Brooke James at Underwater Hockey Interzone Championships

Brooke James, a graduate hydrologist at WWLA, recently attended the Underwater Hockey Interzone Championships (Regionals) located in Wellington. 

The Interzone Championships is New Zealand’s most prestigious underwater hockey tournament, where elite players across New Zealand compete representing their home regions.  This year, fifteen teams representing different regions competed.  Brooke played for the Mid-Northern Women’s team who were up against seven other women’s teams.  The Mid-Northern region represents the area from below the Bombay Hills down to Napier and Taupo.

The women’s grade got split into two groups based on how the teams placed at last-years comp.  The Mid-Northern team began in the lower group, and with one less player than the other teams, they won against all the teams in the lower group (with a goal ratio of 31!), made it into the top group and won against another team in the top group.  The Mid-Northern team ended up placing fourth after a close final for 3^rd and 4^th where they lost 2-0.

Overall, the Mid-Northern team had a fantastic tournament, placing two places higher than last year.  We can’t wait to see what they bring next year!

If you think you may be interested in giving underwater hockey (UWH) a go, you are welcome to come along to your local UWH club.  UWH is played year-round, and UWH clubs often have-a-go sessions throughout the year, with gear you can borrow.  You can find more information on UWH and the clubs across the region at www.underwaterhockeynz.com and the Underwater Hockey New Zealand Inc Facebook page.

Underwater Hockey is a sport that combines swimming and hockey, resulting in a fast-paced team sport that may be unfamiliar to some.

Teams of six (with four additional subs) play with a short stick to push a lead weighted puck along the pool floor into the opposition’s goal bin.  Each player wears a mask and snorkel, fins, a water polo cap (to protect the ears), and a silicon glove to protect the playing hand.  As play is conducted on the pool floor, players must hold their breath whilst manoeuvring the puck.