Innovation takes water polo to open water

An innovation that allows water polo to be played in open water is now available, having been introduced in a remote patch of ocean 20 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia and at a popular Sydney beach.

Having first been tested earlier this year, the combination of Packaworld’s ‘Packagoals’ and inflatable water polo boundary will be put to use at an ‘ocean polo’ event at Malus Island in the Dampier Archipelago on Australia Day.

Being hosted by the Karratha Water Polo Association at a ‘have a go’ day in October, the Western Australian event is expected to attract dozens of private vessels anchor for the January 2018 event.

Karratha Water Polo Association President Justin Angove said the new inflatable setting allowed Australians to play in new locations and explore their country while enjoying the game they love.

He explained “the inflatable water polo fields are helping us to reinvent water polo and bring a sense of adventure to the game.

“Being outdoors improves the experience. It gives the sport a real family vibe, and showcases what Karratha has to offer. It’s also a huge opportunity to engage with people who haven’t seen water polo before and get them involved.”

Angove said other adventure water polo events were planned, including an event in Western Australia’s Millstream Chichester National Park at the remarkable Python Pool water hole, which is surrounded by cliffs on three sides.

In NSW, former Australian national water polo representative Scott Nicholson is planning to use two of Packaworld’s custom water polo fields off the Sydney coastline during the first Beach Water Polo Fours tournament on 16th and 17th December.

Nicholson, a former member of the Australian Junior Water Polo and University squads, and the organiser of the Beach Water Polo Fours tournament, expects the informal two-day event to attract up to 300 players a day for a truly unique water polo experience.

Nicholson advises “if we had to set up lane ropes and metal goals, the cost would have been prohibitive.

“Now we’ve got a system where it’s going to take us about 10 to 15 minutes on the day. It’s going to make things so much easier, and we see this as an idea we will be able to take anywhere.”

The event will be held at Hordern’s Beach in Bundeena, set within Royal National Park south of Sydney.

Bundeena is accessed by ferry, and boats will be able to moor for spectators viewing the tournament, while friends and families enjoy food and fun on the beach.

Click here to contact Packaworld International Limited via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

Images: Packaworld's water polo field being trialled for the Beach Water Polo Fours tournamentbocce courts at Bundeena in NSW (top and below) and by the Karratha Water Polo Association Malus Island in the Dampier Archipelago (middle).

9th March 2017 - PACKAWORLD INNOVATION BREAKS DOWN BARRIERS AT SPECIAL OLYMPICS

2nd February 2017 - NEW ZEALAND-CREATED PORTABLE POSTS HELP BUILD PASSION FOR RUGBY IN USA

24th August 2016 - BLIND FOOTBALL LAUNCH FIRST TO USE INFLATABLE TECHNOLOGY

21st April 2016 - INFLATABLE ADVERTISING SOLUTION COULD STOP SPORTS INJURIES 

28th March 2012 - NO FISHING ZONES CENTRAL TO WA MARINE PARK PLAN