Canoe Hurdling

Canoe Hurdling (also called Waka Hurdling) was a sport in which participants in canoes attempt to paddle over wooden beams placed in the water. It was a sport practiced early last century in New Zealand and other places throughout Polynesia.

There were two people in each canoe. The technique used to go over the log varied. Some participants stayed in their canoe, with them moving forward in the canoe to tip the front over the log. Another technique was for one or both of the paddlers to jump out of the canoe and push the canoe over the obstacle.

canoe hurdling competitiona canoe hurdling competition in New Zealand

There have been attempts in New Zealand to revive the sport and keep the tradition going.

Similar Sports

Related Pages

send us a comment Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.

More About Extinct Sports

Sport Extra

Check out the 800+ sports in the Encyclopedia of Every Sport. Well not every sport, as there is a list of unusual sports, extinct sports and newly created sports. How to get on these lists? See What is a sport? We also have sports winners lists, and about major sports events and a summary of every year.

Advertisement Disclosure

Topendsports.com features links to partner sportsbooks. If you click on these affiliate links and create an account or deposit funds, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. While partnerships may affect which brands are featured or their position in some lists, all reviews and ratings are based on independent analysis and remain entirely unbiased.

 → How to Cite