What gear do I need?

To get started you need only a swimsuit. We will provide you with the following equipment and give you training on how to use it. The links at the bottom of this page will be useful when you want to start buying your own gear.

Mask - Small volume free diving masks are best, but any diving mask will work fine. Swim goggles are not recommended. A mask doubles as a nose plug and face shield and doesn't fog as much as goggles.

Note: Clean the lenses of new masks with toothpaste. During the manufacturing process, a thin film of silicone will develop on the glass lens. This film of silicone will cause rapid fogging that is resistant to conventional anti-fog measures. It is important to remove this film of silicone from the lens prior to your first dive. To remove the film you will need to scrub the lens inside and out with a mild abrasive. A paste toothpaste is ideal but a liquid scrub will also work. Rub the cleanser into the lens with your fingers several times and then rinse clean thoroughly.

Snorkel - You want to be able to breathe while scanning the bottom of the pool for the puck and your next position. Large bore (to get air quickly), streamlined designs are best.

Fins - Softer freediving fins allow you to maneuver quickly and with speed. Heavy scuba fins are okay, but will beat up other people and your feet.

Stick - About 12 inches long, made of wood and painted black or white to distinguish the teams. It has a dog bone shape at one end with one straight side. It is usually about 2 cm or less thick and up to 12 cm wide at the tip. It narrows to a handle 2-5 cm wide and 1-4 cm thick.

Glove - Protects your knuckles from abrasion against the pool bottom. It also pads your hand when someone hits your hand instead of the puck. It is common practice to buy a heavyweight gardening glove and cover it with Aquaseal, Shoegoo, or silicone rubber caulking but this is best done with at least one other person. You can also buy them from UWH suppliers (see below) and at large tournaments.

Ear protectors - Required at tournaments. Getting hit in the ear with a fin may pop your eardrum if done right. Water polo caps work well.

Mouth Guards - An exterior or interior mouth guard is now required at all sanctioned tournaments.

Swimsuit - Men's recommended suits are briefs ("Speedos"), women's are one or two piece swimming suits. The club has designed very cool club suits.

For a more detailed description of the basic gear, see Sean Avent's Gear Recommendations and the Equipment section of our Beginner's Guide. See also Gear for Children.

Where to Buy Online?

Where to Buy in San Francisco?

  1. Bamboo Reef is a scuba diving store. Their stuff is good but a little pricey.
  2. Sports Basement has some great swimming stuff that sometimes is applicable to UWH.
  3. Sports Authority has snorkeling packages, but they're rarely any good.