Off to Manila Polo Club we went last Saturday afternoon to attend introductory lessons for Underwater Hockey.  I was a bit surprised to see almost 50 people there.  Good thing that the pool was quite huge that batches were able to utilize part of the pool for simultaneous training.  I gathered that it was twice as many people the week before.

The lessons were free but it was PHP 200 per head for the pool fee.  After signing up, my colleague and friend from Soul of the Night race Vina (Hello Vina! *waves*) hands her gear that she lent me.  Inside the net were fins, snorkel, underwater hockey sticks, aqua shoes and socks.  As we walk to the pool deck, my chin quivers seeing the rest already in the water.  It’s our little secret, but… I do not know how to swim.

My mom enrolled me in 2 swimming classes during summer of primary school, but can you believe, I forgot how to?  Faintly, I remember the strokes but I don’t know how to float.  My uneasiness turned to fright and embarrassment so I told Bubba that he could go ahead while I sit this one out.  Bubba refused to go without me but I adamantly dreaded slowing down the class and making a fool of myself.  I’m used to the latter so it was basically more slowing the rest.

Man, was I a happy beaver when I found out that there were other people who weren’t comfortable using the fins and snorkel yet and that comprise of a separate batch to be taught by the instructor.  Still quite hesitant, Ramon, Vina’s partner during the race, was the one who encouraged me to give it a try.  He quickly carried the gear and helped me with the socks and stick.  He was persistent but the reassuring voice made me decide to give it a go.  If I postponed it 5 seconds later, he would have pushed me in anyway (Hey Ramon! 🙂 ).

It’s always refreshing to try a new sport and that’s how I felt with Underwater Hockey.  Being in the water is wading in un-chartered territory for me and it was quite exhilarating to overcome that fear of swimming (or drowning whatever applies).  I really enjoyed the intro class tremendously and found that I have gained a crumb of confidence in the water.  Not only did I feel more comfortable in the water, I learned how to tuck dive and maneuver the puck in different manners.  It was all so interesting as much as it is loads of fun.  What a good workout too I must say! 

Thanks to Vina and Ramon for all the help 🙂

09 0313- Events This Weekend Album 

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