The roots of canoe polo are found in the other disciplines of canoeing. In the early thirties, canoeists from a number of European countries sat in their kayaks and started to toss balls to each other. Inevitably, a new game was born!

But having its roots in different countries meant that the sport developed in quite a few different directions. It took until 1986 to have the International Canoe Federation's (ICF) Canoe Polo Committee come to life. And in 1994 Great Britain had the honor to host the first world championships

Since then ICF Canoe Polo World Championships have been held biennially. The rules governing international canoe polo were introduced in 1990. The game is played on an area of 35 by 23 meters, with goals of 1,5 by 1 meter hanging 2 meters above the water. Playing time for a game is twice 10 minutes, it can be interrupted by a referee for a 'time out'. The game starts with the players, 5 on each team, in their kayaks at their own goal line and the ball in the center of the field of play. The players of both teams seek to get possession of the ball which can be played by hand or by striking it with the paddles.

The opponent is allowed to tackle the player in possession of the ball, and this includes the player's boat. To make the sport interesting and fast, a player is not allowed to keep the ball for more than five seconds, after which he must surrender it to a teammate. During the game, unlimited substitutions of the players on the water and the three replacements per team can be made. The canoe polo player paddles a specially designed kayak that is up to 3 meters long. His equipment includes a helmet with facemask, body protection and a double-bladed paddle.

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