Looking for a new challenge? Try underwater hockey

Welcome to the world of underwater hockey: a fast, fun team water sport.

People in Greater Shepparton will have the chance to be introduced to the game this week, with multiple free introductory sessions being held in the region.

Underwater hockey can be traced back to the 1950s.

According to the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques, the world governing body for the sport, the game was initially dubbed ‘Octopush’, and the first rules were tested in a 1954 two-on-two match in the UK.

Since then, the game has evolved and spread globally, now played in 30 countries.

Underwater hockey has been played in Australia since 1966.

Now, it has made its way to the Shepparton area.

How to try it out

From Wednesday, January 22 through Saturday, January 25, interested community members are invited to try underwater hockey at one of four local pools.

What is underwater hockey?

The main aim of the game is to manoeuvre a puck across the bottom of the pool using a short stick and into the goal of the opposing team.

Players wear a snorkel and flippers.

No scuba diving gear is permitted, so players must hold their breath while moving the puck along the bottom of the pool.

Teams consist of 10 players, with six players in the water at any given time.

Players are not permitted to use their stick against anything, or anyone, other than the puck.

The puck also cannot be played or stopped with anything other than the stick.

What to expect

The upcoming underwater hockey sessions organised by Greater Shepparton City Council’s Activities in the Park will be facilitated by Geelong Underwater Hockey.

The sessions will be conducted by Geelong Underwater Hockey chairman Stuart McCullum and one of Australia’s best young players, Caden Milnes.

Mr Milnes is a member of the Victorian elite men’s team, which won the 2024 National Championships in Cairns, and a member of the Australian under-19 team that came fourth in Malaysia in July 2024.

Attendees of the sessions can expect an introduction to the sport, equipment, positions, how the game is played and rules for safety.

Gear will be issued to participants, along with an explanation of its use.

Basic moves and use of the snorkel will be demonstrated, and participants will learn basic snorkelling skills.

Participants will also learn game skills, such as flicking the puck underwater, turning and submerging in different ways.

After receiving instructions, attendees will then get to divide into teams and play a game.

“Underwater hockey is a great sport for all ages and benefits include not causing injuries from running, stopping suddenly or being run into, unlike traditional hockey. The game is great for fitness, flexibility and requires strong teamwork,” council’s Community Wellbeing acting manager, Daniel Dragt, said.

Mr Dragt said if participants became interested in underwater hockey and wished to continue playing, there would be a chance to discuss setting up a team at one of the local pools.

“There are currently only two Victorian clubs that have junior development teams, so a team in Shepparton could provide kids the platform to obtain a place in the 2026 Victorian under-15 and under-19 teams,” he said.