The playing was non-stop from time of arrival Friday morning till our Sunday evening departure. When not playing a game, each team was required to contribute 4 or 5 players to act as referees, line judges, and scorekeepers. Friday morning started with a 7:30 a.m. check-in followed by team captains’ meeting and a quick refresher on how to referee. From that time on, the play was fast and furious. Due to the nature of the division rules, the women were able to play on a Women’s team and also another division team, and most of the women took advantage of that opportunity. Susan was fortunate enough to join the Canadian Women’s Team and play in the Women’s Division in addition to playing with B-Team Seattle/Omaha.

Scott Wynn from Seattle kindly drove down from Seattle with our boats and paddles and gear, so we were able to set up a shaded pavilion area on the grass next to the pitch, complete with folding chairs and air mattress in case any of us had time to nap (this dream was not to be realized). After playing all day, we practiced our navigational skills driving around L.A. looking for restaurants (thanks iphone!) or attending a banquet (Saturday night) at a nearby golf course restaurant. Typical dinner out for polo players = (1) Change out of wet clothes into dry clothes; (2) Find restaurant; (3) Eat (& drink).

So how did Team Seattle/Omaha do in the tournament? We won some, we tied some, and we lost some. We made it to the last day of play. The final standings haven’t been published yet, so we aren’t sure exactly where we ended up. But everyone had an incredibly great time, and our level of play has gone up a notch. Check out the Seattle Kayak Polo Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seattle-WA/Seattle-Kayak-Polo/192146459026?v=photos for photos of the event.

What’s Next?

Susan Roth has taken on the WKC Polo Chair position for 2010, and she would like to encourage more members to come out and give polo a try. We’re planning to have some pool sessions over the winter at Tukwila Pool, so check the WKC website for a calendar and details. We are also planning a training camp for summer 2010, when we hope to have some Canadians come down to Seattle with their talent (and maybe some polo boats too) a spend a weekend teaching us new skills. We’d like to also put together a B team to travel to Edmonton February 12-13-14 to play in the Cup of the North Tournament.

Come give polo a try….beginners are always welcome! The next games are scheduled for Saturday December 5 and 19 from 8:30-10:45 at Tukwila Pool. Just check ahead with Susan (206-617-2176) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make sure you have the right gear, and we also plan to have some spare gear available if we are given prior notice. YOU DO NOT NEED A ROLL TO PLAY POLO--all you need to do is declare yourself non-pushable and we will make it so.  See you on the water--play on!

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