Polo kit guide

A practical guide for paddlers and parents choosing canoe polo kit. Start with the essentials, build up gradually and ask a club coach before making a major purchase. Owning everything, including a boat, is optional.

What to buy first

  1. Neoprene strides: protect your knees from rubbing inside the boat.
  2. Neoprene boots or shoes: optional foot protection, chosen to fit comfortably inside your boat.
  3. Rash vest or base layer: Penrith plays in red and blue; black can also be useful.
  4. Cagoule (cag): additional protection for outdoor paddling.
  5. Ball: useful for practising throwing, catching and paddle skills.
  6. Spray deck: your own correctly fitting deck can be more comfortable and reliable.
  7. Helmet and faceguard: choose suitable canoe polo equipment with a coach.
  8. Paddle: a consistent length and blade angle can help you develop your skills.
  9. Boat: usually the last purchase. Always try before you buy.

Ask a coach about removing watches and bracelets before play. Check with the club before buying a buoyancy aid: team BAs are coordinated by the club. See the club BA designs and current buying arrangements.

Clothing and protection

Neoprene strides

Look for three-quarter-length strides that cover your knees while seated. Shorter styles may leave your knees rubbing against the boat. Try the fit before buying.

Peak neoprene strides

Neoprene boots or shoes

Footwear is a personal choice. A thin, flexible sole generally fits more comfortably inside a polo boat than a bulky sole.

Decathlon neoprene watersports shoes

Rash vests and base layers

Club clothing is available from Sam Scotts. Long- or short-sleeved base layers are options; ask the club which colours you need. The supplied guide also suggests Sondico, C-Skins and Peak.

Cagoules

A cag can help with outdoor sessions, particularly in colder weather. Sleeve length, seals and warmth affect comfort. Ask a coach what is appropriate for the conditions and the paddler; avoid choosing solely on how warm it feels before exercise.

Balls

A ball lets you practise throwing, catching and balancing it on a paddle blade. The supplied guide suggests Watko balls for practice and Wisely balls for competition. Check the required ball and size with your coach before buying: the guide lists size 5 for men’s/open polo and size 4 for women’s/youth polo.

Buy water polo balls from Decathlon.

Spray decks

Check both the waist size and the fit on your boat. Durability, protection from other boats and ease of use matter as well as price. Ask a coach to check the fit and your ability to release the deck.

For overseas orders, check delivery charges and any applicable taxes before comparing prices. A shared order may help with delivery costs.

Helmets and faceguards

White is the club helmet colour. Before buying, ask a coach to check that the helmet and compatible faceguard are suitable for canoe polo and meet the requirements of your events. Do not assume a general-purpose helmet is suitable for competition.

Follow the manufacturer’s fitting instructions and have the fit checked. A faceguard may need to be bought separately.

Paddles

Try different combinations before buying. Blade size and shape, shaft stiffness, length and feather angle all affect how a paddle feels. Children, developing paddlers and goalkeepers may need different combinations.

Ask Jethro, Cam, Noah, Mike or a coach about trying equipment. The guide identifies the club paddles as Streamlytes with standard Kinetic blades and carbon shafts.

Brands mentioned in the guide include CPS, Falcon, Braca, MFTech (shafts) and Vortex. Some paddles arrive assembled; others require assembly, so check before ordering.

Boats

A boat is a significant purchase. Talk to a coach about size and fit, and try it on the water before buying. Second-hand boats can be an option, but condition matters.

Red is the club colour. The supplied guide suggests discussing a clear-finish boat with red covering rather than ordering a red finish immediately. Confirm the current team requirements and a suitable covering with the club first.

Shared boats are valuable equipment. Read our borrowing club equipment policy for care and borrowing responsibilities.

Before you order

Supplier links come from the club’s Polo Kit List. Products, availability and prices change; check current details with the supplier. Ask a coach if you are unsure, especially before buying a helmet, paddle or boat.

Another supplier listed in the guide is Escape Watersports.