Octopush
What is Octopush?
Octopush, also known as Under Water Hockey, is a fast paced sport played by teams of six at the bottom of a pool. Invented in the early 1950's by divers who wanted to stay fit in the pool but not just swim lengths. Octopush is now played across the globe and has international competitions every year.
How do you play?
The object of the game is to move a lead puck (or squid), with the help of a hand held pusher, along the bottom of the pool. A team scores by pushing the puck into the opponent's goal (or gull). This is often achieved best through skill rather than brute strength.
What Equipment will I need?
Octopush is played with fins, mask, snorkel and a 'pusher' or stick. Additional safety equipment is often worn (and is required in competitions) which includes a glove and a water polo cap. Here at Warwick we can provide all the equipment you will need to play with no charge.
How many play?
Officially there can be 10 people in a team, but only six are allowed in the water at one time. The idea is to work quickly and get the puck into your opponents goal.
Why is it the supreme aerobic game?
All other sports allow the participants to breathe as they play. But in underwater hockey, players must hold their breath while diving down to do battle with their opponents. Some players can stay down for a long time, 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!
Who can play Underwater Hockey?
We would like everyone to play our favourite sport with us. Regardless of how good you are (or think you might be) if you are interested to find out more you should come along to one of our regular training sessions. New players improve very quickly and just about everyone can play, just be able to swim at a basic level and join WUSAC to receive our emails.
How do I get involved?
The club plays on Thursday nights after any relevant dive training from around 8:00 - 9:30 and again on Sunday night at 7:00 - 8.30. (Being underwater tends to make conversation difficult!!). If you feel like coming along just turn up, all members receive an email earlier in the week with timings and beginners are always welcome!
The club also heads to the Dirty Duck after each session, so we can actually talk to each other and the scuba divers (conversing under water is pretty hard!)
What Else?
We also have several friendlies each term with local clubs (usually Oxford University and Coventry club) and we play tournaments; the largest being the Student Nationals held each year, in fact, we will be hosting them in 2011, it will involve about 14 university teams from all over the country coming to play Octopush for what should be a great weekend. We also play in smaller tournaments, such as the Plymouth 'Valentines Tournament'. Oh, and then of course there's always the party afterwards...
