Hockey is a game that’s been around for a while. While it has always been a game that’s been played on ice, it has recently become popular to play hockey underwater as well. Known as ‘diving in hockey’, this has become a new way for hockey fans to experience their favourite game.
Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about diving in hockey, including when and where you can play, how you play, and the gear you need to bring.
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When And Where Can I Play?
As with any other sport, there are specific times where you can play and locations where you can play. While it’s always good to have some flexibility, you should expect that in the winter months, you won’t be able to play hockey unless the ice is above knee-level. There are also regions where it’s illegal to play hockey without a mask – otherwise, you’re up against the law. Knowing where these restrictions apply can help you plan your season accordingly.
How Do I Play?
If you happen to be a hockey fan that also enjoys underwater environments, then you should consider the sport a bit more seriously. There are actually a few schools that offer specialized courses in hockey diving. Once you’ve completed these courses, you’ll be able to take the test and officially join the club. Once you’re in the club, you’ll get the chance to practice and improve your skills before you take on other members of the club in actual competitions.
Once you’ve mastered diving and begun to recognize signs and symptoms of decompression sickness, you can take on more adventurous activities such as cave dives or wreck dives. There are also plenty of public beaches where you can play in the summertime with the chance of some underwater interaction with animals such as fish and jellyfish.
What Gear Do I Need?
Along with any other sport or activity, playing hockey underwater will require you to bring certain gear. When it comes to underwater hockey, you’ll need:
- A wetsuit that’s large enough to fit comfortably while still being warm
- A snorkel that you can use to breathe underwater
- A dive mask that you can’t see through
- A snorkel bag
- An underwater hockey stick
- A pair of goggles
- A dive CD player
- A buoyancy device
- Tick tick tick…
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of playing goalie in hockey is just about the same as playing any other position. You’ll need to buy a few new hockey jerseys each year depending on how fast you and the other players are able to score goals and how many fights you and your teammates get into. Aside from the cost of the gear, you’ll also need to spend a considerable amount of time in physical education classes learning how to play goalie effectively and safely. Overall, you can expect to spend a few thousand dollars on a new hockey player each year.
If diving in hockey isn’t for you, you can buy used goalie equipment on eBay for around the same price as the above list. Just be sure to maintain it well and you should be able to play well above your weight for a long time before you need to upgrade.
Even though it’s a bit of a pain to have a van stuffed with all of this gear, you’ll feel that it’s all worth it the first time you stand on the ice and feel its cold temperature against your feet. Just make sure to bring plenty of layers with you as well – otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy yourself very much.
Is It Vary Dangerous?
While there are several ways to play goalie safely and effectively, you should know that it’s still considered a high-risk activity. If you have a fear of getting wet and being under water for an extended period of time, then this is probably not the sport for you. Just remember that the risk of decompression sickness is the biggest concern when it comes to diving in hockey.
This is particularly dangerous for two reasons. First, you can’t tell how fast the ice is actually melting until you’re underwater. Second, you can’t get out of the water once you become unresponsive to your floatation device. If you’re ever in doubt, then it’s generally best to opt out – especially if you’re ever in the presence of aggressive fish species.
On the plus side, playing goalie in hockey is a ton of fun and a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. Just make sure to have a safe environment in which to do it, prepare the proper gear, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you ever need it. Then there will be nothing left but to lace ‘em up and play ball.