Players' clinic for underwater hockey

A new players' clinic will be held for underwater hockey at the Peninsula Leisure Centre from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday, October 28.

Coaching will be held at the new player's clinic as well as demonstration games for new players to see how the game works.

Organiser Mr Graham Wood said the new Central Coast club would focus on delivering a game that is suited to new players who are willing to give it a try.

After playing underwater hockey around the world for almost 20 years, Mr Wood said his dream was to introduce the sport to the Central Coast.

"Previously, a good mate and I would drive down the freeway for a game in Newcastle or Sydney," said Mr Wood.

He said it had been his "vision to bring the sport to the Coast as there is a good mix of sporty people here who all love the water".

Underwater hockey is a high paced sport that is played with teams of six in snorkelling gear comprising a mask, snorkel and fins on the bottom of a swimming pool.

It is typically played in a 12x25 metre court where opposing teams attempt to get the 1.5 kg puck in the opposition's goal.

"Established underwater hockey players have excellent underwater abilities outside of the swimming pool with benefits such as low use of tanks when diving and exceptional free diving skills," said Mr Wood.

Underwater hockey is played across the globe and Australia currently holds the Open World Championship title.

In NSW, underwater hockey is played in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Armidale, Coffs Harbour and Canberra.

Media Release, 8 Oct 2012

Graham Wood, Underwater Hockey Club