List of Underwater Sports A-Z
Underwater sports are simply sports that occur under a body of water. These sports can range greatly in type and objective, with many requiring scuba gear to help the athletes breathe underwater. While many of these sports are derived from underwater activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, others are traditional ground sports like football and hockey that have been modified for underwater competition.
While none of these listed underwater sports are currently Olympic sports, participation in some of these sports, like spearfishing, has been occurring for hundreds of years and continues to grow in popularity to this day. This gain in popularity can be attributed to the versatility and range of underwater sports, as virtually anyone can participate in some form of underwater sport, whether competitively or for recreation. Underwater sports serve as a great outlet for many looking to stay healthy and expand their athletic horizons.
Underwater Sports List A to Z
- Apnoea Finswimming
- Finswimming
- Freediving
- Immersion Finswimming
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Spearfishing
- Underwater Cycling
- Underwater Diving
- Underwater Football
- Underwater Hockey
- Underwater Ice Hockey
- Underwater Orienteering
- Underwater Photography
- Underwater Rugby
- Underwater Target Shooting
- Underwater Wrestling (Aquathlon)
FAQ
What are underwater sports?
Underwater sports are sports that take place under the surface of a body of water and can range greatly in type and objective. Many of these sports are traditional ground sports that have been modified to be played underwater, while others are common underwater activities that have been turned into new sports. Either way, there are dozens of underwater sports that people of all ages can enjoy, competitively or recreationally.
What basic equipment do I need to play underwater sports?
Equipment can range greatly for non-breath hold underwater sports, most of which can be separated into two main equipment/diving technique combinations: snorkeling and scuba. Snorkeling-based underwater sports use a diving mask, a breathing device called a snorkel, and swim fins, while scuba-based sports use a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus that allows athletes to remain underwater for extended periods of time. As for breath-hold underwater sports, basic swimming equipment is needed like a swimsuit, goggles, and a towel.
Which underwater sports are played in the ocean?
A good portion of underwater sports are played in the ocean, while others are played primarily in a controlled water environment like a pool, with many having the capability to be played in both environments. However, some of the most commonly played underwater sports that take place in the ocean are spearfishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and freediving.
What are the most popular underwater sports?
The great range of underwater sports included on this list enables thousands of people worldwide to partake in and enjoy various underwater experiences. A few of these sports are more popular than others, both competitively and recreationally. The top five most popular underwater sports from this list are finswimming, freediving, spearfishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.