There's a strange new sport in town that we can't help but get excited about. Underwater hockey rookie Juan Pedraza climbed out of the water to tell what it's all about and how we can get involved:

What exactly is underwater hockey?
It’s similar to regular hockey in that there’s a goal at each end of the pool. Four players compete in the pool at one time, with two subs who rotate in. We play with a puck and small wooden sticks (about 30cm long), a snorkel, fins, goggles, a swim cap with ear protectors and a visor and a mouth guard.

Sounds dangerous.
Like any sport, there is the risk of getting injured. When all players are going for the puck and there is an opponent blocking, the puck may fly pretty fast or you can get hit with a stick. If you are unlucky they may even break your goggles.

What skills do you need to win?
Learning to control your breathing is important. Once you’ve got that down, understanding how to move, defend and attack in the water is key. It’s a team game so you need to pass the puck well, have a good strategy and solid swimmers in rotation. How fast you accelerate in the water is also very important. As soon as the first player’s stick touches the puck you can go for it. That’s what makes it so fun―the fast pace and contact.

How can we join?
We play every Sunday afternoon at Gezhi High School’s pool (150 Beihai Lu) near People’s Square. We take over at least two lap lanes, sometimes the entire pool. The league is still pretty small and we’re certainly looking for new players and sponsors. Anyone is welcome to jump in and give it a go.

Click here to watch a sweet underwater hockey video or email juan.pedraza@gmail.com to learn more