If you are active in other forms of underwater sports such as free diving or scuba diving, you may already have some of the equipment needed for underwater hockey. However, be aware that certain types of gear, such as masks and fins, might not be suitable. It’s essential to check with your host club before playing to ensure that your equipment meets the required standards. Most clubs have some equipment available for beginners who want to try the sport, but once you get serious, you will need to buy your own. You can find links to underwater hockey equipment suppliers at the bottom of this blog.
Face mask.
Face masks with a single tempered glass lens are not allowed in underwater hockey. The face mask is a crucial part of your equipment, and it’s recommended not to buy one online but rather to visit a reputable dive shop and try them out in person.
Ensure you get a mask with separate lenses, as shown in the picture, or one with a single curved acrylic lens for safety reasons. It’s important that your lenses are made from tempered glass and that the mask seals properly on your face. Aim to get a mask with the lowest volume possible, ensuring it has a robust strap and buckles that do not stick out or hook on anything.
Snorkel.
Most players prefer a flexible silicone snorkel for underwater hockey.
When it comes to snorkels, less is more. The less air you rebreathe each time, the better your performance will be. Big fancy purge valves are generally not used in hockey as they can slow you down. Most experienced players cut their snorkel down to the shortest practical length they can manage. However, we don’t recommend shortening your snorkel until you have been playing for a while. In underwater hockey, it is compulsory to wear a mouthguard on your snorkel or protect your teeth with a gum guard.
.Mouth Guard
Caps
Ear protection is compulsory in underwater hockey.
Caps are mandatory and need to have adequate ear protection to protect your eardrums from hydraulic shock if you bump your ear against a body underwater. In competitions, one team will wear a light-colored cap while the other will wear a dark cap to help identify players underwater. Caps are usually purchased in pairs and can be bought from a reputable online underwater hockey store.
Togs
As with the snorkel, when it comes to togs, less is more. Beginners often start out with baggy board shorts but soon realize how much they slow them down and switch to something more streamlined. Remember to rinse your togs every time you use them, as the chlorine in pool water can quickly deteriorate them.
Fins.
Fins can end up being the most expensive item in your kit bag.
There are many types of fins available, and elite players often spend significant amounts of money on high-end fins. At the same time, there are very cheap fins that are unsuitable for underwater hockey. We recommend starting with a good quality, reasonably priced fin, such as the high-performance Najade fins available from Encounter Freediving.
Using very strong fins can put serious strain on your legs, so we don’t recommend buying high-level competition fins until you have been playing for a while.
Gloves.
Using a glove while playing underwater hockey is essential, as your knuckles are likely to come into contact with the puck and the bottom of the pool. Although it was common practice to make your own gloves until recently, there are now plenty of options available online. The only rule about gloves is that they may not be the same color as your stick, which is why there are many unusually colored gloves available.
Sticks.
Sticks are sold in pairs of black and white, and left-handed players require left-handed sticks.
Sticks were also usually homemade, but recent changes to the rules allowing the use of plastics have resulted in an explosion of high-quality manufactured sticks. These are available online at underwater hockey stores. Most clubs will have some sticks for beginners to use, and we suggest using these for a while until you have decided what type of stick suits you best.
In a game, one team will have black sticks and the other white to help identify the players. Left-handed players will need to purchase left-handed sticks.
Ear Drops.
We recommend that you also have some ear drops in your kit bag to help dry your ears after the game. If you become as addicted to hockey as some of us, your ears will be constantly underwater, and the last thing you need is an earache to sideline you.
Having the right gear is essential for enjoying and excelling in underwater hockey. From masks and snorkels to fins and gloves, each piece of equipment plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and enhancing performance. Investing in quality gear, tailored to the unique demands of underwater hockey, will not only protect you but also improve your overall experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, choosing the right equipment will make your time in the pool more enjoyable and competitive.
We recommend that you check out these suppliers of underwater hockey gear.
Hydro Underwater Hockey
Encounter Freediving
Adreno Dive Shop
CanAm Underwater Hockey gear
True Blue Underwater Hockey Supplies