1) How much does practice cost?

The amount varies by pool. See the where and when page for current fees.

2) Is there any membership fee and/or commitment involved in this?

There is no fees or dues the first couple times you come to practice. Once you start playing regularly or go to your first tournament you will need to join the national UWH organization which costs about $40 per year. Whether you want to just try the sport out or want to play for the rest of your life, we're a casual club - our only commitment is to the sport and to having a good time.

3) I'm not a very strong swimmer - will I be able to play?

Yes. You don't need to know how to free dive or SCUBA dive and you don't need to be a competitive swimmer.  You just need to come and have fun.  it does help to be comfortable in the water, but that's easily learned.

4) How intense is it?  Being X type person of Y height and Z weight, I don't know if I can play...

The sport is non-contact. Water removes a lot of your mass, so size isn't really important. It's more about using the puck to your advantage and speed. The smart player is rewarded over the big player.

5) What do I have to bring? If I don't own any of the equipment needed to play, do I have to rent it?

All you have to bring is yourself and a swimsuit. The YMCA provides clean towels but you should bring your own to King Pool. We'll provide all the gear you need to play free of charge. We'll also provide instruction on how to use it.

6) I live in X but the pool is in Y. Can I get a ride to practice?

We realize not everyone who lives in the city can easily get to the pool. If you need a ride, please ask, we can probably arrange for you to carpool with one of our other players.

7) Do I have to wear a tight swim suit (aka a Speedo)?

No, of course not. Wear whatever you're comfortable in. However, big shorts or swim trunks provide drag which will slow you in the water.

8) Just out of curiosity, how many people show up on any given day?

Between 10 to 20 people come on Mondays and a few less at the YMCA.

9) Would I be able to play from the first day I show up?

Depends if you want to. You can spend the entire time learning and doing drills, you can jump right in without instruction, or you can do a combination of both. Whatever you prefer.

10) Is the pool you practice in an outdoor pool?

No. Martin Luther King pool and the Presidio YMCA are indoor facilities.

11) I have some general questions about hockey and how to play. Where I can look for answers?

Our Underwater Hockey Beginner’s Guide has a ton of information about every from drills, to positions and formations.

12) I'm been playing hockey for a couple months now and want to buy my own gear - what are some good sites to go to?

True Blue Underwater Hockey Supplies - An Australian company where you can get all the hard to find hockey items - gloves, sticks, fin keeps, hats, etc etc.

LeisurePro - Low-cost diving and snorkeling supplies. Good place to look for snorkels, masks, fins, dive bags, and other related gear.

ScubaStore - This is Spanish store, so you'll pay more for shipment, but apparently they have a very good selection of diving/snorkeling supplies.

USA Water Polo Headgear Order Form - This is a good, cheap set of headgear that US Water Polo offers. Unfortunately, you can't order online, so you have to fill out and fax in this form.