When Sports Meets Scuba: How to Train for Underwater Rugby While Traveling

 

Underwater rugby may still be a niche sport globally, but it’s making waves among aquatic sports enthusiasts. The thrill of the game—a fast-paced battle fought in three dimensions beneath the surface—requires exceptional stamina, breath control, agility, and teamwork. But how do you keep up with training while you’re jet-setting across the world? Whether you’re a competitive player or an aspiring amateur, this guide will show you how to stay match-fit while indulging your wanderlust.

P.S. We’ll link to some of the best city attractions, hotel stays, restaurants, and diving spots along the way with Travell to help you plan an epic sporty escape.

What Makes Underwater Rugby Unique?

Underwater rugby (UWR) is unlike any other sport. Played in a deep pool with a weighted ball, the objective is simple: get the ball into the opponent’s basket. But achieving that in a fully submerged environment, with teammates and opponents circling like sharks, is where the challenge—and fun—lies.

Training for UWR demands a mix of aerobic conditioning, free diving, strength training, and ball-handling skills—all of which can be maintained (and even enhanced) while on the road.

1. Plan Travel Around Dive-Friendly Destinations

When you're training for a sport that literally happens underwater, location matters. Here are a few global hot spots where you can combine UWR training with unforgettable travel experiences:

  • Cape Town, South Africa – Amazing dive centers and aquatic clubs, paired with breathtaking coastal scenery. Explore Cape Town attractions with Travell.

  • Sydney, Australia – Known for its love of water sports, Sydney offers great underwater rugby clubs and pristine ocean pools. Book a hotel near Bondi Beach.

  • Berlin, Germany – A European UWR hub with several clubs and indoor pools for year-round training. Plan your Berlin stay with Travell.

  • Bangkok, Thailand – A surprising but growing underwater rugby scene paired with warm weather and rich culture. Find great restaurants in Bangkok here.

2. Train at Local Aquatic Centers and Dive Schools

Look for cities with public aquatic centers, scuba diving schools, or even freediving groups. These facilities usually offer open water training, deep pools, and sometimes even UWR meetups. For example:

  • Barcelona’s Piscina Sant Jordi is a regular host of UWR tournaments.

  • Kuala Lumpur has a strong scuba diving community, perfect for breath-hold practice.

  • San Diego’s dive shops often hold apnea (breath-hold) workshops.

Tip: Always call ahead or check online to ensure pool depth is sufficient for training (ideally 3.5–5 meters).

3. Stay Fit with On-the-Go Cross-Training

Not every destination will have UWR-specific facilities, but that doesn’t mean you can’t train. Maintain your form with travel-friendly workouts:

Dryland Workouts:

  • Resistance Band Training – Great for simulating push-and-pull motions used in UWR.

  • HIIT Workouts – Maintain cardiovascular fitness and leg endurance.

  • Core Workouts – Stability in water starts with a strong core.

Water-Based Workouts:

  • Open Water Swimming – Beach towns like Nice, France or Koh Tao, Thailand offer beautiful training grounds. Discover beachside hotels on Travell.

  • Freediving and Snorkeling – Practice equalization, breath-hold, and underwater orientation in stunning locations like the Blue Hole in Belize or Amed, Bali. Book your stay near top diving resorts here.

4. Join a Local Club or Drop In on a Scrimmage

Many underwater rugby communities around the world welcome drop-in players or travelers looking to scrimmage. Some clubs even have rental gear available. Here's how to connect:

  • Search local Facebook groups or underwater rugby forums.

  • Use apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing to find athletic travelers.

  • Contact scuba diving clubs—they often have crossover members.

Notable UWR Clubs Accepting Visitors:

  • London Octopush Club (UK)

  • Underwater Rugby Mexico City

  • Singapore Underwater Rugby Team

  • Toronto UWR Club (Canada)

5. Stay in Shape with Hotel Pool Drills

No fancy dive center nearby? Make the most of hotel pools! Here’s how:

  • Treading drills – Simulate passing and defending while treading water.

  • Underwater sprints – Practice short breath-hold sprints and turns.

  • Wall ball work – If allowed, practice shooting the weighted ball against the pool wall.

  • Partner drills – Traveling with a buddy? Practice passing and evasion drills underwater.

Look for accommodations with deeper pools or lap lanes. Use Travell to find hotels with fitness centers and pool access, such as:

6. Fuel Right: Nutrition for the Traveling Athlete

Travel can throw your diet out of whack, but underwater rugby requires consistent fuel. Here’s how to keep your nutrition on point:

  • Hydration is crucial – Especially post-dive, to avoid decompression issues.

  • Protein and recovery meals – After a long swim session, seek out high-protein options at local restaurants.

  • Healthy carbs – Support energy during training with fruits, rice, and whole grains.

Find athlete-friendly restaurants wherever you are using Travell’s curated city guides:

  • Best post-workout cafes in Tokyo

  • Top vegan and protein-rich spots in Los Angeles

  • Healthy dining options in Lisbon

7. Travel Essentials for the Underwater Rugby Nomad

Pack light but smart with this travel kit:

  • Snorkel mask and fins

  • Nose clip and mouth guard

  • Resistance bands and TRX straps

  • Collapsible water bottle

  • Waterproof dry bag

  • A weighted underwater rugby ball (check airline baggage rules!)

Bonus: Use compression wear during long flights to aid recovery.

Final Thoughts: Travel Is Your Training Ground

Underwater rugby and travel don’t have to be at odds. In fact, exploring new destinations while honing your skills adds adventure and diversity to your training regime. Whether you're diving in a cenote in Mexico, treading water in a hotel pool in Dubai, or sprinting beneath the surface in a German sports complex, your global journey fuels your growth as an athlete.

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