In 2009, Team River Runner introduced Kayak Football to the veterans and volunteers in our chapter system. Kayak Football is a competition that combines elements of Kayaking, American Football and ultimate frisbee. Fast paced and competitive, veterans love the game. In fact, a kayak football game (and kayak polo) are the last activities at the kayaking venue at the VA Summer Sports Clinic help annually in San Diego with over 100 wounded or disabled veterans. It is always a huge success-and the veterans want more!
Since the creation of the game, TRR chapters all over the country play as a way to practice their skills and foster a healthy, competitive environment. In addition to playing this game in chapters, several tournaments are also held every year! TRR is building the energy to have a NKFL-National Kayak Football League-hoping some NFL players past and present will want to join in the fun with the Warfighters we serve!!
Earlier this month, the 4th Annual Kayak Football Tournament was held at Walter Reed. In July, we will hold the 3rd Annual Veterans Kayak Football Challenge in Canton, OH This tournament is a collaboration with the American Canoe Association., and held the weekend before the Hall of Fame game and induction. Our chapter at the University of Maryland has also held a tournament for the past several years to kick off the University’s Veteran Activity week.
Veterans with all manner of disabilities play-and play hard! There is a team of blind veterans (guided by sighted veterans or volunteers)…the “Blind ‘B’s”. Many games have veterans and family members as well!
Want to play? We’ve created a simple graphic to explain the rules and game play! We encourage people everywhere to get their butt in a boat and start playing! See the full “Book of Rules”
Held a pickup game or tournament? Email us a photo to webmaster@teamriverrunner.org
