Trying Octopush For The First Time
26th April 2025 - New Experience Number 9.
When I told people I was trying Octopush for the first time, I was met with blank looks and raised eyebrows.
It’s an activity I’d never heard of before either, and I couldn’t believe it when I discovered there is a group where I live! I signed up to give it a go as one of my 52 new things.
I had a brilliant comment to my post about it on Instagram. Someone had watched the video hoping I’d be tackling an octopus!
I can confirm, there were no tentacled creatures involved in this sport, but read on to find out more about what it actually is, how I got on, and how you can try it too.
What Is Octopush?
Octopush is underwater hockey, and although it’s been around since 1954, I’d never come across it before.
In a nutshell, it’s a low contact game, where players swim along the bottom of a pool, pushing the puck with a small stick, and attempting to get it into the oppositions goal.
Originating in Portsmouth, it is now played in many countries around the world. Even though there are underwater hockey world championships, it feels like a sport that we don’t hear much about, and I was looking forward to finding out more.
Why Is It Called Octopush?
The original rules were for teams of eight players, which is where the ‘octo’ part of the name comes from.
Rather than having a full length stick which would be incredibly cumbersome and dangerous, the game is played with a short, hand-held stick which is used for pushing and passing the puck. That’s where the ‘push’ part of the name came from.
It sounded very cool, and whilst I was nervous about it because I’m not overly confident in the water, I emailed the organiser and arranged to go along to give it a go.
Trying Octopush For The First Time - Getting Kitted Out
All I needed to take with me was my swimming kit. The rest of the equipment was provided, including;
- A hat with ear guards, which was useful for keeping my rebellious hair out of the way. Although it’s a low contact sport, it is fast and frenzied and there are occasional clashes, so the ear guards are protection from any rogue fins or hands.
- Flippers help to swiftly propel you along under the water when you kick your legs in a scissoring motion. This took a lot of concentration for me as my default style of breast stroke was hard to leave behind.
- The mask allows players to see the action, and protects the eyes too. The rubber also creates a bit of a seal around the nose which helps with the underwater aspect of the game.
- The snorkel of course does not help players to breathe underwater. However it means they can watch the game from the surface, never missing a moment of the action, and joining in as and when the moment is right.
- A glove is worn on the playing hand to protect it from any scrapes across the bottom of the pool, and from any close up tackles or passes.
- A playing stick. Sometimes called a pusher, it’s flat with a slight curve to it, and reminded me of a butter knife but heavier. It’s around 350mm in length, and is intended to be swum with at all times.
- The puck, which is what each team is trying to gain possession of in order to score a goal.
Giving It A Go
Whilst I love trying new things, trying Octopush for the first time definitely felt like a step out of my comfort zone.
The thought of playing underwater hockey made me feel nervous. I can swim, but it’s not very graceful. I can swim underwater, but not particularly well, and I can use a snorkel, but I hadn’t used one in a while.
Taking part in a fast paced game underwater in close proximity to others was definitely going to be one of my more challenging experiences.
Of course, they don’t introduce you to the sport by making you play a game straight away, although there was the hope I’d be joining in for the last ten minutes of the session.
Naively, I had thought, (or maybe hoped), the game was played in the shallow end of the pool. If I’d thought about it, I’d have realised that would have resulted in an unfathomable amount of splash and a lot of grazed knees.
Learning The Basics
Sitting at the edge of the pool, decked out in the Octopush kit, I was ready to give it a go. I lowered myself into the tepid water for a one-on-one introduction to the sport, whilst the regulars kicked off a game.
Bit by bit, I learnt how to use the equipment and the techniques for playing, and gained helpful feedback with every move.
It felt very progressive as I focused on implementing the suggested tweaks. With each attempt I was swimming a little faster, a little deeper, and a little longer, and it felt brilliant.
Of course there were plenty of mis-attempts when I breathed in water and spluttered back to the surface, or reverted back to breast stroke which is my default swim style.
My teachers were incredibly patient, and exceptionally good at adapting their instructions to help me learn the skills and the game.
Piecing It All Together - Trying Octopush For The First Time
After focusing on each aspect individually, I tried to piece it together. Kicking the legs, moving the arms, holding the breath at the right time, and diving down, all felt like a lot to think about at once.
