Underwater Hockey

Why do I think the Twin Cities are so phenoMNal??  Well for one reason, the possibilities here seem endless.  There is always something new to do, see, eat or experience.

Case and point – Did you know that Minnesota has it’s own Underwater Hockey group?

Underwater hockey is a fast moving game that quickly builds swimming and free diving capability. It is played on the bottom of a 6-8 feet swimming pool by two teams of six. Players wear fins, mask, snorkel, a protective glove and headgear (the same kind as for water polo).

The stick is short, approximately 1 foot long and made of wood or plastic polymer. The puck is heavy, around 3 lb. and coated with a protective layer of hard plastic. The goals are 3 meters (9’) long.

Play and strategy is similar to soccer or ice hockey except that the playing surface is at the bottom of a pool. 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 her breath forever.

Play is fast and exciting – you go at it hard while holding your breath. The sport offers great cross-training for scuba divers, runners, swimmers, and bikers. Plus, because it’s non-contact and underwater, people of different sizes and genders play on an equal field.

Try it out for yourself by joining this meetup group!  New players are encouraged to attend one of the New Player Meetups where they will explain the game and help provide an individualized roadmap for learning how to play.

If you are new to the sport, the first time you play is for free. After that, you pay on a per-practice basis, typically $5-$7.