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Underwater Hockey

Underwater hockey (UWH), also known as Octopush (mainly in the United Kingdom) is a globally played limited-contact sport in which two teams compete to manoeuvre a puck across the bottom of a swimming pool into the opposing team's goal by propelling it with a hockey stick (pusher).

An Overview of Underwater Hockey

Underwater Hockey originated in England in 1954 when Alan Blake, a founder of the newly formed Southsea Sub-Aqua Club, invented the game he called Octopush as a means of keeping the club's members interested and active over the cold winter months when open-water diving lost its appeal. Underwater hockey is now played worldwide, with the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques, abbreviated CMAS, as the world governing body. The first Underwater Hockey World Championship was held in Canada in 1980 after a false start in 1979 brought about by international politics and apartheid.

Benefits

The benefits include low impact physical activity and an increase in calorie expenditure due to the constant resistance of the water.

Costs

The costs vary depending on session/club

Adaptations and Equipment

Equipment is usually provided by the session (although it may be worth contacting the club prior to a first visit). You will also need a swim suit.

Facts

Underwater Hockey originated in England in 1954 when Alan Blake, a founder of the newly formed Southsea Sub-Aqua Club, invented the game he called Octopush as a means of keeping the club's members interested and active over the cold winter months when open-water diving lost its appeal.

Find Underwater Hockey Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

Partners and Sponsors

Partners and Sponsors

  • Sport England
    Active Partnerships
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    CIMPSA
    Somerset Chamber of Commerce
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  • Disability Confident
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    Youth Sport Trust
    activity alliance
    Somerset Partnership
    Somerset County Council
  • Avon & Somerset Police
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    Macmillan Cancer Support
    Community Council for Somerset
    Spark Somerset
    YMCA Dulverton Group
  • Department for Work & Pensions
    EDF
    SAPHTO
    together team
    Somerset Cricket Board
    British American Football Association
  • Badminton England
    Somerset FA
    British Cycling
    Create Development
    Children in Need
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  • Lifeline
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    Somerset Community Foundation
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