UNDERWATER HOCKEY ADVENTURE
University of British Columbia
By Aja Chantelle
We all know about Canada’s passion for ice hockey. But have you ever heard of underwater hockey? I hadn’t either until I went to watch and play with members of the BC Underwater Hockey Association at UBC.
Underwater hockey was invented in 1954 by a British diver named Alan Blake. The sport was initiated to improve the stamina and snorkeling skills of his scuba students. Originally, the sport was called Octopush as there were eight players to each team.
Today, there are roughly 42 countries that play throughout the world. The sport is especially popular in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, and parts of the US. I went to the aquatic center at the University of British Columbia to check out this unique sport. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew that my day would involve a snorkel. I had never used one of those before…
When
I arrived at the UBC aquatic center, I met Melanie Johnson who is a member
of the Canadian National Women’s Underwater Hockey Team. She taught
me all about the gear that I would be using: a mask, snorkel, protective
glove, headgear, and a foot-long hockey stick. The puck is made up of
a 3 pound lead disc covered with plastic. Melanie then showed me a few
puck-handling skills on the ground before we dove in. Melanie was a big
help and was really sweet to me. She actually met her husband playing
Underwater Hockey - isn’t that cute? I wonder if they walked down
the aisle in their fins?
Before I could play, I had to learn and get used to breathing with a snorkel. This is the first skill that you’ll have to master to excel in underwater hockey. Eventually, I became quite good in the shallow end. What is a bit hard to get used to is trying to keep my body close to the bottom of the pool where all the action takes place.
A few of the other player’s told me that most people don’t even get a chance to touch the puck the first time they try the sport. I started playing the game and truthfully found it hard to keep up, but it was still a lot of fun. Snorkeling seemed easy until I became determined to get a handle on the puck. I swam down to the bottom of the pool and managed to touch the puck. I was thrilled, but I had forgotten on very important thing, BREATHING! I accidentally swallowed what seemed like half the pool on my way up for air. That didn’t feel too good, but getting to touch the puck sure did!
Underwater
Hockey was fun and exciting. Let me tell you, it was a real workout. The
stamina and endurance of these players blows my mind. I encouraged all
my friends to give it a try. If you like having fun and enjoy a challenge,
get involved with the UBC underwater hockey league. They welcome newcomers
with open arms. All the people I met while playing underwater hockey were
so nice and accommodating. They are all very passionate about the sport
and love to teach people about it.
ADVENTURE TIPS
Don’t worry about buying gear right away, the club members are so nice they will let you borrow from their box of equipment. The president of the club Geri-Lynn was nice enough to lend me her own gear. For sanitary reasons, you may have to bring your own snorkel to start.
When you do go give this sport a try, bring a few extra pairs of socks, these come in handy if any flippers are too big for you, you can wear multiple pairs of socks until your feet fit perfectly in the fins.
Before playing with the “big boys”, feel free to practice your snorkeling and puck handling skills at shallow end of the pool. Have fun!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
+ Part 1: CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE
+ Part 2: CAPILANO HATCHERY
+ Part 3: UNDERWATER HOCKEY
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