Club Highlight: Pure UWR, Putney
For me, the difference between a good club and a great club is how it treats new players. They might not be the tallest, or the strongest, and certainly not guarantee you victory in competitions - but they matter!
I’m primarily an Underwater Hockey player, having spent over a decade playing on and off with various clubs. I had previously taught countless young people to play the sport, so when I approached Pure UWR in Putney for a trial session, I was curious to see how they would approach it. For the first time in years, I was the beginner!
And I have to say, Pure is exemplary! It was super easy to message on their Instagram and get in touch about coming along, and they make sure that every step of your experience is kind and welcoming. Much like other underwater sports, they don’t require you to have your own equipment, just your normal swimming gear.
But…
Underwater Rugby is still tough. Even as an UWH player, the physicality of physically moving your opponents out the way, along with the additional depth of the dive pit, made it a tricky adjustment to make. The players have really taken their time with me to help, though, in ways you wouldn’t expect.
For instance, UWH players are primarily facing down / forward, as the aim is to move in one flat direction at a time. In contrast, UWR is truly three dimensional, so you need to be aware of players diving in from above you into a tackle. Other club members suggested practicing swimming sideways or facing up during drills, which was a uniquely helpful way to learn this new way of moving underwater.
The best thing about Putney, though, is that they’re chatty.
A lot of UWH clubs can feel a bit introverted for a new player, making it difficult to see yourself staying there for the long haul. I’ve had a blast the past few months at Putney, and I look forward to coming back (when life isn’t as busy!), since they put in the effort to build their community.
We often forget that people, especially young women, are putting themselves out there in a big way to try an underwater sport. It’s a group of new people, you’re in trunks / a swimsuit, and you’re getting to grips with a whole new set of kit and skills. Clubs thrive and grow when we confront this uncertainty, helping people tackle the sport at their own pace - and have a great time!
Shout out to Bill, Hakan, Sam and everyone else at the club for helping teach me!
So, if you’re looking for a brilliant place to try Underwater Rugby in the London area, be sure to check out Pure UWR in Putney! Their session is at Putney Leisure Centre, every Thursday at 20:30. Get in touch via the links below:
Instagram: @pureuwr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PUREUnderwaterRugby/?locale=en_GB
Website: https://pureunderwaterrugby.com/
