There’s a new club in town!
The Sunshine Coast Underwater Hockey team, known as the ‘Sunny Coast Sea Dragons’, are now meeting for training every Monday night 5-6:30pm at the Noosa Aquatic Centre. But wait, you might be a bit confused…Underwater Hockey?
Well, underwater hockey is a thrilling and dynamic sport that will take your breath away, literally!
Picture this: you and your team are donning snorkels, fins, and masks as you dive into the deep end of a pool, armed with nothing but a stick and your wits.
The objective of the game is simple yet challenging – score a goal by manoeuvring a 1k, lead puck across the opposing team’s goal line at the bottom of the pool, all while holding your breath and avoiding the defenders who are trying to steal the puck.
The thrill of competition and the intense physical exertion of the sport combine to make underwater hockey an unforgettable experience that will leave you exhilarated and eager for more.
Anyone, of any age and any fitness level is welcome to come and try out.
Unlike many other sports, underwater hockey is a low-impact activity that is easy on your joints.
This makes it a great option for people with joint pain or other conditions that limit their ability to engage in high-impact activities.
It is a highly aerobic sport, so regular participation can help cardiovascular fitness and you can build strength, muscle tone and endurance because it requires using multiple muscle groups to manoeuvre in the water; including legs, arms, core and back.
Best of all are the mental health benefits of this unique sport.
Most find the stress relief and mental regeneration from their game play, coupled with a relaxation from jumping in the pool and the camaraderie amongst your teammates great reason to keep coming back for more.
Ben Johnstone, a former silver and bronze medallist for Queensland in the Underwater Hockey Championships, is the founder of the new club.
“I have played for the Morayfield ‘Moray Eels’ for years and have learnt so much,” Ben said.
“Now it’s time to get our own club going! It’s a great community to be apart of and I think Noosa and the Sunshine Coast will benefit from having a club to represent us.”
Ben and his wife Carrie (a yoga instructor and breathwork coach) have experienced the physical and mental health benefits first hand and are both passionate about getting kids and grown-ups alike into this amazing sport.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear and dive in – the excitement of underwater hockey awaits.
Mask, fins and snorkel are required. If you have your own bring them along to practice. If you require gear please contact ben at sunshinecoastunderwaterhockey@gmail.com
