Trying a new sport can feel intimidating, especially when it involves getting into a canoe for the first time.

At Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, however, beginners do not need paddling experience or equipment to try canoe polo.

Kyle Hardy, a coach at the club with Adrenaline Coaching, said newcomers are taught essential skills, with coaches and experienced players on hand to help them find their feet. “No, not at all,” Hardy said when asked whether participants needed previous canoeing or paddling experience. “We’ll teach you everything you need to know.”

Read more: Could canoe polo be the next sport for Johannesburg teens?

The club supplies all required equipment, including a boat, paddle, helmet, spray skirt, and life jacket. Participants should bring clothes suitable for getting wet, sunscreen, and a willingness to try something new.
Although previous water sports experience is unnecessary, Hardy recommends that participants can swim or feel comfortable in the water as a safety precaution.

Sessions accommodate different experience levels. While beginners work on fundamentals, such as paddling straight, handling a ball, and manoeuvring their boats, experienced players continue developing their skills.

Hardy said the club’s community plays a vital role in helping newcomers settle in, with players sharing knowledge and helping others learn the game. He acknowledged that the idea of falling out of a canoe can put people off, but encouraged prospective players not to let fear prevent them from trying. “I think a lot of people think that the barrier to entry for water sports is very high, but we’ve seen that it’s definitely a misconception.”

Also read: Water lovers discover canoe polo at Dabulamanzi open day

Hardy added that people do not have to be exceptional players to enjoy the sport, describing canoe polo as inclusive and supported by a welcoming community.

The club’s open days are free, with fundraising activities helping to support equipment and development.

Those who want to continue after an introductory session can explore coaching options and join the club’s canoe polo WhatsApp group for information about upcoming sessions. Regular polo sessions take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, with beginner and advanced options available.

Hardy said the club encourages people of different ages to get involved, generally recommending the sport for participants aged 12 and older, although canoe polo itself has no upper age limit.

For anyone curious about trying a new activity, the message is you do not need to arrive knowing how to paddle. You just need to be willing to give it a go.

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