Do you think hockey is a cool sport? Well, get ready for something even cooler – literally. Underwater ice hockey will make you reconsider everything you know about hockey. This specific recreation combines all the acute motion of hockey with the crazy mission of gambling all of it underwater. In case you’ve never heard of it earlier, don’t worry. You’re about to dive into everything there may be to realize about the good game which you never knew existed.
The Origins of Underwater Ice Hockey
Underwater ice hockey has been around since the 1950s, based in England Alan Blake, a founding father of the newly fashioned Southsea Sub-Aqua Club, invented the sport he referred to as Octopush as a method of preserving the club’s individuals interested and active over the cold wintry weather months while open-water diving lost its appeal.
Today, underwater ice hockey is played in over 25 nations worldwide. The guidelines are much like ice hockey, the use of standard ice hockey gadgets like sticks, pucks, goals, and defensive tools. The major difference is that players hold their breath while passing, shooting and defending goals. Games encompass two 15-minute periods with a five-minute break in between to resurface and seize your breath.
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In case you’ve never witnessed a game, it’s pretty a sight. Players glide effortlessly in full scuba gear, executing skilled passes and shots while coordinating complex team plays. The pace is surprisingly fast for a sport played under frozen water. While not an Olympic sport yet, underwater ice hockey continues to gain popularity and new member countries join the world championships each year.
Who would have thought that a simple diving exercise could evolve into an exciting sport that combines scuba diving and ice hockey? Thanks to Redl’s creativity, underwater hockey offers thrill-seekers a cool new way to show off their skills. So grab your gear and puck – it’s game on!
How to Play Underwater Ice Hockey
To play underwater ice hockey, you will need some critical gear to get started. As soon as you have got the equipment, it is time to hit the pool! The sport is played in a pool with a maximum intensity of 5 meters. Two teams of up to 10 players each face-off, looking to knock a three-kilogram puck into the opposing team’s net. But there is a catch – you could only contact the puck with your stick! No hands allowed.
To start play, the puck is dropped in the center of the playing vicinity. Gamers then dive down, grab their sticks and attempt to pass, carry or push the puke closer to the opponent’s net. You can swim with the puck, but again, only push or pass – no grabbing! Teams advance the puke by way of pushing it along the pool bottom or passing it to teammates.
The game is made of two 15-minute intervals with a short break in between. The team with the maximum goals at the end of the sport wins! Penalties like slashing, keeping and interference are enforced to hold things civil underneath the sea.
The Equipment Needed for Underwater Ice Hockey
Specialized Helmet
A specialized underwater helmet is a must to protect you from pucks and sticks while allowing you to see clearly underwater. These helmets have a durable polycarbonate shield, air vents, and straps to keep water out.
Insulated Suit
You’ll want an insulated wetsuit or drysuit to keep you warm in the frigid water. A wetsuit provides insulation using your body heat, while a dry suit keeps water out completely. For the best mobility, choose a suit specifically designed for underwater sports.
Protective Gear
Standard hockey protective gear like elbow pads, knee pads, gloves, and athletic assist is imperative to save you from injuries from falls, collisions, and errant pucks. You’ll additionally need a mouthguard to avoid damaged teeth or a puke to the face.
Fins
Specialized fins are needed to help you maneuver efficiently in the water. Hockey fins have a stiff blade for speed and responsiveness. The fins attach over your wetsuit or drysuit boots to propel you and provide agility.
Stick
An underwater hockey stick has holes or meshes in the blade to reduce drag while handling and shooting the puck. The stick should come up to about your hip when standing for the best control. Composite or aluminum sticks are lightweight, durable options.
Puck
An underwater hockey puck is lighter than a standard puck, usually made of plastic with holes to allow water flow. This reduces drag so players can move and shoot the puck with agility. The puck glows to allow for better visibility underwater.
With the proper safety equipment and gear designed for underwater use, you’ll be ready to dive in and start playing this exciting sport. The equipment may seem specialized, but it’s necessary to keep players warm, mobile and protected in challenging conditions. Once you get used to the gear, you’ll be zooming through the water and scoring in no time! Follow Scrabble Word Finder for more!