Underwater Hockey

It’s seems that hockey is a popular blogging topic, so I decided to tackle the same subject but with a little twist. Hockey is typically played on ice skates, roller blades or just with your runners. Believe it or not, it’s also being played in swimming pools 6 to 10 feet deep.

 Underwater hockey, originally called “Octopush”, was invented by Alan Blake in 1954 as a way to develop underwater skills for professional divers. It started out as a small league in England but in this day and age the sport is internationally recognized and seen across 20 countries on 6 different continents (including Canada). There are national tournaments held in Canada and the USA, as well as international competitions such as the CMAS Elite Underwater Hockey World Championships. It has many similarities to regular ground hockey but is also distinctive in its own way.

(Photo retrieved from wikipedia)

The game is played like traditional ice hockey with the exception of being played under water with minimal oxygen intake during play. No oxygen tanks are ever used. Rather one must hold his breath under water for as long as he can, then swim back up to the surface to breathe and back down he goes. The only equipment necessary includes a hockey stick, a cap with ear protection, a protective glove, a mouth guard, a mask, a snorkel, flippers and of course a bathing suit. Although the bathing suit is not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended, especially from your opponents. The hockey stick resembles more of a shuffleboard stick than it does a traditional hockey stick. Unlike ice hockey, underwater hockey is a non-contact co-ed sport meaning you can’t try to purposely drown your opponent, grab his mask, jab him in the ribs and pull his bathing suit off!

I’ve actually played underwater hockey a few times and I found it to be really fun and exciting. Some online videos might make it seem hard and put you off, but in reality it’s really enjoyable. I will admit that it is quite tiring but if you’re looking for a good and entertaining cardio workout, give it a try!