Bring the personal basics
- ›Ask about a mask, fins and suitable swimwear.
- ›Choose fit and comfort over appearance.
- ›Use only gear you can control confidently.
START WITH THE RIGHT BASICS
UNDERWATER RUGBY
EQUIPMENT
Build a simple, safe starting setup with your club. Comfort, fit and current session guidance matter more than buying a lot at once.
FIRST SESSION PREP
KEEP THE FIRST KIT SIMPLE
Start with what you can use safely and comfortably. Your club can explain what it provides, what to bring, and what can wait.
Confirm with your team
- ›Check cap colour, number and session expectations.
- ›Tell the coach if a piece feels unsafe or uncomfortable.
- ›Follow pool and club instructions first.
Know what is provided
- ›Balls, baskets and playing-area equipment are normally shared.
- ›Do not assume every item is a personal purchase.
- ›Ask before adding optional training gear.
EQUIPMENT GUIDE
WHAT EACH ITEM IS FOR
These are practical starting points, not a shopping list or a substitute for club, federation or event requirements.
PERSONAL BASIC
Mask
A well-fitting mask helps you follow the ball, your teammates and the space around you underwater.
01 ROLE
Clear, comfortable vision
02 FIT & COMFORT
A secure seal without uncomfortable pressure
03 SAFETY CHECK
Check the strap, frame and edges before use
04 CLUB CHECK
Ask your coach to check the fit for early sessions.
OPTIONAL
Snorkel
A snorkel can make surface recovery more comfortable between underwater efforts. It is not a substitute for safe, coached practice.
01 ROLE
Surface breathing between efforts
02 FIT & COMFORT
A mouthpiece you can hold comfortably
03 SAFETY CHECK
Keep it simple, secure and free of sharp edges
04 CLUB CHECK
Your club can advise whether it is useful for your session.
PERSONAL BASIC
Fins
Fins provide propulsion and control for diving, changing direction and moving through the three-dimensional playing area.
01 ROLE
Controlled movement and positioning
02 FIT & COMFORT
A fit that is firm but not painful
03 SAFETY CHECK
Inspect for cracks, damage and unsafe edges
04 CLUB CHECK
Try the club’s guidance before choosing your own pair.
TEAM EQUIPMENT
Protective cap
The protective cap helps protect the ears and makes player numbers and teams easier to identify.
01 ROLE
Ear protection and team identification
02 FIT & COMFORT
A stable fit that stays in place
03 SAFETY CHECK
Keep ear protectors and fastenings intact
04 CLUB CHECK
Confirm team colour and number arrangements with your club.
TEAM EQUIPMENT
Swimwear
Secure swimwear supports unrestricted movement and clear light-versus-dark team identification.
01 ROLE
Comfortable, secure movement
02 FIT & COMFORT
Close-fitting without restricting motion
03 SAFETY CHECK
Avoid loose pieces that can catch or shift
04 CLUB CHECK
Check your club’s teamwear expectations before an event.
CLUB PROVIDED
Underwater Rugby ball
The game ball is prepared to sink and is normally supplied, checked and managed by the club or organiser.
01 ROLE
Passing and scoring below the surface
02 FIT & COMFORT
Not a personal purchase for beginners
03 SAFETY CHECK
Leave preparation and checks to the responsible team
04 CLUB CHECK
Learn with the ball your coach provides.
OPTIONAL
Optional training equipment
A club may introduce additional training aids or permitted protective items for a particular session. They are not automatic purchases.
01 ROLE
Coach-led support for a specific session
02 FIT & COMFORT
Only equipment approved for your use
03 SAFETY CHECK
It must stay secure and must not create a hazard
04 CLUB CHECK
Ask before bringing or buying anything extra.
SAFETY IN 60 SECONDS
FIT, COMFORT AND SUPERVISION
Equipment supports safe participation; it does not promise comfort, performance or medical suitability. Raise concerns with your coach and, where appropriate, a qualified health professional.
- ✓Players compete with bare hands; gloves are not standard playing equipment.
- ✓Check each item before entering the water.
- ✓Do not use damaged, loose or potentially harmful gear.
- ✓Follow the coach, pool staff and session supervision.
- ✓Stop and speak up if equipment causes pain or feels unsafe.
- ✓Never treat this guide as a replacement for current official rules.
COMMON MISSTEPS
KEEP EXPECTATIONS PRACTICAL
- 01Buying before asking what the club already supplies.
- 02Choosing a difficult or uncomfortable fit because it looks more advanced.
- 03Assuming optional gear is required for every player.
- 04Using gloves as if they were standard playing equipment.
AFTER THE SESSION
LOOK AFTER THE BASICS
- ✓Rinse personal equipment with clean water after use.
- ✓Let it dry fully before storing it.
- ✓Inspect straps, edges and fastenings regularly.
- ✓Ask the club how shared equipment is handled.
OFFICIAL READING
START WITH THE RULES
Use official sources and your organiser’s current documents for competition-specific decisions.
Rules and event documents can be updated. Always use the version specified by your club, federation or competition organiser.
READY TO TRY A SESSION?
LET A CLUB GUIDE YOUR FIRST SETUP
A local club is the best place to understand the pool, the equipment available and the expectations for a supervised first session.