Veritas, Napier University's student newspaper

GRAHAM Christie-Henry must wonder why I’m smiling even before we shake hands. When I inform him of a small lottery win the previous evening he congratulates me warmly and I immediately realise this is going to be an interesting and stirring interview.

‘Nice bloke’ and ‘thoroughly’ are the two phrases that spring to mind within the first few minutes of meeting Christie-Henry. Already it is clear his knowledge of the sport is excellent and he clearly comes across as an inspirational figure.

Napier Kayak Club’s President is keen to promote his pursuit. Speaking with great enthusiasm he seems capable of convincing anyone to dive down a rock-laden waterfall headfirst, well anyone except me, and that’s where we start.

“It’s an adrenalin rush. It’s simply just loads and loads of fun. OK, it might not be for everybody, but those who do it love it.”

The club is one of the most developed at the university. They won Napier Sports Union Team of the Year in 1999 and 2001 and were SUSF Canoe Polo champions in 1999.

Looking at the statistics is easy to see why the club were honoured with such a prize. Between 1996 and 1999 the canoe polo team won consecutive promotions from Division 4 straight up to Division 1, and now sit in Division 2. The club is not just for students. Some of the core members still come back years after leaving education.

The impeccable preparation skills of the man are magnified when he hands me the perfect document: Idiot’s Guide to Canoe Polo. This is a detailed manual that tells me everything I need to know. It’s certainly worth taking a few minutes to get a grip with the basics.

Canoe Polo teams consist of five people and halves played are between 6 and 10 minutes long. The aim of the game is much like football, to pass the ball between team members and shoot for goal. The only restriction is that you have to pass within five seconds. Fouls can also be committed. According to the guide “ramming is not allowed”.

Back to the kayaking and Christie-Henry is willing to discuss my notions regarding the more dangerous side of the sport.

He says: “If you capsize, you come ashore and just get back in the water. There’s more to it than flinging yourself off waterfalls.”

As for Henry personally, he’s been club President for two years and Kayaking always has and always will be a part of his life.

He says: “I’ve always fancied it. When I was old enough – around 6 or 7 years ago - I joined a club. I took a break for a couple of years after my highers and joined the Napier club as soon as I came to university.

“If I live in Edinburgh when I leave Napier I’ll always stay involved with the club.”

Despite a large membership the club is always keen to accept new members. As well as canoe polo the club indulges in weekend trips, river trips and surfers and snowboaters are also catered for. Members also enjoy a hectic social life. Christie-Henry reckons the club is more than suitable for anyone who enjoys free food and drink. If you’re interested meet outside Merchiston Union on Tuesdays at 7pm.