Raftball – a team game on the water

Raftball brings together teamwork, the pure joy of bumper cars from your childhood, and a refreshing splash of cool water — all rolled into one unforgettable experience. Players paddle packrafts and try to smash the ball into the opposing team's goal, ramming and maneuvering their way across the water. Laughter, adrenaline, and big emotions are guaranteed, and your team will be talking about it for years to come.

Raftball is a one-of-a-kind ball game in Estonia, played on packrafts on calm, open water. Two teams paddle out and battle to knock the ball into the other team's goal — paddles doubling as both oars and playing sticks.

The game is a perfect fit for company summer days, team-building events, group gatherings, and birthday celebrations. No prior water sports experience needed — the rules are simple and you'll be in the thick of it within minutes. Our certified guides explain everything on the spot and make sure the whole experience is as fun as it is safe.

Raftball for summer days and team events

Looking for something your team has never tried before — something that goes beyond the usual summer day activities? Forget paintball, bowling, or adventure parks. Raftball takes the action onto the water, adding a whole new layer of excitement and unpredictability to every play. And the best part? The cool-down is built right in.

Raftball works equally well for a small tight-knit team or a large crowd — we cater to groups of 6 to 200+ people. For bigger groups, we run it as a tournament, so everyone gets their turn on the water while the rest cheer from the sidelines. Ideal for company summer days, team events, and group celebrations of all kinds.

Practical info

Group size: 6–200+ people. Duration: 2–12 hours. Location: any calm lake, pond, or slow-moving river will do — we'll find the right spot or come to your chosen water anywhere in Estonia. Equipment: we bring everything you need. Pricing: get in touch for a quote.

Raftball rules

1. The game. Raftball is a water-based ball game in which players sit in packrafts and attempt to knock the ball into the opposing team's goal. The team that scores the most goals wins.

2. The playing area. Games are played on a lake, pond, slow-moving river, or pool. Recommended minimum depth: 1 m throughout the playing area. The playing area has no fixed boundaries. Goals are positioned at opposite ends and anchored to the bottom. Goal size is not fixed.

3. Teams. Two teams, ideally with 3–5 players on the water at a time. Substitutions are allowed (rolling subs from the bank or a designated zone). There are no goalkeepers.

4. Game time. Two halves of 7 minutes each, with a break in between. Teams switch ends at half-time.

5. Equipment. One packraft and paddle per player. Life jacket and helmet are mandatory. Ball: large, soft, buoyant gymnastics ball.

6. Playing the ball. The ball may be pushed, guided, or struck with the paddle. Hands are not allowed (except when taking a penalty). If the ball lands in your boat, it must be immediately knocked out with your feet or paddle. You may not paddle while holding the ball in the boat — the boat must remain stationary. A goal is scored when the ball crosses the lower crossbar of the goal.

7. The goal. Players may not touch the goal. Deliberate contact with the goal results in a penalty for the opposing team. Accidental contact as a result of a collision does not count.

8. Contact and ramming. Ramming with a packraft is allowed from any direction. Hitting, grabbing, or pushing — whether with hands or paddles — is not allowed. Incidental contact during paddling is permitted, as long as it does not result in direct contact with another player. Contact with a player (not the boat) results in a penalty for the opposing team.

9. Penalties. All fouls that stop play are punished with a penalty shot. The ball is tossed up by hand and struck with the paddle. Defenders must retreat to a distance of 2 boat lengths. If the foul occurs within 2 boat lengths of the goal, the penalty is taken from 3 boat lengths out. In the event of a draw, the winner is decided by a penalty shootout — teams take turns until a winner emerges.

10. Penalties. A penalty shot is awarded for: handling the ball, holding the ball while paddling, deliberately touching a goal, making contact with another player, or any general rule violation. Repeated or dangerous offences result in a 2-minute ejection; further repeat offences mean removal from the game entirely.

11. Safety. All players must be able to swim and are required to wear a life jacket and helmet at all times. If a player capsizes, they climb back in on their own or with assistance. The referee monitors play from the bank or a separate boat. The game is suspended in the event of bad weather, lightning, or dangerously cold water.

12. Winner. The team that scores the most goals wins. In the event of a tie, the game is decided by a penalty shootout.

Frequently asked questions about raftball

What is raftball? Raftball is a one-of-a-kind ball game — unique to Estonia — played on packrafts on calm water. Two teams paddle out and battle it out, trying to score into the opposing team's goal.

Do I need any prior experience? Not at all. The rules are simple, and our certified guides will walk everyone through everything on the spot. Paddling a packraft is surprisingly intuitive — most players feel right at home within the first minute on the water.

How large does the group need to be? Raftball works for groups of 6 all the way up to 200+ participants. With larger groups, we split everyone into teams and run the event in tournament format.

How many people can play raftball at a company summer day? At any one time, two teams of 3–5 players each are on the water, but a summer day raftball tournament can easily accommodate many more participants. With a bigger crowd, we divide everyone into teams and play in tournament format — so everyone gets their turn on the field and plenty of chances to cheer from the sidelines. That keeps the energy high even when only part of the group is playing at once.

Is raftball suitable for large groups? Absolutely. Raftball is a fantastic choice for a company summer day or team event, whether you're a small tight-knit team or a crowd of 200+. For bigger groups, we run a full tournament: multiple teams, several rounds, and a grand final. Just let us know your group size and we'll put together the perfect format.

How long does a raftball event last? Typically 2–4 hours, including gear distribution, a rules briefing, the game itself, and wrap-up. If you want something bigger, we can organise a full-day tournament programme running up to 12 hours.

Where can a raftball event be held? Raftball works on any calm lake, pond, or slow-moving river. We can find the perfect spot ourselves, or come to a venue of your choosing — anywhere in Estonia.

What do I need to bring? All the gear — packrafts, paddles, life jackets, and helmets — is provided by us. Just bring swimwear or a change of clothes, because getting wet is pretty much guaranteed.