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Are there any environmental concerns associated with playing underwater hockey?

Elian Lardnar

Well, well, well! If it isn't my fellow underwater hockey enthusiasts! I was swimming around the interwebs the other day and stumbled upon a question that really caught my attention. Someone dared to ask if our beloved sport has any environmental concerns associated with it. Can you believe it?! Of course, being the eco-conscious merfolk that we are, I decided to dive deep and investigate this matter.

First and foremost, let me say that playing underwater hockey is a low-impact sport. We don't use heavy equipment, and our playing field is usually a public pool or a natural water body. So, compared to, say, motocross, we are pretty much angels when it comes to environmental impact.

That being said, there are a few things we should keep in mind. For instance, our gear. Although we don't use much, we definitely need fins, a snorkel, a mask, gloves, and a stick. These are usually made of plastic, neoprene, or rubber, which are certainly not eco-friendly materials. However, there are some brands that make their gear from recycled materials, such as TYR and Finis. If we invest in these brands, we can feel better about our gear choices.

Another concern is the impact we have on the local marine life. This is especially true if we play in natural bodies of water. We need to be mindful of the ecosystems we are joining and try to minimize our disturbance. For example, we shouldn't play in areas with coral reefs, seagrass beds, or other sensitive habitats. We should also avoid swimming near wildlife, such as turtles, rays, or fish, to prevent accidental collisions.

Finally, we should be aware of the water quality in our playing field. If we are using a public pool, the maintenance staff will make sure that the water is safe and clean. However, if we are playing in a river or a lake, we need to check for pollution or algae blooms. These can be harmful to our health and to the environment. If we notice any signs of environmental degradation, we should avoid playing there and report it to the local authorities.

All in all, playing underwater hockey is a fantastic way to stay fit and have fun in the water. As long as we keep our environmental impact in mind and make responsible choices, we can enjoy our sport without guilt or worries. So let's grab our gear and dive in!