Octopush origins
A FILM TO MARK THE 70TH anniversary of the underwater hockey game , Octopush , was recently premiered at the BSAC club where it all started .
Southsea SAC hosted the first showing of the film , ‘ The Evolution of Octopush ’, on World Underwater Hockey Day in November . Produced by Argentinian filmmaker and member of Tritones Underwater Hockey Club Patricio Riganti , the short film traces the origins of the sport back to its founder , Alan Blake .
In 1954 , Alan was Branch Secretary of the then newly-formed Southsea Sub Aqua Club and was looking for a way to keep its 60 members fit and engaged over the winter months . He devised the rules for an underwater hockey game and so Octopush was born . From this start , the game is now played worldwide , with the British Octopush Association staging two world championships and also runs a sports development programme . There are currently 67 Octopush clubs around the UK and the sport is played in more than
42 countries , including the USA , New Zealand and Rwanda .
Riganti said it was an honour to share the sport ’ s history in his short film .
“ Through this film the true story of Octopush comes to light for posterity . Congratulations BSAC branch # 9 for such an invention and for having been the cradle of such important personalities for diving and Underwater Hockey .”
Speaking at the premiere , Southsea SAC ’ s Alison Mayor said the film also coincided with the club ’ s own 70th anniversary year . “ It has been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Patricio on The Evolution of Octopush . It is remarkable to think that this international sport began 70 years ago as a fun way of keeping our members fit during winter . We wish Patricio and all Octopush / Underwater Hockey players a happy World Underwater Hockey Day .”
The film can now be viewed at bsac . com / octopush70
For more information on playing Octopush or setting up your own team , visit www . gbuwh . co . uk
Left to right : Doug Carter , Jane Maddocks , David Bailey ( Chair of Southsea Octopush Club ), Alison Mayor , Martin Davies .
Weezle takes a bow
Hilary and Paul Child
THE FOUNDERS OF ICONIC UK DIVING brand Weezle , Hilary and Paul Child , have announced that they are to retire after almost 30 years in the diving industry .
The couple will step down from the West Yorkshire-based company in February and are hoping that company they set up back in 1997 will continue . At the time of going to press , they have yet to find a successor to take Weezle on . However , they have begun discussions with a UK manufacturer to continue the brand .
The Childs originally designed and developed their game-changing Weezle Undersuit after becoming dissatisfied with the performance of fleece and Thinsulate , the predominant materials being used for diving undersuits at the time . Paul had the idea of including more technical fibres as used by a local manufacturer and , with the Childs ’ design and diving knowledge , the Weezle Undersuit was born .
The result was a single suit that was warm , comfortable , washable and could deal with the inevitable suit flood . This first Weezle Undersuit eventually produced 100 permutations , as well as a range of outdoor clothing .
Hilary said that the Weezle Undersuit design went on to change the way many other undersuits were made .
Speaking on their imminent retirement , which the couple hope will give them more time to enjoy their own diving , Hilary thanked the diving community for their support .
“ We have appreciated the loyal following of our retailers and customers worldwide , many of whom are now also good friends , and it felt good being able to give back to BSAC too .
“ We just wanted to say thank you and wish you all warm and safe diving .”
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