There is nothing more relaxing than a dip in the pool during the summer months. So, what do you get when you add seven opposition swimmers desperate to drown you and a goal? That's right, water polo.
The game of water polo is similar to its drier equivalent, with the primary aim being to score a goal by throwing the ball into a net - passed the hawkish eyes of the goalie. While that seems simple enough, imagine doing so while lifting yourself from the water using egg-beater kick and while other players are bearing down on you.
Water polo is, after all, a contact sport.
For a difficult exhausting game, it appears that water polo is exceedingly popular in NSW. According to
NSW Water Polo Inc., there are 49 clubs in NSW - divided according to geographical location.
Drummoyne Water Polo Club has over 350 members. Situated on Henley Marine Drive, the Club is not only an active participant in competitions, but also provides an active social life for members.
The
Cronulla Water Polo Club has a shorter history than its Drummoyne equivalent. It was founded by a former olympian, Frank Jordan, who was determined to set up a Club connected to the Cronulla Surf Club. Today, the Club competes in national and local competitions and boasts a highly developed online networking system, spanning from YouTube to Twitter.
Both the
University of Sydney and the
University of NSW have well-established water polo teams competing in various competitions for men and women.
As a mark of the diversity and widespread support of the sport, the gay and lesbian sporting community has set up a water polo team: the
Sydney Stingers. The Sydney Stingers have competed in the 2002 Gay Games and are currently taking part in the NSW Water Polo M6 Summer Competition.
