Underwater passion
This article appears in the April 2010 edition of Sportshorts.
Competing at the highest level of any sport is incredibly demanding. But when your sport is relatively unknown and you live five hours from the nearest club, it’s darn tough. So it’s lucky Andrea van Eyssen loves Underwater Hockey.
You’ll find Andrea van Eyssen at Lake Burrendong Sport and Recreation Centre, near Orange in the state’s central-west, where she works as a Program Coordinator organising the schedules of visiting groups.
Andrea loves her job and the country life. But what’s not on offer at beautiful Burrendong is the sport Andrea lives and breathes – Underwater Hockey.
It’s certainly not a conventional sport – many people will have never heard of it.
But 35 year old Andrea has played it most of her life. And she has just been selected as member of the Australian Women’s Underwater Hockey squad.
An underwater passion
“I was introduced to Underwater Hockey by my dad at the age of 12. Since then it has remained a passion,” says Andrea.
“What I love most about the sport is the physical challenge of it - being submerged and surrounded by water, and having to constantly push yourself. Because it is a team sport I believe you really have to be fit for your own sake, but also because you are part of a unit.
“I also like that it’s different, not your everyday sport,” says Andrea.
Underwater Hockey is a relatively small sport in Australia, with only four clubs in NSW. Internationally there is a strong competition, the pinnacle of which is The Worlds tournament, held every two years.
Andrea grew up in South Africa and by age 17 was selected to represent her country. She went on to play in tournaments around the world for many years. In the 2009 Worlds Tournament, the South African team lost to Australia in the finals.
In a twist, it’s now those Australian girls who have become fellow team mates to Andrea.
About Underwater Hockey
Players wear a diving mask, snorkel, fins and water polo hat. They hold a hockey stick (called a "pusher"), about 30cm long.
The idea of the game is to use the pusher to push, pass or flick a puck between team mates to get the puck into the opposing team's goal at the end of a 25 metre pool.
There are 10 people in a team, with six in the water at one time.
Players breathe through their snorkels on the top of the water before diving down to join the action.
Underwater Hockey clubs in NSW regularly hold come and try events. No experience or gear is needed. For details visit NSW Underwater Hockey.
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A big move
In 2009, Andrea and her partner Darren decided on a life change and moved to Australia. After many years working for Outward Bound, Andrea soon found herself in the Program Coordinator role at Lake Burrendong.
“We really wanted to live and work in the country and the job at Lake Burrendong was perfect,” says Andrea.
“I made contact with the Sydney Underwater Hockey Club when I arrived in Australia and got involved in games and events.
“But after my move to Lake Burrendong, I lost my ability to compete regularly in games, as Sydney is the nearest club which is four to five hours drive from here.
“I’ve kept in close contact with the club and competed when I can. But there’s no doubt my isolation presents challenges,” says Andrea.
Self motivation the key
“Training for me is entirely self motivated. I devise programs that typically involve four swimming sessions a week, mountain biking and running.
“Creativity is also required. The Lake Burrendong pool has a rough surface, so I use a can of tuna on my kitchen floor for puck practise!
“I keep a training log to keep myself honest and also chat regularly with the girls from the Australian squad to compare training activities.
“Practising breath holds is important for Underwater Hockey. My team mates do this when driving around the city – they hold their breath on a red light and exhale when it turns green.
“That’s a little hard out here in Lake Burrendong, so they suggested to me I could hold my breath each time I see a kangaroo – and exhale when I see another!”
Green and gold of another kind
Andrea’s commitment and dedication paid off recently, when she was selected for the Australian team to compete in the Anzac Championships in New Zealand in late July. This team also forms the Australian Women’s squad which will train for the coveted World Tournament in 2011.
“I’m very honoured to be part of the Australian team. The girls have been very welcoming to me.
“It’s a great line for me to ring friends at home in South Africa and say I’ll be wearing green and gold, but not for your guys!,’ says Andrea.
Looking forward
“When I arrived in Australia, I was just happy to get involved in Underwater Hockey here. As long as I’m enjoying my sport and having fun, that’s all that matters. It keeps me fit and healthy, in the mind and body.
“It’s been a real bonus to be part of the Australian squad and there’s no doubt I’d like to be part of the Australian team that will compete at the 2011 Worlds.
“I’ll have to earn my spot though. They’ll be no shortcuts – I’ll have to be at my best,” says Andrea.
