In a flurry of foam and paddles, the ten canoe polo players outfitted in helmets, face guards, and body armour looks like aquatic gladiators. But the hard-hitting action of canoe polo justifies every piece of protective gear they wear.

From the very first whistle, the two teams of five fight over possession of the ball, no player is allowed to keep the ball for more than five seconds before passing it to a teammate using his or her hands or paddles, ... or before scoring a goal.

Tackling a ball-holding player - including his or her high-tech polo boat is also permitted.

After two 10-minutes halves, a victorious team emerges to further progress towards the title of Champion.