It is widely considered that Alan Blake, a member of Southsea sub aqua club invented Octopush (which has gradually evolved to become Underwater Hockey) in summer 1954 in order to keep members interest in a sub-aqua club over the winter. For a more detailed account by Alan Blake, click here.

Over the years the game became faster, the rules developed and it's popularity spread. The game is played in a constant depth of 2 meters on the pool floor.

There are 10 players; each player wears a mask, snorkel and fins. Each side has 10 players, only 6 of which are allowed in the water at any one time. The player has a protective glove on their playing hand and a bat (or stick) that is just less than one foot long.

Michele Kwok on the puck

The game demands a high level of fitness, as you play without breathing. The puck is passed or flicked from one player to another and the skills involved take years to develop.

The game is played in 22 countries worldwide.

Find out more about the game by visiting the Official website of the British Octopush Association (The Controlling Body for Underwater Hockey in the UK).