Ballito’s underwater hockey star selected for SA squad

Part hockey, part diving, all skill – underwater hockey is an unusual but fast-growing sport across the globe.

Ballito resident Tatton Alexia Bouras (28) is one such proponent of the sport who first played underwater hockey in 2016 and has represented South Africa at various levels ever since.

Initially a field hockey player and swimmer, Bouras was hooked after she read an advertisement calling for local players while working at the Durban Undersea Club.

“The ad said, ‘if you can read this while holding your breath then you can play underwater hockey,’ and it piqued my interest,” said Bouras.

She quickly took to the sport, representing the U23 team at the world junior champs in Spain in 2016 and the elite team at world championships in Canada in 2018.

Bouras will again represent the elite team taking part in the 21st world championships in Australia in July.

“The women’s team is really competitive, winning four out of the 20 championships ever held, most recently when we beat New Zealand in Stellenbosch in 2016.

“I was not playing then and definitely want to add a fifth title to that list,” said Bouras.

Despite a strong record, the team is completely self-funded, even needing to buy their own South African blazers when earning their first cap.

They have set up a backabuddy page to raise funds to help with travel, equipment costs and kit sponsorship.

Search for SA Underwater Hockey Elite Ladies or reach out to the team via @durbanunderwaterhockey on Instagram.

Underwater hockey was invented by the British Navy in the 1950s as a way for divers to keep fit and increase their underwater agility.

There are 10 players per team, six of whom are in play at any given time, competing to score with a weighted puck – similar to that used in ice hockey – at either end of a 25 metre pool.

Players wear a snorkel and use a small curved stick, spending as long as they can hold their breath for underwater, around 30 seconds per time at full game speed.

With players regularly leaving play to get air, there is an added tactical dimension, a good understanding of which separates the elite players from the rest.

If you would like to learn more, the team is always looking for extra players to join them at King’s Park. You can reach out via the same Instagram handle listed above.

Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news

Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0

WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.