The Ultimate Underwater Sport Competition Survival Kit
Is your team on the cusp of making the leap to a new division? Or are you attending your first competition and eager to put your best fin forward? Either way, you need a guide to help you be confident and tackle anything that comes your way. Let’s talk about it!
1. Be kit-check ready!
Regardless of your experience, it’s critical to make sure your equipment is up to standard, so that it can pass a kit check when you arrive. First, for UWH competitions, you are usually required to have a mouthguard on your snorkel, and have your snorkel tube cut down to a competition standard (though this varies per the style of competition).
Plus, some forms of equipment may be unusable, such as mono-lens masks, or tempered glass lenses that could shatter during play. When using equipment, pay close attention to the product marks to identify any possible risks. Or, play it safe, and buy D.finitive!
Finally, make sure that your kit is up to your own standards, too. For instance, make sure the protective layer on your glove is not torn or broken apart and the frame on your mask still intact. When your kit is well-cared for, you can stay on top of your game without worrying about breakages in tough matches!
2. Stay well-fed and hydrated!
Now, individual players’ advice will differ, and it is always best to test out your routine to find the food and drinks that work best for you. Everyone is different!
However, there are some core items that will certainly help you play at your best. First, a water bottle or electrolyte drink is a must. Keep this at the side of the pool to keep your energy up, and prevent the risk of cramping. Personally, I go for a big bottle of normal Lucozade, to drink throughout the day.
Plus, make sure to bring calorie dense snacks to keep you going over long tournaments. I normally opt for cereal bars, especially “Eat Natural” Almond and Apricot bars (they’re super). Likewise to any sporting event, a protein-packed breakfast is great, and similarly for lunch with lots of meat and carbs to keep you on form.
3. Manage your time carefully!
Underwater sports tournaments, namely underwater hockey, can span over a whole day - making it a challenge to stay sharp through the different matches. Since match times can be irregular, make sure to give yourself enough time to recharge, reflect with your team on the last match, and be ready for the next one.
It seems obvious, but it’s essential to give yourself the time to sort out any last-minute catastrophes. As with any sport, a brief panic can throw you off your natural rhythm before the critical early moments of a match. Even if you are a time-conscious person yourself, it never goes amiss to help out your teammates to stay early. They’ll thank you in the long run!
Plus, are you looking for competition-grade equipment that you can rely on - at a price point that makes sense for you? D.finitive has you covered! Check out our D.finitive Underwater Sports Mask: Crystal clear vision, anti-fog and panoramic lenses put you at the top of your game!
