Polo

Introduction

Canoe Polo is an exciting paddling discipline which combines paddling and ball skills in a fast moving team game. The game is played on a marked pitch either indoors or outdoors with five players plus up to 3 subs on each side. The object of the game is to score in the opposition’s goal, the ball can only be held for 5 seconds and any player in possession of the ball can be pushed over.

Viking Kayak Club compete under the name VKC. We have teams playing in each class of the sport, including open (mixed gender teams), youth & women’s leagues. We have had players selected for the GB U21 development squad and Ireland U21 squad in recent years. As well as competing in national and regional leagues (see below), VKC attend summer international tournaments around the UK & Europe.

Our vision

VKC Polo – playful polo – welcoming, safe, supportive and fun.

Stable core of social players plus a steady stream of new blood maintaining the ‘youth flow’ through the polo section, all actively contributing to the smooth running of the club.

Both social polo and regular structured coaching throughout the year.

Range of teams spanning National Div 1 to Regional Div 4, and including the Youth and Women’s Leagues – providing continuity and progression for those who want to go beyond social polo.

Sufficient well-maintained equipment to support the full range of new players (e.g. large through to small), and the youth stream – including sufficient club boats and BAs to cater for multiple teams playing simultaneously.

Magic flying goals that automatically hover in the correct place when we are playing/training on the river with no put up or take down required.

Get in touch

Whether you’re an experienced player looking for a new club, or a complete beginner wanting to try canoe polo for the first time, you’ll find us extremely friendly and inclusive – so please do get in touch! We provide all the equipment a new player needs to get started as well as support and encouragement.

If you would like to get involved with this exciting sport or have any questions please contact us via polo@vikingkayak.co.uk or come along to the club on a Wednesday evening during May to September.

Apply to join the VKC Polo Facebook group – this is the main way in which we communicate with each other.

Other info: Canoe Polo – official site of Canoe Polo in the UK

Where are VKC playing during the season?

We train on the river during the warmer months (May to September) and at Robinson Pool in the colder months (Late September to April). Additional pool sessions are often run over the winter to develop players’ ability to roll.

Most of our training and tournaments involves mixed gender teams.
We have players spanning a wide range of ages (currently from about 9 years old up to around 60).

VKC field at least two teams in the National Open Leagues. This caters for players of a range of levels of competence (beyond the novice level).

We enter at least one team in the National Youth League, and at least one team in the National Women’s league. In 2018 we were the only club in the country to have a Women’s Youth squad.

We also enter a range of teams in the Regional Open Leagues. These are friendly leagues that cater for the full range of players from novices through to ‘experts’.

When the Bedford River Festival is on (even numbered years) we run a polo tournament as part of the festival.

Kit – VKC Rash Vests

You can buy VKC rash vests here

Polo Training Times

Times given are ‘on the water’ – arrive 15 minutes early to get changed and kitted up.

Warmer months (May to September):

  • Tuesdays 18:15 – dusk (or when we’ve had enough) – serious training for competent paddlers (e.g. the sort of level needed to play in the National Leagues – usually able to roll).
  • Fridays 19:00 to 20:30 – training for Youth and Women’s league players (plus a couple of ‘veterans’).
  • Saturdays 10:00 to 12:00 – training at which everyone is welcome – NOTE though that these sessions are often cancelled if there are tournaments (or other competing events). Check the VKC Polo Facebook group to see if the session is on.

Colder months (Late September to April):

There is a charge for attending pool sessions –

VKC Members = £6
VKC Non-members using own boat etc = £12.50
VKC Non-members borrowing club kit = £19
  • Tuesdays 21:00 to 22:00 Polo training at Robinson Pool for competent players. Collect kit from the clubhouse at 20:15 and meet at the pool at 20:45.
  • Wednesdays 21:00 to 22:00 Monthly general pool session at Robinson Pool. NOT a dedicated polo session, but great for practicing rolling, ball skills, etc.. Open to all. Collect kit from the clubhouse at 20:15 and meet at the pool at 20:45.
  • Fridays 20:00 to 21:00 Polo training at Robinson Pool for Youth and Women’s squads, plus novices and a couple of ‘veterans’. Collect kit from the clubhouse at 19:15 and meet at the pool at 19:45.
  • Saturdays 10.00 to 12.00 Polo training on the river – for competent paddlers (you need to be confident that you are not going to capsize!) – NOTE that these sessions are often cancelled if there are tournaments (or other competing events) so check the VKC Polo Facebook group to see if the session is on.

