The Carolina Kayak Polo Club is sponsored by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department. It practices and plays at Park and Recreation facilities.
The third place finish by the Storm is especially remarkable because it is only the second year that the Carolina club has competed in the top division of this national tournament. The tournament featured 23 teams from all over North America, playing October 31-November 2, 2008. Clubs competed in four divisions: Club A, Club B, Women and Under 21.
The Carolina club entered teams in the Club A and Club B divisions. The Storm finished behind teams from Austin and San Francisco in Club A competition. The Shipwrecks defeated the Austin Gentlemen 6-3 to win the finals in the Club B division.
Kayak polo is a fast moving, exciting, and rapidly-growing water sport. It is like playing basketball in a kayak. Kayak water polo emphasizes conditioning, team play, fast tactics, and individual achievement. The game is played in a pool or lake. Teams have five to a side, and the goals are suspended over the water. Court size is flexible, providing it has a 3 to 2 length to width ratio.
The Carolina Kayak Polo Club was formed in 2004. The teams play outdoors during the summer at McDowell Nature Reserve on Lake Wylie, 15222 York Road. In the winter they practice indoors at both the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, 800 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and at the Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatics Center.
The club welcomes newcomers, and no previous paddling experience is required. All tuition and equipment is provided by the club. For more information contact the club at www.carolinakayakpolo.org.
