Jump Ship & Polo

The Jump Ship competition was on today in the downtown inner harbour. A huge barge was anchored (right next to a beer gardens, of course) with some crazy dirt jumps awaiting the pro riders... 

 

Cam was in heaven. Especially when Brandon Semenuk, one of the top riders, took to the course.

They make it look so easy... but not everyone fared so well... this rider went down and stayed down after his final jump! I think he's okay.

Then we wandered across the harbour to Belville street where a bike polo tournament was underway.

We entered the land of bike polo... a completely different world from dirt jumping.

Wheel guards are worn like the coat of arms on a shield -- each one unique and ready for the battle field.

 

 

 

 Bike polo is an intense sport. Mallets become entangled, riders skin their knees on the pavement, and curses are thrown about like the bouncing orange ball. We were there to support our pal, Anthony, whose team was playing in the tournament.

There are no riding boots or crisp white pants of the horse polo world. The riders here are outfitted with body armour.

Oh, and you're not allowed to touch the ground with anything but your mallet! Penalty if you do!

Coveted trophies up for grabs.

Anthony told us this guy is known as Thunder Thighs. You don't want to cross him on the polo court.

Trusty steeds in the stable between matches.

Finally it was time for Anthony's match. He's the one in the argyle vest.

And these were their opponents. A team from Vancouver. A team that was stronger, faster, and down right meaner.

Anthony did his best in goal, blocking shots just like Luongo.

Sadly, by the end of the twelve-minute match, the team from Vancouver just couldn't be beat.

I may just have to try this bike polo thing for myself....