Have you ever wondered what would happen if you took the excitement and competitive spirit of hockey and placed it at the bottom of a swimming pool?

You don’t have to wonder; you can experience it for yourself with the international sport of underwater hockey.

This intriguing athletic activity has a small but passionate community here in Orlando and has found its home at the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center.

In honor of Underwater Hockey World Day on November 18, we thought we’d share more information on this unique sport and how you can get involved right here in Orlando.

What is Underwater Hockey?

Originally known as “octopush,” underwater hockey has been gaining popularity since its invention in 1954.

What began in Great Britain as an incentive to keep diving members active in cold winter months has become a true international sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

Over 36 countries have underwater hockey teams that compete in the world championships, which take place every two to four years.

The USA has over 60 club teams, many of which compete in the annual USA national championships.

How Do You Play?

Similarly to hockey played on land, the objective of underwater hockey is to score a goal in your opposing team’s territory using a puck made of plastic and lead.

Each team has 6 active players in the water and four who are on the sidelines ready to tag in as needed.

Players wear fins, a diving mask, a snorkel, and a thick glove made of silicone that protects their hands from the rough floor of the pool and any impacts from the heavy puck.

Short sticks made of plastic or wood are used to push or flick the puck along the floor of the pool towards the opposing team’s goal.

What Does Underwater Hockey Look Like in Orlando?

Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center is home to Orlando Underwater Hockey, founded by Ariel Czesler and Lucky Meisenheimer in 2011.

The co-ed team has won three state championships in 2019, 2021, and 2024, and finished fifth at Nationals in 2019. Three players from the team have had the honor of being selected to represent the USA at the world championships in Spain.

Orlando Underwater Hockey has hosted a variety of past tournaments including Nationals, Regionals, State championships, and the annual Doc Lucky Invitational.

How Can You Get Involved?

With most of the action happening beneath the surface, underwater hockey isn’t much of a spectator sport. Instead, you’re encouraged to join Orlando Underwater Hockey to experience it as a player!

Whether you’ve played before or you are brand new to underwater hockey, the Orlando club is a welcoming place to learn the game.

All ages are invited to give underwater hockey a try. Orlando Underwater Hockey has had players as young as twelve on the team as well as players well into their sixties.

It is recommended, however, that players are comfortable wearing diving masks, using snorkels, and swimming to the bottom of a seven-foot-deep pool.

The team meets for games on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Players are encouraged to bring their own gear, but if you don’t have the right equipment, you can borrow it from the team.

Why Should You Get Involved?

It’s no secret that staying active is important at every age, but what’s special about underwater hockey is how it allows an older generation (or anyone concerned about playing contact sports) to participate in a team sport.

“First of all, I’m 67 and I’m playing a team sport,” says Orlando Underwater Hockey founder Lucky Meisenheimer. “You just can’t do that in other team sports. It’s a non-gravity sport, so that’s our huge advantage for keeping people playing in later years.”

While underwater hockey is a limited contact sport, any accidental bumps that may happen underwater are softened by the water, making it a safer option for anyone concerned about physical impact.

Joining the underwater hockey team is also a wonderful way to meet new people.

“It’s a small community, so everybody eventually knows everybody,” says Lucky. “Come and bring whatever gear you have. We’re a very welcoming club.”

Try Underwater Hockey at Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center

Whether you are brand new to the sport or have been waiting for the right moment to try, now is the time!

Celebrate Underwater Hockey Day World Day on November 18 by joining the Orlando Underwater Hockey team for a game. You’re in for a good time with great people.