Upcoming Polo Events:

Oct
22
Tue
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool
Oct 22 @ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool | England | United Kingdom

Pool sessions are run on Tuesday evenings and alternate Fridays at Robinson Pools & Fitness from September to April. They offer beginners a chance to try polo in a safe environment or for experienced paddlers to practice skills, such as wet exits and rolling.

£6 members
£12.50 non-members; own equipment
£19 non-members using club equipment

Meet at the club at 8:15 pm to collect the kit, someone will be there to help you. Leave the club by 8:35 pm and head to the pool. If you are going directly to the pool meet there at 8:45 pm.

You can borrow any kit you need from the club but paddlers are expected to transport kit and boats to and from the pool (limited boat transport can be arranged in the short term).

Get to the pool ready to get on the water at 8:45 pm.

All boats must be clean so please wash them at home or with the hose in the club back boathouse. Once inside, coaches will be on hand to give help and advice on all aspects of paddling. These sessions are informal and fun and the pool is ideal for improving your paddling skills, bracing techniques and learning to roll.

You must wear a helmet when in the pool.

If you would like to come to these sessions and require equipment, coaching or help with transport / or have any other questions please discuss them in the Facebook group.

Oct
29
Tue
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool
Oct 29 @ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool | England | United Kingdom

Pool sessions are run on Tuesday evenings and alternate Fridays at Robinson Pools & Fitness from September to April. They offer beginners a chance to try polo in a safe environment or for experienced paddlers to practice skills, such as wet exits and rolling.

£6 members
£12.50 non-members; own equipment
£19 non-members using club equipment

Meet at the club at 8:15 pm to collect the kit, someone will be there to help you. Leave the club by 8:35 pm and head to the pool. If you are going directly to the pool meet there at 8:45 pm.

You can borrow any kit you need from the club but paddlers are expected to transport kit and boats to and from the pool (limited boat transport can be arranged in the short term).

Get to the pool ready to get on the water at 8:45 pm.

All boats must be clean so please wash them at home or with the hose in the club back boathouse. Once inside, coaches will be on hand to give help and advice on all aspects of paddling. These sessions are informal and fun and the pool is ideal for improving your paddling skills, bracing techniques and learning to roll.

You must wear a helmet when in the pool.

If you would like to come to these sessions and require equipment, coaching or help with transport / or have any other questions please discuss them in the Facebook group.

Nov
1
Fri
Polo Pool Session
Nov 1 @ 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm
Polo Pool Session

Pool sessions are run on Tuesday evenings and alternate Fridays at Robinson Pools & Fitness from September to April. They offer beginners a chance to try polo in a safe environment or for experienced paddlers to practice skills, such as wet exits and rolling.

£6 members
£12.50 non-members; own equipment
£19 non-members using club equipment

Meet at the club at 7:15 pm to collect the kit, someone will be there to help you. Leave the club by 7:35 pm and head to the pool. If you are going directly to the pool meet there at 8:15 pm.

You can borrow any kit you need from the club but paddlers are expected to transport kit and boats to and from the pool (limited boat transport can be arranged in the short term).

Get to the pool ready to get on the water at 8:15 pm.

All boats must be clean so please wash them at home or with the hose in the club back boathouse. Once inside, coaches will be on hand to give help and advice on all aspects of paddling. These sessions are informal and fun and the pool is ideal for improving your paddling skills, bracing techniques and learning to roll.

You must wear a helmet when in the pool.

If you would like to come to these sessions and require equipment, coaching or help with transport / or have any other questions please discuss them in the Facebook group.

