About NSW Underwater Hockey

Our history, mission, and the people who make it all happen.

Our Story

NSW Underwater Hockey (NSW UWH) has been the state's governing body for underwater hockey for over three decades. What began as a small group of enthusiasts in Sydney swimming pools has grown into a thriving sporting community with clubs spanning the entire state.

Underwater hockey, also known as Octopush, was invented in England in 1954. It reached Australian shores in the 1960s and has been growing steadily ever since. New South Wales has long been a powerhouse state, producing numerous national champions and Australasian representatives.

Today NSW UWH coordinates state competitions, manages representative teams, supports club development and promotes the sport to new audiences at every opportunity.

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NSW Underwater Hockey team celebrating

Our Values

Everything we do is guided by three core principles that define the NSW Underwater Hockey community.

Inclusion

Underwater hockey is for everyone. We welcome players of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels into our community.

Excellence

We strive for the highest standards in competition, governance and player development, inspiring our athletes to reach their potential.

Integrity

Fair play, respect and transparency in everything we do, on the pool floor and in our administration.

The Sport

A quick guide to how underwater hockey works and what you need to play.

How It's Played

Two teams of ten players (six in the water at a time) compete in a swimming pool to push a weighted puck along the bottom into the opposing goal using a small hand-held stick.

Players hold their breath to play, there are no SCUBA tanks! The sport demands both strong swimming ability and strategic team play. Games are typically 15 minutes per half with a short break.

The pool is usually 25m long and at least 2m deep. Goals are placed at each end of the pool floor, and the puck weighs approximately 1.3 kg.

Equipment You'll Need

  • Mask & Snorkel
    Low-volume freediving mask recommended for better depth vision.
  • Fins
    Short-bladed freediving fins for manoeuvrability.
  • Glove & Stick
    A protective glove holds the short playing stick (bat).
  • Cap & Ear Guards
    Team-coloured caps with integrated ear protection.

Affiliated Clubs

Find an underwater hockey club near you and dive in!

Sydney

Welcoming players of all levels at two pools, Friday nights at Ryde and Sunday evenings at Gunyama Park in Zetland. Gear available to borrow.

Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre & Gunyama Park

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Wollongong

A close-knit Illawarra community training in a heated outdoor 2.5m pool. All levels welcome every Tuesday night, gear is available to borrow.

University of Wollongong

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Newcastle

Social game every Thursday night at Newcastle University. Beginners welcome, arrive a little early and all gear is provided.

The Forum Aquatic Centre, Newcastle University

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Canberra

ACT's club affiliated with NSW UWH. Training Thursday nights at Tuggeranong Pool, social, fun and open to all experience levels.

Tuggeranong Pool (Lakeside Leisure Centre)

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Central Coast

Serving the Woy Woy and broader Central Coast region. Sunday sessions with gear provided, perfect for newcomers.

Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy

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Mudgee

Bringing underwater hockey to the Central West. Monday evening sessions at Mudgee Pool. All experience levels welcome, gear for beginners.

Mudgee Pool and Water Park

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Enquire About a Club

Representative Pathways

From beginners to national champions, NSW UWH provides a clear pathway for player development.

1

Club Level

Join a local club and start playing in interclub competitions and social events.

2

State Representative

Selected players represent NSW in the Australian Underwater Hockey Championships.

3

National & International

Elite players progress to the Australian team, competing at the World Championships.

Our Committee

Dedicated volunteers who keep NSW Underwater Hockey running.

Ben Stepkovitch

President

Marion Cresser

Treasurer

Jenny Kennedy

Refereeing

Joel Hattie

High Performance Officer

Ali Wright & Jo Patterson

Information Officer Junior Development Member Protection

Isaak Campbell

Web & Media
Contact the Committee