Underwater Hockey Tourist

Get a game anywhere in the world
http://www.pucku.org/uwht

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Underwater Hockey Rules!

Hello all.. want to share my experience as a uwh tourist in America...

Just came back from a months holiday in the USA. While
there, I was able to grab a game in LA and San Jose.
Thanks chingkee, Doug and Cris for being so
accomodating!!!

While in LA, I must admit that I became thankful for
having "regular" pools back in Melbourne. So much of that wishful thinking for a better pool options in Melbourne.
In Pierce College I was shocked to know that we were going to play in an outdoor pool in the middle of the cold night! Ayks!!! My first time must admit. But hey, once I was in the pool it wasn't bad at all, it was actually soothing--almost like a spa. I admire the people who plays here in a cold night inspite and despite the fact it was outdoor and the bottom was kinda rough and really sandy(not sure where the sand comes from). I don't think anything can stop them to get a game of uwh...a sign of true addiction to the sport. I would play there myself if that was the only pool around the area! Enjoyed the game nonetheless! Great people.. good and skillful players!

In Lynwood, the pool was 12feet with sloping sides almost 45 degrees angle(it seems like it). When in the game, I always forget that it was treated as a playing area rather than a wall and become instantly amused to see players hustling and bustling climbing up the wall with the puck and then literally just letting the puck slip off their bats to pass to someone in the center or "beneath" them is the correct word. It was quite an experience and of course some getting used to.

Heard rumors that the hockey Mecca in the US is in San Jose, so off to San Jose I went. It was indeed, game was fast and really competitive. Pool was great with fast bottoms! Not to mention a lot of very skillfull players. I enjoyed the after hockey dinner! Love their pasta place! Wished I could stay longer so I could learn from the USA(they are 3 consecutive world champs for masters!!!), unfortunately vacation always has an end.

Must admit that I am glad that I am involved in a sport where people around the world are very friendly, and welcome tourists. Actually welcome is an understatement. Want and embrace the opportunity of playing with an uwh tourist. Played in the Philippines, USA and Singapore and everyone is simply eager to play with you as a tourist.

Luella, glad you had a good time. Sorry wasn't able to make it to hockey in San Jose while you were around, I was in the middle of a monster chest cold. Also too bad San Francisco's pools were closed, they are a fun young group that stays somewhat segregated from San Jose.

RE: the pool situation in LA is sadly pretty typical of the States, rough slow bottoms, weird depths, strange slopes... etc.
One of the reasons we have issues at worlds. We go from the wierd slow rough bottoms to proper tile and have no clue where the puck is going. Some adapt some don't but our first timers definetly are at a disadvantage.

One of the best parts about hockey is the hockey tourist. Love to hear about hockey travels!!!

Leu, sounds like you had a fab trip, I hope 1 day to make it to the USA, you have sold the trip to me.
Cheers
Bell
PS, Leu you are a great writer.

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Underwater Hockey Rules!

Tuck...I caught a flu myself while I was around, must be the weather that time. Yeah too bad San Fran was closed during those times I heard It was really worth going there for a game.

I know what you mean, I am resident player of Monash Universtiy here in Victoria where the surface is made of Fiber glass. It takes quite some practice to get a really good flick and also since it is quite textured when pushing the puck, it doesnt slide off easily as compared to a tiled surface. And then I played back in Manila where the pool had large super smooth glazed tiles. I was so surprised that the puck just slides off my bat with just "micro" movements. Plus it made my flick literally 1 meter longer. Not sure if having ultra smooth surface is really ideal for a game or atleast for training as it really doesn't entail much muscle effort to push to puck.

I must agree with you on that. I love being a hockey tourist.

YUP! had a fab trip Belle... Maybe the girls can have an UWH tour of the USA and "infiltrate" each of the playing venue.

PS..
thanks belle you are a good writer yourself

Hi I'm Dools,
an Aussie player from 100 years ago (2000 actually). I am now living in Virginia USA. I have not found any UWH here, if any one knows any thing more I'd love to hear about it.
Thanks

There are clubs associated with George Mason University and Viginia Tech at least. I'll try and dig up the contacts and locations of the clubs in the area, you might be a little drive away but there is hockey in the area for sure.

*edit* welcome to the board BTW

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An aquifer is a water bearing layer of rock or soil. Aquifers are separated by impermeable layers of rock or clay called an aquitard. Aquitard, however may sound a bit offensive to some, and therefore we will be changing the name to Aquachallenge.

It looks like the UNDERWATER HOCKEY TOURIST url has changed a bit and the linky in Belle's OP is not working. This should get you there.

If you click on the USA part and scroll down to DC / Virginia section David Sun's email is there. He kinda keeps his hand in all the hockey in the area and should be able to let you know whats going on down there. If that doesn't work let me know I'll ask around and see if I can scrounge up other info.

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An aquifer is a water bearing layer of rock or soil. Aquifers are separated by impermeable layers of rock or clay called an aquitard. Aquitard, however may sound a bit offensive to some, and therefore we will be changing the name to Aquachallenge.

I believe VTech is inactive; everyone graduated, moved away and started uw hockey someplace else! Yes David Sun is good contact for the area.

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Carol Rose