Goal

The goal of this training is to ensure the student has a safe and enjoyable introduction to underwater hockey. At the beginning of the session they are taught the basics of snorkelling and if this goes well they may be able to join the game towards the end although many need additional training the following week.

Main Success Scenario

1. Get kit from locker
2. Kit-up on side
3. Ask the student to put their fins and cap on the side of the pool and spit/anti-fog their mask but not to put it on yet.
4. Get in pool
5. Put on mask
   • The instructor demonstrates how to put a mask on safely so you don’t drop it off the boat into the sea. Hold it tightly in one hand and pull the strap over the head
   • The student does this.
   • The instructor checks for trapped hair and general fit
6. Diving signals
   • The instructor demonstrate the up, down, OK and shaky signals.
7. Test mask
   • The instructor demonstrates lying face down in the pool holding the edge to test the mask. He breathes normally.
   • The student copies this. When the instructor is satisfied that the test is complete he uses a diving signal to tell the student to come up
   • The instructor verifies that the mask has not leaked.
8. Test fins
   • The instructor demonstrates finning against the side of pool with straight legs
   • The student copies
   • The instructor verifies that the fins are good fit
9. Swim a length
   • The instructor explains that you fin without using your arms so you don’t hit anyone and with straight legs
   • Both swim slowly one length. This allows the instructor to verify that the student can swim with straight legs and breath.
10. Swim back strongly to the shallow end – this the student feel the power of fins.
11. Swim back strongly to the deep end
12. The instructor demonstrates how to clear a snorkel in deep water
    • sink into the water
    • come up facing the sky so that water drains out of your snorkel
    • and blow hard
13. The student copies and the demonstration/practice repeats until the student is comfortable clearing their snorkel
14. The instructor demonstrates a duck dive
    • put feet above head to drive the body down (warn tall students not to hit head)
    • come up and clear snorkel as taught
15. The student practices this and the instructor demonstrates until the student is doing it well
16. The instructor explains the need to do a circle and look around as one come up and to put one’s fist above one’s head to protect against boats. He demonstrates this.
17. The student practices this and the instructor demonstrates until the student is doing it well.
18. The pair swim to the shallow end
19. The instructor demonstrates swimming close to the bottom and rising and blowing like dolphin with the head still face down in the water. STUDENTS FIND THIS HARD so give lots of support. They need to take deep breaths and blow hard. If they have too much trouble try a different/better snorkel.
20. The student practices this until they are competent to clear a snorkel.
21. THIS CONCLUDES THE SNORKEL TRAINING
22. The instructor demonstrates using the stick and puck (Alan to extend this section)