Pool Noodle Jousting

Pool Noodle Jousting is a fun swimming pool game inspired by the medieval sport of jousting. Players compete to knock each other off their floating devices using pool noodles as their weapons.

Suitable for all ages, this game can be enjoyed at pool parties, family gatherings, or even as a friendly competition among friends.

Accessories or Set Up Needed

You’ll need pool noodles for each player to use as their jousting lance. 

Each player should also be floating on a raft or pool float. Preferably the floats are the same to make the game as even as possible.

Also, jousting floats can be purchased, which come with an inflatable jousting lance!

How To Joust with Pool Noodles

In Pool Noodle Jousting, the objective is to knock your opponent off their floating device using only your pool noodle. Be careful, however, as attacking and maintaining balance can become quite difficult!

The game and rounds continue until only one player remains on their float.

Setting the Jousting Gameplay

Game rounds are fairly easy to set up. First, depending on how many participants there are, decide on a method for determining a winner. This can either be a single-elimination round or a best-of-five series (first to three rounds won).

Also, establish any pool boundaries before the game starts. You can either use the whole pool or keep it to just one certain area to make the games move a little more quickly.

Playing Each Round

Pool Noodle Jousting is typically played in the following manner per round:

• Players begin by positioning themselves on their floating devices at a safe distance from one another
• On a signal, players use their pool noodles to try to knock their opponents off their floats. You may need to use the noodle as an oar first to get some forward momentum!
• A player is eliminated if they fall off their float, and the remaining player advances to the next round based on the determination of round wins.

Rules to Follow

• Players must remain on their floating devices at all times during the game.
• Direct contact between players, other than with pool noodles, is not allowed.
• Intentionally grabbing or holding onto an opponent’s pool noodle is prohibited.
• Try and avoid swinging at the opponent’s head area. Jousting should be done with a forward motion rather than a swinging one.

Strategy

Success in Pool Noodle Jousting relies on a combination of balance, timing, and accuracy.

First and foremost, players should focus on maintaining their balance on their floating devices while attempting to strike their opponents. Quick reflexes and anticipation of the opponent’s moves will give players an edge in the competition

 Additionally, aiming for the opponent’s center of mass can increase the chances of knocking them off their float.

Variations

• King of the Hill: Introduce a “king of the hill” format, where the winner of each match remains in the pool to face new challengers.
• Team Jousting: If the floats are big enough, play in pairs of two making it a team game.
• Chicken Jousting: Similar to chicken fights, instead of floats have one player sit on the shoulders of another
• Jousting Royale: Each round is played with more than two players, making the game a bit more challenging.

Safety First

• Use only soft, flexible pool noodles to minimize the risk of injury
• Ensure all players are confident swimmers and comfortable in the pool.
• Consider wearing life vests as a layer of protection
• Avoid playing near the walls. If players get too close, pause the round and move back to the middle of the pool

Have a “Knight” to Remember!

Pool Noodle Jousting offers a unique and entertaining twist on traditional pool games. 

By combining the excitement of jousting with the fun of pool play, this game provides a memorable and enjoyable experience for players of all ages.

Have fun and good luck!