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Swimsuit - Underwater Hockey, while classified as a non-contact sport, is still
hard on swimwear. Durable, tight-fitting suits are recommended. |
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Fins - Sturdy, full-foot fins made of plastic and/or rubber are best. Several good
models are commercially available. Based on quality, price and availability, the Mares
Plana Avanti HP (pictured) is probably your best bet if you're new to the sport or just want a good,
dependable, no-frills fin that gets the job done. Avoid adjustable fins with buckles at
the heel, as they tend to be too bulky and cumbersome for the fast-paced manuevering of
an underwater hockey game. For a detailed review/comparison of various fin models, see
the Fin Reviews |
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Mask - There is a trade-off between durabilty and field of vision. Bulky, sturdy masks
generally survive longer but limit the wearer's range of vision, both horizontally and
vertically. Minimalist, face-hugging models such as the very popular Aqua-Sphere "Sphera" (pictured) offer a
much better field of vision, but their plastic lenses and thin frames make them susceptible
to scratching and breaking. For safety reasons, masks with large, single front lenses are
not allowed, as their lenses are likely to break if accidentally struck by a stick,
puck, or player's heel. |
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Snorkel - Sturdy, pliable, large-bore snorkels are recommended. Avoid fancy bells and
whistles like purge valves and splash guards, as they tend to make the snorkel large and
cumbersome. For safety reasons, non-pliable snorkels (such as those constructed of hard
plastic) are not allowed. |
| Mouthguard - Mouthguards should be worn at all times to reduce the risk of injury to the mouth and teeth. External mouthguards, like the one shown, are generally adapted versions of mouthguards designed for use in other sports and can be fitted around the mouthpiece of a snorkel to provide cushioning and protection. Internal mouthguards are readily available at most sporting goods stores can be worn instead of, or in addition to external mouthguards.
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Ear Protection - Often referred to simply as "Headgear", ear protection can be of
various types. Water polo caps are popular, as are wrestling headgear of various styles.
Anything that protects the ears from impacts will work. The headgear pictured is a wrestling headgear with a snorkel attached. |
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Glove - A sturdy, flexible protective glove should be worn on the playing hand
(usually the player's dominant hand). There are gloves available for purchase from various
vendors around the world, or you can make your own |
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Stick - The sticks used in underwater hockey are usually made or wood or plastic, are
roughly 12 inches (30 centimeters) in length, and are painted, dyed or otherwise colored
either white or black. Stick color is used to designate a player's team during competition
(one team is equipped with white sticks and the other team with black). Numerous shapes
and styles exist, and many players design and make their own, or purchase custom-designed
sticks from one of the several commercial stick-makers around the world. For more detailed information
about sticks, visit the stick design page . |
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Duct Tape - A 'must have' for your gear bag. Duct tape can be used to repair just about
any piece of equipment in a pinch. Wrap it around your toes to prevent chafing from your fins.
Patch holes in your glove or swimsuit. Tape your fins to your ankles so they don't come off
in the middle of the game. Tape the opposing team's captain to the bench in the locker room
before the big game... Whatever it takes. |
