Europeans have been playing canoe polo for years. Kayak polo, the western title for the sport, has made it to Texas Tech. The Tech kayak polo group meets at the Aquatic Center 10 a.m. Saturday.
The kayak polo group was started about three years ago, said Jordan Messerer, director of the Outdoor Pursuits Center and avid kayak polo player.
"Last semester was the first semester we started playing formally," Messerer said.
Aaron Rogers, a Tech graduate with a degree in early child development, has been playing kayak polo for a year.
"When we had our first game, there were only six people playing," Rogers said. "The program has way more people than it used to."
Kayak polo is a friendly sport for people who have not played or kayaked before. Some experienced players, with Messerer's help, teach new players, like Rex Cowen, to kayak and the rules of the game.
"I'm gonna be out here as much as I can this semester," said Cowen, a junior science and education major from Ennis.
Jodi Palmer, a freshman exercise sports sciences major from Olney and a first time player, said she and her friends were not sure about kayak polo initially.
"It was fun," Palmer said. "I recommend people try it, and that they don't be scared."
Blake Smith, a sophomore construction engineering technology major from Dallas, said he hopes to make it out to play often. Smith was a first-time player on Saturday.
Kayak polo is a great way to stay fit for a person wants to keep in shape, Messerer said.
Kayak polo is not just an upper body workout, it can work out your legs well, too, said Dr. Speight Grimes.
Messerer also recommends kayak polo to people looking for a new way to work out, especially if they are bored with running or lifting weights. Kayak polo can add something to the traditional workout in a gym because of its competitive nature.
"Most people have a little bit of competitive spirit," Messerer said.
Messerer said he hopes the team can start to compete nationally with other universities. The kayak polo team from the University of Texas won the national championship about five years ago, Messerer said.
Whether it is to get in shape, make some new friends or to try something completely different, kayak polo has something to offer everyone.
Messerer said he has been teaching kayaking at the Robert H. Ewalt Student Recreation Center for eight years. Kayaking lessons are available on Thursday nights in February from 6 to 8 p.m. and more information can be obtained from the Outdoor Pursuits Center.
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