Nov
5
Tue
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool
Nov 5 @ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool | England | United Kingdom

Pool sessions are run on Tuesday evenings and alternate Fridays at Robinson Pools & Fitness from September to April. They offer beginners a chance to try polo in a safe environment or for experienced paddlers to practice skills, such as wet exits and rolling.

£6 members
£12.50 non-members; own equipment
£19 non-members using club equipment

Meet at the club at 8:15 pm to collect the kit, someone will be there to help you. Leave the club by 8:35 pm and head to the pool. If you are going directly to the pool meet there at 8:45 pm.

You can borrow any kit you need from the club but paddlers are expected to transport kit and boats to and from the pool (limited boat transport can be arranged in the short term).

Get to the pool ready to get on the water at 8:45 pm.

All boats must be clean so please wash them at home or with the hose in the club back boathouse. Once inside, coaches will be on hand to give help and advice on all aspects of paddling. These sessions are informal and fun and the pool is ideal for improving your paddling skills, bracing techniques and learning to roll.

You must wear a helmet when in the pool.

If you would like to come to these sessions and require equipment, coaching or help with transport / or have any other questions please discuss them in the Facebook group.

Nov
12
Tue
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool
Nov 12 @ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool | England | United Kingdom

Pool sessions are run on Tuesday evenings and alternate Fridays at Robinson Pools & Fitness from September to April. They offer beginners a chance to try polo in a safe environment or for experienced paddlers to practice skills, such as wet exits and rolling.

£6 members
£12.50 non-members; own equipment
£19 non-members using club equipment

Meet at the club at 8:15 pm to collect the kit, someone will be there to help you. Leave the club by 8:35 pm and head to the pool. If you are going directly to the pool meet there at 8:45 pm.

You can borrow any kit you need from the club but paddlers are expected to transport kit and boats to and from the pool (limited boat transport can be arranged in the short term).

Get to the pool ready to get on the water at 8:45 pm.

All boats must be clean so please wash them at home or with the hose in the club back boathouse. Once inside, coaches will be on hand to give help and advice on all aspects of paddling. These sessions are informal and fun and the pool is ideal for improving your paddling skills, bracing techniques and learning to roll.

You must wear a helmet when in the pool.

If you would like to come to these sessions and require equipment, coaching or help with transport / or have any other questions please discuss them in the Facebook group.

Nov
15
Fri
Polo Pool Session
Nov 15 @ 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm
Polo Pool Session

Pool sessions are run on Tuesday evenings and alternate Fridays at Robinson Pools & Fitness from September to April. They offer beginners a chance to try polo in a safe environment or for experienced paddlers to practice skills, such as wet exits and rolling.

£6 members
£12.50 non-members; own equipment
£19 non-members using club equipment

Meet at the club at 7:15 pm to collect the kit, someone will be there to help you. Leave the club by 7:35 pm and head to the pool. If you are going directly to the pool meet there at 8:15 pm.

You can borrow any kit you need from the club but paddlers are expected to transport kit and boats to and from the pool (limited boat transport can be arranged in the short term).

Get to the pool ready to get on the water at 8:15 pm.

All boats must be clean so please wash them at home or with the hose in the club back boathouse. Once inside, coaches will be on hand to give help and advice on all aspects of paddling. These sessions are informal and fun and the pool is ideal for improving your paddling skills, bracing techniques and learning to roll.

You must wear a helmet when in the pool.

If you would like to come to these sessions and require equipment, coaching or help with transport / or have any other questions please discuss them in the Facebook group.

Nov
19
Tue
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool
Nov 19 @ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool | England | United Kingdom

Pool sessions are run on Tuesday evenings and alternate Fridays at Robinson Pools & Fitness from September to April. They offer beginners a chance to try polo in a safe environment or for experienced paddlers to practice skills, such as wet exits and rolling.

£6 members
£12.50 non-members; own equipment
£19 non-members using club equipment

Meet at the club at 8:15 pm to collect the kit, someone will be there to help you. Leave the club by 8:35 pm and head to the pool. If you are going directly to the pool meet there at 8:45 pm.

You can borrow any kit you need from the club but paddlers are expected to transport kit and boats to and from the pool (limited boat transport can be arranged in the short term).

