Activity
Underwater Hockey
Photo : Marc Brakels
Underwater hockey: a sport worth discovering
Although still relatively unknown to the general public, underwater hockey is played in several clubs across Quebec. The sport is also practiced elsewhere in Canada and in more than 30 countries worldwide.
To truly appreciate this sport, you have to experience it!
The best way to enjoy a game of underwater hockey is with your head underwater. That’s where you can fully grasp the fast-paced dynamic of a sport played entirely beneath the surface. To truly discover it, you have to either participate or watch it on video. So why not dive in and experience it for yourself — literally?
Photo : N. Lasselin (Camo)
Photo : Sylvain Renard
Where Does Underwater Hockey Come From?
Invented in England in 1954 by Alan Blake, underwater hockey was created by scuba diving enthusiasts looking to stay in shape during the winter. Long before the first official rules appeared in the mid-1960s, friendly matches were already being held between clubs. At first, the game was very basic — players simply pushed a brass puck with a small wooden stick. It wasn’t until about twenty years later that the equipment became more refined and specialized. In Quebec, underwater hockey was introduced around thirty years ago by Rodrigue Sarrazin, following a scuba diving trip to the United States.
Photo : Sylvain Renard
How Is It Played?
Players move horizontally, parallel to the bottom of the pool, at a depth ranging from 2 to 3 metres. They wear fins, a mask, a snorkel, a glove, and a 30-centimetre stick. The gear is quite different from ice hockey! The puck, which stays on the pool floor, weighs 1.5 kg.
The game is played six versus six, and the goal is to push the puck into the opposing team’s net, which is 3 metres wide. Players pass the puck and use the time when it’s in another player’s possession to come up for air. A regulation game lasts 33 minutes, divided into two 15-minute halves with a 3-minute halftime, during which teams switch sides.
Photo : Clément Carpentier
Photo : Daniel Blin
Who Can Play Underwater Hockey?
Underwater hockey is accessible to everyone and can be played from childhood well into later years. It helps develop strong cardiovascular fitness. Contrary to what you might think, you don’t need to stay underwater for long periods to be a good underwater hockey player!
Photo : Daniel Blin
Underwater Hockey Clubs
Interested in Trying Underwater Hockey?
General Information
Contact Information
Phone : 418-956-5392
Email : hockeysub@quebecsubaquatique.ca
For details about practice schedules and beginner groups, we invite you to contact the organizers directly to confirm session dates and get all the information you need.
Gatineau
Location
Gatineau Sports Centre : 850 Boulevard de la Gappe, Gatineau
Contact Information
Phone : 613-808-5354
Website : www.uwh.ca
Facebook Page: /GOUnderwaterHockey
Public Facebook Group: /92940400802
Montreal
Location
Joseph-Charbonneau Pool : 8200 Rue Rousselot, Montréal
Contact Information
Phone : 514-972-3829
Email : camo_underwater@hotmail.com
Facebook Page : /CAMOhockeysousmarin
Quebec
Location
PEPS at Université Laval : 2300 De la Terrasse St, Québec
Contact Information
Phone: 418-956-5392
Facebook Page: /clubHSQ
Website: www.clubhsq.ca
Rimouski
Location
Complexe Desjardins : 150 2e Rue E, Rimouski
Pierre-Harvey Pool : 250 Boulevard Arthur-Buies, Rimouski
Contact Information
Phone: 581-624-6672
Facebook Page : /HSMriki
Sherbrooke
Location
Yvon-Lamarche Sports Centre: 2500 Bd de l’Université, Sherbrooke
Contact Information
Phone: 514-816-7277
Facebook Page: /hsmSherbrooke
Fermont
Location
Fermont Municipal Pool
Contact Information
Phone: 418-287-5471
City of Fermont Website
Gaspé
Location
Marcel-Bujold Sports Pavilion: 96 rue Jacques Cartier, Gaspé
Contact Information
Phone: 418-956-5392
Marcel-Bujold Sports Pavilion Website
Links
PDF – Regulation: Règlement de sécurité de Québec subaquatique – Hockey subaquatique
Find a Club in Quebec: Go to the Club Directory
Become an Underwater Hockey Instructor: More Information
What’s Happening in Canada: https://cuga.org/en/
YouTube Videos: https://youtu.be/UzhO5trZ7oE
Become an Underwater Hockey Instructor
Québec Subaquatique is proud to launch the first underwater hockey instructor training program in Canada — a unique opportunity to develop exceptional skills!
- Teach the fundamentals of underwater hockey: A short and accessible training program that quickly equips you to put your new skills into action.
- Get practical tools: Includes training plans and drill ideas to help you independently lead a successful introduction to underwater hockey.
- Online training: Complete it at your own pace, from home, on a user-friendly platform. Each module includes interactive quizzes to help you consolidate your knowledge along the way.
- Pool practicum: Apply what you’ve learned, build your skills, and gain hands-on experience as an underwater hockey instructor.
- Certification recognized by Québec Subaquatique: Upon successful completion, instructors will receive an official recreational underwater hockey instructor certification.
Prerequisites
- Be 16 years of age or older
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Open to underwater hockey players, physical education teachers, lifeguard-instructors, freedivers, swimmers, coaches, and anyone looking for a new challenge.
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Hold a valid CPR/AED first aid certification, or complete it before applying for certification.
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Provide a criminal background check when submitting your certification request.
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Have or create a Gmail address to log into and use the Google Classroom platform for your training.
Included
- The training program, including quizzes, instructional videos, and the final exam
- Coordination of the pool practicum
- Training plans to guide your first sessions
Following the training, the future instructor must submit proof of completion to Québec Subaquatique and validate their membership in order to receive their instructor certification and be officially recognized as an underwater hockey instructor.
To remain active and recognized by their national federation, Québec Subaquatique, instructors must keep their Québec Subaquatique membership and CPR/AED certification up to date.
Photo : Philippe Joachim
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Underwater Hockey Hard to Learn?
Not at all! While it takes a bit of time to get used to, underwater hockey is accessible to everyone — including youth and those who have never played traditional hockey. No advanced freediving skills are required, as players frequently come up to the surface.
At What Depth Is the Game Played?
Matches are played in swimming pools at a depth generally ranging from 2 to 3 metres.
How Many Players Are on a Team?
A team consists of six active players in the water, with substitutes rotating in as needed.
Who Can Play Underwater Hockey?
Underwater hockey is a mixed, intergenerational activity suitable for children, teens, and adults. The game promotes endurance, coordination, and team spirit.
Is Underwater Hockey Safe?
Yes, the activity is governed by strict rules and proper supervision. Physical contact is limited, and players quickly learn to manage their breathing and movements underwater.