How To Play
Underwater Hockey (UWH) is a safe, non-contact sport played between two teams of 10 players (6 in the water with 4 substitutes on the sidelines) at the bottom of a pool. Players try to maneuver a puck weighing approximately 1.3 kg (3 lbs) along the bottom of the pool into the opposing team’s goal using approximately 30 cm (12 inch) in length sticks.
As for gear, players use a mask, snorkel, fins, mouthguard, water polo cap, and protective glove. Players hold their breath and dive to the bottom of the pool (typically 1.8 – 2.6 m / 6 to 8 feet deep) in order to push, pass or steal the puck from opponents. UWH introduces a level of three dimensional play unseen in other sports because players have to breathe at the top of the water while the play is going on at the bottom of the pool. Strategies require careful coordination of timing in order to orchestrate successful offensive and defensive maneuvers with 2 or more players on the bottom while allowing some players to rest and recover oxygen on the surface.
An official game of UWH is 2 x 15 minute periods with a 3 minute half time. Games can go into overtime (2 x 5 minute periods with a 1 minute halftime) and if still no winner will go to sudden death – first goal wins. There are 4 official referees which officiate the game -1 Deck (or Chief Referee), and 3 in water referees.
UWH is an exhilarating sport that gives you an incredible cardio workout and will leave you literally breathless at times! We have players from 8 years old to 75 years old and all shapes and sizes. The best way to learn and experience this sport is to find a local club and take the plunge. The sport is best viewed underwater and many local clubs have spare equipment for beginners that wish to come out and try the game.
Typical equipment used in UWH includes:
Masks
Typically used in skin / scuba diving these come in various shapes and sizes. Players choose a particular mask for maximum visibility while offering good comfort in the pool. …
Snorkels
Our main breathing apparatus when on the surface of the pool these allow us to breath while still watching the play of the game. They come in various shapes / …
Fins
Fins are used to help a player propel themselves quickly and efficiently while either on the surface or underwater. Fins come in many shapes and sizes and typically we use …
Gloves
A special glove typically covered with a thicker layer of silicone or latex is worn on the hand that will carry the hockey stick. The glove helps to protect against …
Sticks
The stick we use to play the game varies in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Some players are more comfortable with a smaller sticks (typically forwards) while other players prefer …
Pucks
There are a number of pucks sold around the world for the sport of UWH. An official puck weighs between 1.1 and 1.5 Kilos and typically is made of lead …
Mouthgaurds
A mouth guard is placed over top the snorkel to help protect the players teeth / mouth from accidental injuries. An internal mouthguard can also be used. As in any …
Water Polor Caps
Many people may have seen these caps before. These are the same caps used in Water Polo. We use these to protect a player from possible injury to the ear …
Photo credits to David Kennedy at http://www.canamuwhgear.com/ and Kevin Ward at www.bentfishusa.com