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| No experience necessary. Mask, fins and snorkel is the only equipment required. (Some is available for trying the sport.) |
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| Underwater Hockey is a sport played on the bottom of a swimming pool by 2 teams of 6 players, each wearing basic snorkelling equipment. The object of the game is to push or pass a lead puck along the bottom of the pool, by using an underwater hockey stick, into the opposing team's goal. It is a very fast moving game that quickly builds swimming and free diving capability. It is played with a stick approximately 30cm long, a puck around 1.5kg and a goal of 3m length. In competition, games are two 15 minute halves, and teams can have up to 4 substitiutes on the deck who can enter play on the fly. The rules are "non-contact" and players generally cover "zones" around the puck. Success (scoring) ultimately depends on teamwork, since no single person can hold their breath forever. In the game, exertion usually shortens bottom time to less than 30 seconds. Individual strength is less of an advantage than it is in many other sports. The water nullifies pure mass advantage and emphasizes clever use of torque. Passing is very possible and is done by throwing the puck off your stick with a flick of your wrist. This is very difficult to learn without help, but can be used to sail the puck more that 3m across the bottom and up to 50 cm above it. The technique allows you to break the puck out of a tight spot and send it past opponents. This sport can be played at many levels from casual pick-up fun to serious competition. It also provides an instant conversation starter at dull parties! |
| Practice Times and Location "Centre Branch YMCA" at 382 Waterloo St., LONDON, ONTARIO, CANADA Tuesday nights for co-ed adults at 8:30 - 10:00 and Thursday nights for the more experienced 9:00-10:00 Register and pay at front desk with UWH program or free with a "Y" membership "Bob Hayward YMCA" at 1050 Hamilton Rd. (CURRENTLY ON HOLD) Friday nights for youth 6:30 - 7:30 Cost for youth $4, or free with a "Y" membership ***It's a good idea to notify someone in the contact list to make sure equipment is available and there are no change in times. See "Contacts" below. |
| Women's '92 World's France vs New Zealand thanks to Robert King |
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| Last updated Mar.10/09 |
| London, Ontario, Canada |
