Published: October 29, 2008 10:08 am      

Kayaks compete here this weekend

San Marcos — Rio Vista Falls will attract a world-class kayaking event this weekend.

Kayakers from all over North America will paddle it out at the U.S. Kayak Polo National Championships Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Kayak polo is an official international sport which is a mix between basketball and water polo. Several of Texas' best players represent the USA internationally at both the junior and senior level.

The game is played in 10-minute halves on a 35 x 23 meter court, with goals raised six feet above the water at each end. The object of the game is to use hands or a paddle to score the most goals against the opposing team. Each team consists of five players with a kayak, helmet with face mask, paddle and lifejacket.

The Red River Racing Team will host the event at Rio Vista Falls from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, with an awards ceremony at 3:45 p.m.