Water polo’s flippa ball is taking off in Gisborne

Flippa ball is a modified version of water polo, played in shallow water, and the word is spreading around Tairāwhiti about how much fun children are having playing it.

Flippa ball, the beginner version of water polo, has been making a splash at Kiwa Pools with the district’s tamariki.

It’s played in 1.1-metre-deep water so it’s a safe and fun team sport aimed at building water confidence, fitness and teamwork.

“All things our water-loving whānau thrive on,” says new Tairāwhiti Water Polo development officer Aggie Weston.

Tairāwhiti Water Polo development officer Aggie Weston is keen to see more young people getting into the flippa ball – the beginner version of the sport.

Weston is a member of the New Zealand women’s water polo team and is a Division 1 player at the University of Hawaii.

“I’m encouraging whānau to spread the word about flippa ball,” she said.

“Kids aged 7 to 10 can get involved these school holidays by coming along to a one-day flippa ball camp on July 1 from 10am to 2pm at Kiwa Pools.”

Flippa ball is going great guns at Gisborne's Kiwa Pools with a growing number of youngsters giving it a go.

The special session will be run by international professional water polo players Eve Weston – Aggie’s sister – and András Sári.

“So it will offer the community a unique opportunity to learn from the best,” Aggie Weston said.

Regular Sunday flippa ball will also return in Term 3, starting on July 27 and running from 2–3pm.

“The goal is to build participation across the region and get a school-based competition going in Term 4.

“So grab your mates, give something new a go and be part of growing a fun, fast-paced sport in Tairāwhiti,” Weston said.

People keen to learn more or sign up can go online to www.tairawhitiwaterpolo.fmweb.nz or the Tairāwhiti Water Polo Facebook page.