Get to the pool ready to get on the water at 8:45 pm.

All boats must be clean so please wash them at home or with the hose in the club back boathouse. Once inside, coaches will be on hand to give help and advice on all aspects of paddling. These sessions are informal and fun and the pool is ideal for improving your paddling skills, bracing techniques and learning to roll.

You must wear a helmet when in the pool.

If you would like to come to these sessions and require equipment, coaching or help with transport / or have any other questions please discuss them in the Facebook group.

Nov
26
Tue
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool
Nov 26 @ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool | England | United Kingdom

Pool sessions are run on Tuesday evenings and alternate Fridays at Robinson Pools & Fitness from September to April. They offer beginners a chance to try polo in a safe environment or for experienced paddlers to practice skills, such as wet exits and rolling.

£6 members
£12.50 non-members; own equipment
£19 non-members using club equipment

Meet at the club at 8:15 pm to collect the kit, someone will be there to help you. Leave the club by 8:35 pm and head to the pool. If you are going directly to the pool meet there at 8:45 pm.

You can borrow any kit you need from the club but paddlers are expected to transport kit and boats to and from the pool (limited boat transport can be arranged in the short term).

Get to the pool ready to get on the water at 8:45 pm.

All boats must be clean so please wash them at home or with the hose in the club back boathouse. Once inside, coaches will be on hand to give help and advice on all aspects of paddling. These sessions are informal and fun and the pool is ideal for improving your paddling skills, bracing techniques and learning to roll.

You must wear a helmet when in the pool.

If you would like to come to these sessions and require equipment, coaching or help with transport / or have any other questions please discuss them in the Facebook group.

Nov
29
Fri
Polo Pool Session
Nov 29 @ 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm
Polo Pool Session

Pool sessions are run on Tuesday evenings and alternate Fridays at Robinson Pools & Fitness from September to April. They offer beginners a chance to try polo in a safe environment or for experienced paddlers to practice skills, such as wet exits and rolling.

£6 members
£12.50 non-members; own equipment
£19 non-members using club equipment

Meet at the club at 7:15 pm to collect the kit, someone will be there to help you. Leave the club by 7:35 pm and head to the pool. If you are going directly to the pool meet there at 8:15 pm.

You can borrow any kit you need from the club but paddlers are expected to transport kit and boats to and from the pool (limited boat transport can be arranged in the short term).

Get to the pool ready to get on the water at 8:15 pm.

All boats must be clean so please wash them at home or with the hose in the club back boathouse. Once inside, coaches will be on hand to give help and advice on all aspects of paddling. These sessions are informal and fun and the pool is ideal for improving your paddling skills, bracing techniques and learning to roll.

You must wear a helmet when in the pool.

If you would like to come to these sessions and require equipment, coaching or help with transport / or have any other questions please discuss them in the Facebook group.

Dec
3
Tue
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool
Dec 3 @ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Polo Pool Sessions @ Robinson Pool | England | United Kingdom

Pool sessions are run on Tuesday evenings and alternate Fridays at Robinson Pools & Fitness from September to April. They offer beginners a chance to try polo in a safe environment or for experienced paddlers to practice skills, such as wet exits and rolling.

£6 members
£12.50 non-members; own equipment
£19 non-members using club equipment

Meet at the club at 8:15 pm to collect the kit, someone will be there to help you. Leave the club by 8:35 pm and head to the pool. If you are going directly to the pool meet there at 8:45 pm.

You can borrow any kit you need from the club but paddlers are expected to transport kit and boats to and from the pool (limited boat transport can be arranged in the short term).

Get to the pool ready to get on the water at 8:45 pm.

All boats must be clean so please wash them at home or with the hose in the club back boathouse. Once inside, coaches will be on hand to give help and advice on all aspects of paddling. These sessions are informal and fun and the pool is ideal for improving your paddling skills, bracing techniques and learning to roll.

You must wear a helmet when in the pool.

If you would like to come to these sessions and require equipment, coaching or help with transport / or have any other questions please discuss them in the Facebook group.