Octopush, aka Underwater Hockey, is a team-based aquatic sport where two teams of six dive down and flick a weighted puck at the bottom of the pool into a goal at the other end, all while holding their breath! It’s fast-paced, competitive and always great fun.
Each player wears a hat to protect their ears, mask and snorkel, a silicon coated glove to protect their hand, fins to propel them through the water, and an underwater hockey stick to push and flick the puck!
Typically, there are metal goals at opposite ends of the pool, and players work together to outsmart the opposition and get the puck into the goal. It’s fast paced, and an unmatched cardio workout as your lung capacity is always being tested as you play!
Teams are structured with three forwards and three backs, with typically four subs. Players can sub in at any point in the match, and are encouraged to do so on the fly. This is either from the poolside or from a floating “sub box” barrier (more common at competitions)
In 2024, Octopush celebrates a rich history with its Platinum Anniversary (75 years), having been founded in 1954 in Swansea in collaboration with the British Sub Aqua Club. Since then, it’s evolved into a brilliantly multi-faceted sport enjoyed by clubs all over the world.
Now, student Octopush is taking centre stage as young people take advantage of what universities have to offer, communicating the sport to a whole new audience!
