What gear do I need?

To get started you need only a swimsuit. We will provide you with the equipment you need and give you training on how to use it. We do ask that you gradually procure your own gear -- you will be more comfortable in your own gear and it allows the club to have club gear ready for new recruits. 

After 6 weeks:

• • Required to own (~$115-180):

    • Bag to keep stuff ($0-200)

    • Tight-fitting swimsuit (briefs or jammers for gentlemen; one or two-piece sport suits for ladies)

    • Starter Kit (all orange items, $115)

    • Mask ($65, $46, $46)

    • Wide Bore Snorkel ($25, $30)

    • Glove ($55)

    • Mouth guard ($12)

    • Snorkel keeper (x2) ($1.50)

    • Sticks ($35, recycled plastic, includes b&w)

  • Recommended to own (~$175):

    • Caps ($30+, $40, includes black & white)

    • Fins & Booties ($115 + $20)

After 4 months

• • Must have all items above.

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 inside lenses of new masks with a lighter (yes, fire), followed by white toothpaste (e.g., Colgate) or with Sea Buff Dive Mask & Slate Cleaner. During the manufacturing process, a mold release chemical is used to make it easy to separate a silicone mask from the mold. This film will cause rapid fogging that is resistant to conventional anti-fog measures. It is important to remove this film from the lens prior to your first dive. To remove the film, use the toothpaste (after the lighter) or just use the Sea Buff cleaner -- rub it on with your finger, allow to sit for 5+ minutes, then rinse with fresh water. Repeat the paste step at least one more time.

De-Fog - By far, the best de-fog is merely baby shampoo and water. Use roughly 1/3 baby shampoo and 2/3 tap water. 

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. Experienced players often have carbon fiber fins (these are very expensive).

Stick - About 12 inches long, made of wood or plastic. They're always sold in sets with one black and one white stick.

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 cut-proof glove or even a gardening glove and cover it with Aquaseal, Shoegoo, or silicone rubber caulking but this is best done with at least one other person who's done it before. You can also buy them from UWH suppliers and at large tournaments.

Ear protectors - Required at tournaments. Getting hit in the ear with a fin may pop your eardrum if done right. Look for water polo caps. Some where wrestling headgear as well, but some tournaments require caps.

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

Where to Buy Online?

• Bentfish USA: save 10% and the club gets 5%!

• CanAm Underwater Hockey Gear: great gear, and the club gets 5%. Can take several weeks or months to ship.

• Hydro UWH: fast shipping and wide selection of quality gear; ships from New Zealand, so shipping costs are significant.

• LeisurePro has loads of choice, and excellent deals sometime.

Where to Buy in San Francisco?

• Bamboo Reef is a scuba diving store. Their stuff is good but a little pricy.

• Sports Basement has some great swimming stuff that sometimes is applicable to UWH.

• REI has snorkeling packages, but they're rarely any good or appropriate for the safety requirements of UWH.