Get your flippers out and snorkels on: The Lancaster Tab tries Underwater Hockey Society

We went to an underwater hockey session, to see what the Lancaster University Underwater Hockey Society is all about.

Lancaster University Underwater Hockey Society provides a uniquely interesting sporting experience, turning the simple exercise of swimming into an intense underwater battle over a tiny (yet extremely heavy) black puck.

The session itself

The Stingray’s session took place from 3pm to 4pm on Wednesday at Lancaster Sports Centre Pool, meeting in the lobby. Nerves were immediately calmed by the lovely nature of all the members and the pure passion they had for the sport. Less calming was the sheer amount of gear you had to learn to use.

The amazing team members were more than happy to help me assemble my gear.

In total, the average player wears: Flippers, a swim cap, goggles, a snorkel, a protective glove and a pusher (a smaller version of a field hockey stick). As unhinged as all this gear sounds, it makes you move 10 times faster than you ever have been.

After getting some well-needed flipper and snorkel swimming lessons by the Secretary, Joel, it was time for a few quick training drills.

The drills consisted of ducking underwater and moving the puck along the floor of the swimming pool whilst working on turning effectively in mock-defence from an opponent. Trust me, it was easier said than done.

But after a few goes, it began to get easier, and after initial feelings of drowning subsided, the true fun began.

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My lack of contact with the puck meant that I could truly appreciate the observation of the sport. Each individual had to carefully move underwater to avoid fouling of deliberate contact or having two of the same team members the puck. Each team member fulfilled their role superbly (bar me) and it was phenomenal to see.

I was stunned to learn that not everyone on the underwater hockey team was as seasoned as their ability suggested. It is truly a testament to the harmony and acceptance of the club for the reason individuals are able pick this up so quickly. It was amazing to see how the Captain, Ella, greatly utilised her expertise to encouraging others during the matches.

Each time a point was scored and the team would re-group, people were smiling and it was clear to see how much of a tight-knit family underwater hockey truly has. The allotted hour flew by before I knew it, it was time to pack up.

Ready, set, swim!

The underwater hockey practice sessions are no joke! No wonder, because they have competitive matches against other teams. The most recent one being against Manchester Ds in February.

Additionally, the team battle it out in the beloved Roses tournament against York every year, where they proudly show York what colour roses are.

The Stingrays also compete yearly in the Student Nationals, a tournament with many universities including Liverpool, Oxford, and Warwick amongst many more!

Outside the session

The activities of Lancaster University Underwater Hockey Society is not just limited to the pool. The club holds weekly socials, ranging from pool, trampolining and drinking games to name a few.

Additionally, after sessions the group regularly goes for a drink in one of the campus bars after each session, granted once they’ve changed out of the flippers and snorkels.

Octopush into underwater hockey?

Look, these puns are getting worse – but joining underwater hockey would provide not only an increased lung capacity, but also the ability to be part of a truly wonderful club united around a passion for an amazing sport.

It is a welcoming and inclusive society, all people and all swimming abilities are welcomed. Never snorkelled? Not a problem. Never swam competitively or even regularly? No issue at all. All equipment is provided at sessions, so no need for an Amazon deep-dive.

Lancaster University Underwater Hockey Society is a club you definitely will not regret joining – the boost of adrenaline gained after just a singular practice session is unmatched.

Practice sessions are held every Wednesday 3pm to 4pm at Lancaster University Sports Centre.

So get your flippers out, snorkels on and dive right in! Go Stingrays!

Featured image via lu_underwaterhockey on Instagram