What we’re about
Underwater hockey meetup group for the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
If you are comfortable in the water, willing to learn/able to use snorkel, fins, and mask we invite you to try Underwater Hockey (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_hockey) , a fun and competitive sport for people of all ages and genders.
WHAT:
Underwater hockey is played on the bottom of a 6-12 foot deep 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.
WHO?
Practices are open to men and women of all ages. Beginners are always welcome.
Playing Underwater Hockey requires good physical stamina and swimming abilities.
Practices usually consist of scrimmage and instructional sessions, so there's something for everyone. Please note that most of our players do not use this meetup page, so we generally have many more attendees than is reflected by the meetup page attendance count.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The first time is for free. After that, you pay on a per-practice basis, typically $9-$11.
WHAT DO I BRING?
We have equipment for you to borrow.
All you really need is a
- swimsuit
- a towel.
Optionally you may want to bring a
- a lock to lock your belongings in one of the available lockers
- white clean gym socks for added foot protection when wearing the fins
- shampoo.
It is best not to eat a large meal less than an hour before practice to avoid possible stomach upset.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Scrimmage at Brooklyn Center Community CenterBrooklyn Center Community Center, Brooklyn Center, MN
Monday night open scrimmage at Brooklyn Center Community Center Pool.
Open to all skill levels (beginner to advanced).
If you are new to underwater hockey, please arrive 15 minutes early and RSVP at least 24 hours prior, so we can arrange to have loaner gear available and to teach you some basic skills.
Meet at the pool.
We usually have between 6 and 14 regulars at every practice, regardless of how many are registered on Meetup. If this event has not been cancelled on Meetup, the practice is ON, so come on down!
Underwater Hockey - Battle at Altitude - AquaAthleteTV - Scrimmage at Brooklyn Center Community CenterBrooklyn Center Community Center, Brooklyn Center, MN
Monday night open scrimmage at Brooklyn Center Community Center Pool.
Open to all skill levels (beginner to advanced).
If you are new to underwater hockey, please arrive 15 minutes early and RSVP at least 24 hours prior, so we can arrange to have loaner gear available and to teach you some basic skills.
Meet at the pool.
We usually have between 6 and 14 regulars at every practice, regardless of how many are registered on Meetup. If this event has not been cancelled on Meetup, the practice is ON, so come on down!
Underwater Hockey - Battle at Altitude - AquaAthleteTV
