Innovative game Skwim coming soon to a pool near you

Innovative game ‘Skwim’ coming to a pool near you

From Marco Polo to Sharks and Minnows, poolgoers have enjoyed playing innovative water games for generations. Even games like basketball and volleyball have been adapted to the pool by enterprising citizens.

One such citizen recently developed a water polo-type game called “Skwim” in which opposing teams attempt to score a frisbee-like disc into a goal at either end of the pool. The game’s creator, Kevin McCarthy of Sammamish, WA, is betting on the widespread adoption of his new game and judging by early returns, Skwim is a huge hit with the kids.

To master the art of Skwim, one must become proficient at advancing toward the goal by skipping the specially-designed disc across the surface of the pool like a stone. Players also wear unique oval-toed fins – also designed by McCarthy – to help them effectively dart around the pool while trying to score a goal or prevent the other team from doing the same.

In Washington State, the game has become such an instant hit that inter-school Skwim competitions are now being held. McCarthy hopes that his creation is accepted as warmly all across the country, and it certainly seems like he has a fighting chance.

An invention happens when an entrepreneurial mind has an idea and sticks with it until fruition. Skwim is such a creation, and it is beneficial for its players in several ways. “It’s a great sport for kids to be safe, and it’s a great fitness sport for all ages,” McCarthy said. “My goal for Skwim is to have it played everywhere in the world.”

Whether this happens or not, it seems that Skwim isn’t going away any time soon. Give it a try at your local pool; who knows, it just might help get your creative juices flowing.

Originally posted on http://www.dailypilot.com/news/tn-dpt-1127-apodaca-20111126,0,7206457.story