Where to buy kit

The club has a wide variety of old kit that beginners can borrow if they don’t have their own but most people will buy their own kit because it is much more comfortable and reliable.

Here is a list of the kit you will need,

Mask, Fins and Snorkel

Many players have a mask, fins and snorkel from previous snorkelling or diving activities but if you don’t then these items are cheap and will make your next holiday by the water even more enjoyable.

Mask

Any mask costing more than £20 should be fine. We recommend that masks have two lenses rather than one because that makes them a bit stronger.

Good brands include Cressi and Subea. It is nice to try them on before you buy and you might want to go to Decathalon. Some users prefer to pay a bit more for clear silicone masks because they last a bit longer. You can also buy them from the BOA Shop.

You don’t need great eyesight to play underwater hockey but keen players or snorkellers can buy masks that take prescription lenses.

Pool fins – you just slip your foot into them

Typical costing £45 to £90 any pool fins will be fine. The most popular and cheapest are Mares Avanti Superchannel from Decathalon. You can also buy fins from the British Octopush Association Shop.

Snorkel

Snorkels are very simple and any one will do, expect to pay between £5 and £25. Some players prefer snorkels that have replaceable mouthpieces like diving regulators or vent valves at the bottom but these cost a little more. Decathlon do a nice range of snorkels or you can buy them from BOA Shop.

Hockey Kit

Hockey Sticks

Sticks are usually sold as a black and white pair. Expect to pay £30 to £50. They are basically just bits of plastic but players will have their personal preference for size and shape. Try different sticks in the pool and discuss them with other players before buying.

Lefties note that you will need to buy left handed sticks! Buy from the BOA Shop.

Protective Gear

Underwater Hockey is a meant to be a non-contact sport but when you have many people in the pool chasing the puck some collisions are inevitable. Players must use the correct protective equipment. The club can lead this to you until you buy your own.

Water Polo Cap

There is a small danger of being struck in the ears by someone’s fin. For this reason players must wear a water polo cap in black or white. You only need one but most players have two so they can play black or white (any number will do).

Protective glove

Players must wear a protective glove on their playing hand. The club provide orange nylon gloves (from Wickes) but you may prefer to make you own using lots of mastic or buy one from the BOA Shop. Expect to pay £30 to £50. Buy from the BOA Shop.

Mouthguard

Players must fix a mouthguard to their snorkel to protect their pearly white teeth. The £3.50 ones work well enough. Buy from the BOA Shop.

Dive shops

There are many dive shops in London and one is sure to be close to you or on your commute (Ocean Leisure at Charing Cross is very convenient) worth a particular mention is Amphibian Sports which is only a couple of miles from Forest Hill Pools.

Here is a Google Map showing them all the dive shops in London. Simply click a marker to learn more about them. If you are planning a visit I recommend that you call them first and explain what you want and then they will ready to help you when you arrive.