CLUBFOCUS
PURE member Kalindi Fonda ( bottom right ) enjoying Stavanger with fellow competitors
PURE and GB team members dominate the shallow pool at the 2023 Felix Cup in Sweden
Is there a social side to the club ?
Underwater rugby has an egalitarian and international social scene , with people passing through London frequently dropping in for a game . In the past few months , we have had visitors from Albania , Australia , Belgium , Colombia , France , Germany and Singapore . Unfortunately , our pool hours make it difficult to keep a regular pub schedule . But every new player will discover an international network of friends who love the sport and just want each other to do well .
What next ?
We hope to attract new players , people who love being underwater including current and potential divers and snorkellers . BSAC has been actively promoting snorkelling in recent years , and our accessible , addictively fun sport is a good fit with that .
This article will help us , as just getting noticed is a big deal , but we are going to reach out to local BSAC branches to see what we can do for each other . We have already expanded from Putney to include a night in Guildford , which is taking on a life of its own . And as we bring more new players into the game , we are learning how to structure a beginners ’ training programme , with scheduled newcomer sessions planned .
We would strongly encourage others to set up their own clubs , or to offer underwater rugby as a club activity . We can advise you on how to do it and we look forward to seeing some new friends in the pool . �
A warm welcome awaits
PURE members are always keen to tell newcomers about the club .
Founder member Rob Bonnar : “ The club is very friendly , there ’ s no pressure , stressfree basically . There is very good craic , we have a great time . And because we ’ re based in London , lots of people come in and out .”
New recruit Jamie Ganley : “ Everyone ’ s very friendly , it ’ s very easy to get involved . [...] Everyone ’ s been very helpful to guide me around , show me the rules , get me used to diving at depth . It ’ s a very welcoming club , really supportive , and I ’ m really , really enjoying it ”.
Female player Elaine M , who started out with Cheltenham Barracudas : “ I first got into underwater rugby four years ago and haven ’ t looked back since . This unique sport , which can be physically demanding , has a community of players that are supportive , friendly , and encouraging . I would greatly encourage anyone to come and give it a go .”
Harriet Glanville , club treasurer and long-time player : “ I started playing underwater rugby while doing an internship in Cheltenham and immediately found an extremely welcoming community . The good vibes are mirrored at PURE in London for sure . As a woman it ’ s a great contact sport to play , as I ’ m very much able to compete with the guys , so I always feel strong and respected .”
Diving to receive a pass from the surface
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