Keeping in shape is an important part of any military training. That's why Marines go to boot camp and are verbally abused by their drill sergeants. At least, that's what I gathered from "A Few Good Men" and "Full Metal Jacket."
The Brits had a different idea for their navy: They created a sport that combined the need to be underwater with an ice sport -- of all things -- to create underwater hockey.
Played in a 25-by-15 meter pool that is 1.8 to 3 meters deep, underwater hockey is played in two 15-minute halves.
Each team in underwater hockey has six players, with four players on the sidelines who can jump in to substitute at any time.
The sticks are just that -- sticks. They are used to hit around a 1.5-kilogram lead puck that is coated in plastic.
Because the players do not have an oxygen tank, only snorkeling equipment, the game is difficult to play but can be helpful to people who need to practice swimming underwater. Players can usually stay underwater about 30 seconds at a time.
The University of Illinois has an intermural underwater hockey team, and they claim that lung capacity and utilization are improved in about a month.
Unlike regular hockey, physical contact is strictly forbidden by the rules of underwater hockey.
What makes underwater hockey different from all other sports is the fact that it is underwater, which basically nullifies individual strength and focuses more on teamwork.
Underwater hockey is a great workout because it combines two athletic activities and can be used to improve diving muscles and free-diving skill.
The next major tournament for underwater hockey is on Saturday, March 20. The Underwater Hockey World Champions will be held at QE2 Park Aquatic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. In 2002, 36 teams competed in the championship.
Other colleges, including Colorado State, Midwestern University and several colleges in Canada, also competed.
Write to Will at wjohargan@bsu.edu.
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