It took me several attempts, but eventually I pushed myself off from the safety of the side of the pool and glided through the water with my face submerged.
Taking a big breath in, I hinged at the hips in an almost downward dog movement, and propelled myself towards the bottom of the pool.
Clasping the stick in my gloved hand, I stretched out my arm, and I made contact! Not only did I make it to the puck, I was pushing it along! It felt like such a sense of achievement and I was grinning as I came up for air.
A couple more attempts, and I was even able to pass the puck to my instructor!
Watching The Game
My instructors were utterly brilliant and encouraging, and wanted me to join in with the game that had been taking place whilst I’d been learning the moves. I loved that they believed in my abilities enough to participate.
However, there were just ten minutes left of the session, and by this point I was feeling pretty exhausted. I was also lacking in confidence about swimming so closely to the experienced players, so opted to watch a bit of the game instead.
I’d never actually seen Octopush in action before so it was a great way to learn. Observing the game was so helpful to understand the rules, and get an idea of what it would be like to be involved.
It was amazing to watch the players as they quickly cruised through the water. Turning swift and seal-like on the bottom of the pool, they took possession of the puck, play moved towards their goal, and with a thrust of an arm, a point was scored.
They made it look effortless and fun, and how they could hold their breath for so long was beyond me! Apparently the breathing does get easier with practice, and it only takes a few weeks before you’re not inhaling mouthfuls of water.
Why I Loved Trying Octopush For The First Time
Whilst I can swim, I’m not overly confident about being in the water. Yet in just one hour I felt as though I had progressed so much, and was pleased with my achievement!
They were a really friendly group, and I had such patient instructors who helped me to learn the basics. Even though it’s quite challenging to put it all together, they reassured me that it only takes a few weeks to notice significant improvements in being able to play.
Who Can Play Octopush?
If you can swim, you can play!
Teams are mixed gender and made up of all ages and abilities.
Teams are usually made up of 10 people, with only 6 in the water at a time. This means there are lots of substitutions throughout the game, giving people plenty of time in the water, and time to recover.
What To Wear To Play Octopush
You can wear your usual swimming kit to play Octopush, although anything baggy will create some drag under the water and reduce speed.
I had my swim shorts on and a t-shirt which will have slowed me down, but was fine for a taster session.
Why You Should Consider Trying Octopush
- You’ll quickly learn about an incredible sport that is brilliant to watch, and looks fantastic to play.
- If you’re looking for a new physical activity to try, why not give it a go?
- It’s quick to pick up, and the players are really friendly and supportive.
- It’s kind on the joints as it all takes place in the water.
- Swimming is exceptionally good exercise, but lane swimming can be a bit repetitive and boring. If you’re looking for something to make your time in the pool more engaging and exciting, you should definitely give Octopush a try.
- I’ll admit I also thought it would be really cool to give it a go, and it definitely delivered!
Want To Try It Yourself?
- If you’re in York, take a look at the York Octopush website for more details.
- For details of clubs and groups across the UK, visit the British Octopush Association Website
- For information about clubs around the world, take a look at the Under Water Hockey map
Cost Of Experience
- The cost will depend on the club.
- York Octopush was free for a trial.
- After the first month it costs £8 per session.
Recommendations
- Don’t worry if you’re nervous. The club want you to enjoy yourself and welcome you to the sport. They’ll help you to learn the skills to be playing in no time.
- Take socks you don’t mind getting wet. York Octopush recommended wearing socks to help the flippers to stay on, and this worked a treat for me.
- Don’t forget your towel. Pack what you’d usually take with you when you go for a swim.
While Octopush sounds fun, I reckon age and health matters might just prevent me from giving it a go.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Ha ha! I know it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but age shouldn’t come in to it. That’s a good point about health conditions though, so I’ll let you off. :o)
Wow this is so cool! I’m glad you pushed yourself to give it a go. Like you, I’m not a super confident swimmer, but I’m intrigued by this. Love following your challenges on here – well done!
I was really nervous before I went along, and surprised myself that I could actually get to the puck! I’m constantly amazed how we’re all capable of more than we think.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it, and I’m glad you like it!
Hope you have a great weekend ahead,
Sally :o)