San Sebastian: Underwater Hockey Events and Global Tournaments

When you think of San Sebastian, a coastal city in Spain known for its vibrant culture and stunning beaches. Also known as Donostia, it's one of the few places outside South Africa where underwater hockey has truly taken root as a competitive sport. This isn’t just another beach town—it’s where teams from Europe, Africa, and beyond have clashed in high-stakes matches under the Atlantic waves. While most people associate underwater hockey with South Africa’s Hockey World 2016, San Sebastian hosted one of the most intense international tournaments in the sport’s modern history, drawing players who train in freezing water, wear heavy gear, and play with a lead puck that sinks faster than you can blink.

Underwater hockey, also called octopush, isn’t played in pools like regular hockey. It’s a 15-minute, high-intensity game where athletes dive down, use short sticks to push a 1.25kg puck along the bottom, and rely on breath-holding skills that rival free divers. San Sebastian’s cold, clear waters and deep harbor made it ideal for hosting official matches, especially during the late 2010s when the sport began gaining global traction. Teams from South Africa, Australia, and the UK all brought their top players to compete there—not just for glory, but to qualify for the next World Championships. The city’s local clubs even started youth programs, teaching teens how to handle the gear and read the game’s rhythm under water. It’s rare to see a European city invest this much in a sport most people have never heard of, but San Sebastian did.

What makes San Sebastian stand out isn’t just the location. It’s the people. Coaches from Cape Town trained alongside Spanish volunteers. Referees from Johannesburg flew in to officiate. And after the matches, players from different countries shared meals, swapped stories, and talked about how underwater hockey changed their lives. This isn’t just about winning. It’s about connection—between cultures, between athletes, and between the surface world and the quiet, mysterious depths below.

Below, you’ll find articles that touch on San Sebastian’s role in the global underwater hockey scene, from match reports and player profiles to behind-the-scenes looks at how tournaments like Hockey World 2016 were shaped by international events like these. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just curious about what happens when 12 people dive down and fight for a puck in total silence, these stories show you the real heart of the sport.