after practice
- Short-sleeved shirt to wear over your swimsuit (e.g. rashguard, capilene or similar hiking shirt, neoprene. Materials that dry quickly and wick moisture are best; avoid cotton, especially if you get cold easily).
- For rain or colder weather: fleece shirt, windbreaker or paddling jacket
If you have them, also bring:
- PFD
- Paddle
- Sprayskirt
We cancel for thunderstorms or other dangerous weather, but otherwise we run rain or shine.
Where Do You Play?
In the summer we play on Spy Pond in Arlington, MA. In August 2008 we are playing on the Charles River in Auburndale due to a temporary toxic algae bloom on Spy Pond. See Where We Play for more information and directions.
How Much Does It Cost?
The intro sessions and gear loan are free during the summer season. You will need to sign a waiver and pay $10 for a 6-month introductory membership with the American Canoe Association (ACA), which provides our club insurance.
Club dues are $40/year if you plan to keep playing after the intro sessions. Summer practices are otherwise free. During the winter there is a fee of $15/session to cover the cost of pool rental.
What Next?
Please email us at newplayer@bostonkayakpolo.com. We will contact you to schedule an intro session.
Want more? Read our FAQs.
Welcome to NECP! We look forward to playing with you!
