Everything you need to know about NSW Underwater Hockey.
Underwater hockey (also known as Octopush) is a non-contact sport played at the bottom of a swimming pool. Two teams of six players compete to push a weighted puck into the opposing team's goal using a small hand-held stick. Players hold their breath to play, no SCUBA equipment is used. It requires a combination of strong swimming, teamwork and tactical skill.
You should be a confident swimmer and comfortable in the water, but you don't need to be an elite swimmer to start. Most clubs accept complete beginners and will teach you everything you need. As you play more, your swimming fitness and breath-holding ability will improve naturally.
Visit our Clubs page for a list of all NSW affiliated clubs including their training locations and contact details. You can also contact us directly and we'll help match you with the right club for your location and schedule.
Absolutely! Underwater hockey has junior divisions starting from around age 10–12. Many clubs offer junior programs and development squads specifically for younger players. NSW UWH also runs state-level junior competitions and representative pathways for talented young players.
Underwater hockey is a non-contact sport and is considered very safe. Protective equipment (glove, ear guards) is worn and a referee monitors all play. Pools used for the sport are staffed with lifeguards. Like any sport, minor bumps can occur, but serious injuries are rare.
A standard game consists of two 15-minute halves with a short break in between. Players continuously substitute in and out (similar to ice hockey), so there are always fresh players in the water. Elite competitions may use slightly different timing rules.
A full squad consists of up to 10 players, with 6 in the water at any time (plus up to 4 on the bench who rotate in and out freely). The 6 in-water positions typically include a goalkeeper, two defenders, two midfielders, and one forward, though tactical formations vary.
No, and you don't need to! Players dive to the bottom, make a play, then return to the surface to breathe through their snorkel before diving again. There is no limit on how often you can surface. The key skill is learning to be effective in short bursts of breath-holding, typically 5–15 seconds at a time.
There is no dedicated goalkeeper as such, any of the six in-water players can defend the goal. However, teams typically designate one player to focus on defence. The goal is a metal trough approximately 3 metres wide placed along the bottom of the pool.
To begin, you'll need: a low-volume diving mask, a snorkel, short freediving fins, a playing glove, a playing stick (bat), a team cap with integrated ear guards, and swimwear. Most clubs have loaner equipment for newcomers to try the sport before investing. A full set of your own gear typically costs $150–$300.
Standard snorkelling gear can work for beginners, but dedicated underwater hockey equipment is recommended. Low-volume masks are preferred because they're easier to equalise at depth. Short fins (blade length under 35cm) are required by the rules, as long freediving fins are not permitted in competition.
Underwater hockey equipment is a niche product. The best sources are dedicated underwater hockey equipment suppliers online (search for "underwater hockey equipment Australia"), or through club contacts who can often source gear at member prices. Some clubs also sell second-hand equipment. Contact us and we can point you in the right direction.
To compete in NSW UWH sanctioned events, you must be a financial member of an affiliated club. Your club will typically handle team registrations for competitions. Individual players can also enquire about joining an existing club team for specific events if their regular club is not entering a particular division.
NSW UWH competitions typically feature: Open Men, Open Women, Mixed (gender-inclusive), Under 18 (Men, Women, Mixed), Veterans (35+ and 45+), and Beginners/Social grades. Specific divisions offered depend on the event, check the individual event listing for details.
State representative selections are conducted annually ahead of the Australian Underwater Hockey Championships. Selectors attend state competitions throughout the year to identify talent. Players interested in state selection should perform consistently at club and state competitions and express their interest to their club coach or the NSW UWH Selection Committee.
Membership is managed through your affiliated club. Simply join a local club (see our clubs list), pay their annual membership fee, and you'll automatically become an NSW UWH member. This gives you access to all state competitions and events at member rates.
Club membership fees vary between clubs, typically ranging from $80–$200 per year for adults and $50–$120 for juniors. This usually includes access to all regular training sessions. Event entry fees are separate. Contact your club directly for their current fee schedule.
Yes! We actively encourage the formation of new clubs. To affiliate with NSW UWH, a club must have a minimum number of financial members, a constitution, a nominated president and secretary, and pay the annual affiliation fee. Contact us for the full affiliation requirements and we'll guide you through the process.