About the Sport
Kayak polo, also known as canoe polo, is a fast-paced, full-contact sport that combines the finesse of kayaking with the strategy of basketball and the intensity of water polo. The object of the game is to get the ball into the opponent’s net suspended above the water. Two teams compete, using their hands or paddles to pass, dribble and shoot the ball. This sport remains under the radar in the U.S., with fewer than 10 active clubs nationwide. Key characteristics of the sport include:
- Fast-paced action
- Full-contact gameplay
- Combination of kayaking, basketball, and water polo skills
The U.S. Women’s National Team Roster
The national women’s team roster includes:
- Al Kolenda (Bend)
- Chloe Olson (Seattle)
- Hannah Spellman (Austin)
- Heather Fenske (San Diego)
- Madeline Lee (Baltimore)
- Myrna Lewis (Austin, TX)
- Olly Gotel (Los Angeles)
- Pin Thienapirak (New York City)
Preparing for the Pan American Championships
The U.S. Women’s National Team will compete in the Pan American Championships in Edmonton, Canada, this August. To prepare, the team has been training in San Francisco and Austin, competing in tournaments across North America. The team will cover a significant portion of the costs themselves, with each player facing an estimated $2,500 expense for airfare, lodging, registration, and transporting their specialized equipment. “We’re doing everything ourselves — training, organizing, and fundraising,” says Kolenda. This highlights the dedication and resourcefulness required to participate in this sport.
The Local Team’s Recruitment Efforts
Al Kolenda, 28, is the development manager for The Environmental Center, where she’s been involved since 2022. She started a co-ed kayak polo team in Bend last spring. The team currently has enough players for weekly practices but lacks sufficient members to compete in tournaments. Kolenda is recruiting new team members, particularly those with kayak polo experience, water polo background, or kayaking skills. To join the local team, individuals must be 18 years old or older (or have parental consent for high school students). No prior experience is required, but a kayak skirt and paddle are highly recommended.
“This sport is exciting, demanding, and deserves a place on the U.S. athletic stage. We’re not just training to win, we’re building the future of kayak polo in America,”
says Kolenda. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement and growth in the sport.
Tournaments and Training
The local team practices every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on the Deschutes River below First Street Rapids, but above the dam. Team members can borrow equipment, but having a kayak skirt and paddle is helpful. Kolenda is also hosting a kayak polo training camp at Haystack Reservoir in June, which will include players from outside the area. Anyone interested in joining the local team or learning more about kayak polo can reach out to Kolenda at [email protected]
Challenges and Opportunities
The sport faces several challenges, including limited recognition and funding. However, Kolenda is optimistic about the potential for growth and success. She notes that with more local teams, they can build a stronger community and increase their chances of winning.
A Call to Action
If you’re interested in learning more about kayak polo or joining the local team, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kolenda.