The 2015 Wollongong Underwater Hockey 4s Competition took place on 18th April 2015 and it was a roaring success. With over 60 players (from different states and countries) and 13 teams there was plenty of quick fast underwater action happening.
Each team consisted of 4 players (or 5 with one being a substitute) and each game consisted of 2 five minute halves. The teams are picked by pot-luck and hence you get a random mix of teams.
The games are played in two courts, a deep section (2.4m) and a shallower section (1.8) with teams getting the opportunity to play in both sections. The games started at 11am with the grand finals being played at around 3:45pm.
The best part of the event has to be the BBQ party after at Phil A and Eden’s place. The BBQ party is a fancy dressed event and this year the theme was Partners in Crime. There were plenty of good costumes as everyone gets really into the dress up. After dinner is done, the winning and wooden spoon teams are announced and each member of both teams get to enjoy a shot of some mixed alcoholic drink. This is followed by a raffle draw where everyone who buys a ticket is a winner and walks away with something. After that the really party begins with people playing in the pool and spa. There’s usually an attempt to beat the how-many-people-can-we-fit–in-the-spa record and this year we set a new record with 47 people!!!
What a great year! Thanks everyone for coming down or up to Wollongong. Looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!
Below are some photos of the event, both at the pool and at the party. Also I’ve compiled a short 5 min video of the game below. And right at the end of the post, there is a video explaining what underwater hockey is. And if you’d like to try out the sport, the Wollongong Underwater Hockey (UWH) club plays at the University of Wollongong’s Pool every Tuesday from 7:30pm to 9pm. If you’re not in Wollongong, contact me and I can provide you with more information about your nearest local UWH club.
The 2015 Winning Team