Those were the two words that were added to my vocabulary today. Even though the word puck was quite familiar to me already, as I grew up watching the Mighty Ducks.
The word "purge" was something very unique I heard today. It is a snorkeling /scuba diving term - an action- which means to push out/remove water from your snorkeling mask by blowing (pushing) air out through your mouthpiece... it took time for me to learn it.
Finally, I finally had a chance to play one of the most hottest water sport around.
Underwater Hockey.
It was an introductory lesson handled by the Philippine Underwater Hockey Confederation, in their advocacy to make the sport more familiar to the Filipinos.
The class was held at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. The registration started around 12:30 in the afternoon beneath the smoldering heat of the sun...it was so damn hot, that we had to share the shade of the palm tree located near the registration area. Robbie was the first guy I met, a committe member I believe, he let us sign our names at the registration and asked us to change to our swim attire. He handed out underwater hockey equipments around the newbies { Hi Anna, Notnot, Abe, Mara and the SBMA - businessman guy! } - ( swimming fins, mask and snorkel, glove and a hockey stick) As we went down the pool, we waded for while and he gathered us around again and he told us the history of the sport in the Philippines. The sport was exisiting since the 1990's, but it was only played by a group of swimming and diving enthusiasts from the University of the Philippines. Eventually, they merged with other groups and recruited members and became P.U.H.C.*** And here they are, teaching us! After the short story telling, it was down to action.
At first, I thought the game was easy, as I watched it through the ever reliable video source on the Net, Youtube*, and thought, well, I can cope with since I swim. But it was not! It was more than swimming and holding your breath underwater. Finning, holding your breath and using it wisely, tuck diving and more! It was really hard. But feedback from the coaches say, as all sports, that once you get used to it, you'll find it easy to play.
So were taught again the basics the use of the mask and snorkel set, proper finning, tuck diving underwater, holding your breath underwater and how to use it wisely ( the secret - relax ). We were also taught the basics of the proper handling of the hockey stick and the correct maneuvering of the puck using the hockey stick.
Robbie told us the basics of the gameplay**. "The game set up is basically same as Football....." said Robbie. But here, the game is played in a Olympic sized pool( of course.. ), preferably 7-8 feet in depth. The time of is divided into two halves, 15 minutes each with a timeout of 2-3 minutes in between. A team is composed of ten members, 6 active players and 4 substitutes. 3 of the active players a called the "forwards" a center forward, a left forward and a right forward. They serve as the offense of the team. The other three members are called the "backs" or the "defenders" of the team. "...but in underwater hockey, we have no goalie." was the continuation of Robbie's statement. So, it means its up to the defenders to defend the opposing team. A point is scored when the puck is exactly placed inside the goal.
And we were ready! Let the games begin!
Now this is the fun part. This is supposed to be a non contact sport - but yes.. I do believe it is.
But any ways, it was really intense! You - going down underwater - looking for the puck and your teammates - getting it from your teammates - swimming through the other side holding your breath - with the puck at your hands - your lungs almost bursting - you see the goal all clear- swim to it as fast as you can before you run out of air?
And you get a goal!
One word man, INTENSE!
That was one exhausting, adrenalin pumping, lung bursting activity I've ever had since joining the swimming varsity in college - but it was worth it. I had F-U-N .
I really would give it another try.
Thank you P.U.H.C.***.
I look forward joining your team!
* Youtube is a trademark - www.youtube.com
** These are not the official rules of underwater hockey, only the author's
*** P.U.H.C. stands for Philippine Underwater Hockey Confederation - visit them at www.puhc.com.ph
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