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The Isle of Wight Club
There is one underwater hockey team on the Island and it was
formed approximately 20 years ago, as an offshoot of a scuba
diving club. Many of the current members have been playing
all this time, including several father and son family groups;
and the sport is open to all ages from 16 plus. The Island club
is based on a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with most members
enjoying the exercise but not playing competitively. New
members are always welcome at no charge and kit can be provided
for those wishing to try this exciting sport.
Octopush is
underwater hockey and is a supreme aerobic game. It was invented
in the early 1950s by sub-aqua divers in Southsea who got bored
just
 swimming
up and down pool lanes to get fit. The game is now played
worldwide. Underwater hockey is fast, furious, and fun ... and
you can join in.
How do you play?
Players wear the basic equipment of a mask, snorkel, fins, and
water polo hat. They hold a small stick, about the size of a
spatula, in a gloved hand. The idea of the game is to use the
stick to push the 1.2 kilogramme puck into the opposing team's
goal, which consists of a three metre tray at the opposing end
of a 25 metre pool.
Why is it the supreme aerobic game?
All other sports allow the participants to breathe as they play.
But in underwater hockey, players breathe through their snorkels
on the top of the water before diving down to do battle with
their opponents. Some players can stay down for a long time
indeed, but the real skill of the game is judging when to dive.
It can take just a few seconds to tackle an opponent and pass
the puck to a colleague, and then return to the surface for a
well-earned breath!
How many play?
There are 10 people in a team, but only six are allowed in the
water at one time. This results in fast substitutions which
resemble tag wrestling. The idea is to work quickly, and then
get out to recover. This increases the speed and exhilaration of
the game.
 Who
can play underwater hockey?
Just about anyone who can swim. It is easy to learn to use a
mask and snorkel. This is a stark contrast to sub-aqua diving,
which can take many months to master.
Why should I learn?
Many doctors agree that swimming is an excellent past-time. The
problem is that lane swimming is terminally boring. Underwater
hockey, however, keeps your mind alert - and your body fit! Many
tall people find that underwater hockey is the best way of
avoiding back problems.
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