Underwater hockey is limited-contact, but diving adds ear pressure, short breath holds, and the odd head knock.
When in doubt, surface.
Equalizing your ears
Water pressure builds on your middle ear as you go down. Equalize to balance it.
- Equalize early and often, not only when it hurts.
- Go gently. A soft pop is enough; do not force it.
- Equalize on the surface before you dive, then again every few feet on the way down.
- Pinch your nose through the mask and blow gently until you feel a release.
Do not dive through ear pain. If it will not clear, come up a little and try again. Still stuck? End the session.
A cold, flu, or blocked sinuses makes equalizing harder. Skip deep drops until you are clear.
Pain, fullness that lingers, dizziness, or nausea after a dive: get out and tell a coach or see a doctor.
Breath holds and surfacing
Game drops are short. You do not need a long hold to play well.
- Surface as soon as you want air.
- Breathe calm and steady before a dive. Frantic panting makes the next drop worse.
- Do not hyperventilate before going under.
Head impacts
Accidental contact happens. Wear a cap with ear protection.
If you experience headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or vision problems after a knock: get out, skip the rest of the session, and get checked.
Further reading
Water skills (mask clearing, snorkel recovery).