Underwater sports: The ultimate compilation of underwater sports

Underwater sports: The ultimate compilation of underwater sports

Claudia Kogi
updated at August 2, 2023 at 1:47 PM

As fascinating as this sounds, underwater sports involve explorers delving into the wonders of the sea. These activities, ranging from tranquil snorkelling to exhilarating underwater hockey, provide exceptional opportunities to explore vibrant marine life and fascinating seascapes. Additionally, these activities promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of the oceans, both as a beginner and an expert.

Are there any underwater sports?
A diver swims around a coral reef in Key West, Florida on 13 July 2023 in Martin County, Florida. Photo: Joseph Prezioso
Source: Getty Images

These sea sports are popular among aquatic sports enthusiasts worldwide, providing various experiences, from learning about marine life to competing in exhilarating events. So, which are the best underwater sports in the arena today?

A top 10 list of underwater sports

Underwater sports offer a fascinating and varied range of activities that let people immerse themselves in the alluring world beneath the waves. These activities appeal to various interests and passions, from the peace and tranquility of snorkelling to scuba diving. Are there any underwater sports?

Do not be surprised if reading this Sport Brief article will have you putting on your snorkel, adjusting diving equipment, and preparing to dive headfirst into the enticing waters.

10. Underwater Spearfishing

Spearfishing has long been an essential part of human survival since they first started going on hunts for food. After World War II, spearfishing quickly spread across the globe. It first gained immense popularity in the early 1930s. What was once done out of necessity is currently a primarily sport done for recreation or enjoyment.

Are there any underwater sports?
Ghadir Jama practices spearfishing as she dives underwater on a single breath in the coastal town of Qalamun near the port city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon on 8 November 2020. Photo: Ibrahim Chalhoub
Source: Getty Images

The thrilling sport of spearfishing combines diving and hunting. Participants dive underwater while holding a spear gun or pole spear to capture fish and other aquatic life. Spearfishing with a spear requires finesse, accuracy, and ethical fishing methods.

9. Underwater Archery

Archery is an enthralling sport that combines archery and shooting. Participants use specialised equipment to hit submerged targets, which requires steady hands, breath control, and water resistance tolerance.

Since the sport is a relatively new idea, the bows and arrows currently on the market are not mainly specialised for use underwater. People might wonder if using an underwater bow will shorten its lifespan. Fortunately, most bows can withstand aquatic archery, so there is little cause for concern.

Are there any underwater sports?
A woman wearing a black swimsuit stands with a bow and arrow, aiming for a target mounted on an easel underwater. Photo: European FPG
Source: Getty Images

8. Underwater Orienteering

Using recreational open circuit scuba diving equipment, orienteering is an activity that tests competitors' navigational skills in both sheltered and open water. It consists of a variety of individual and team events.

The competition's primary focus is how well competitors can navigate an underwater course using a compass, a counter metre to measure the distance travelled, and a route marked on a map created by the competition's organisers.

Which are the best underwater sports?
A view of a scuba diver exploring the sea. Photo: Ascent
Source: Getty Images

7. Underwater Target Shooting

At the seventh position is target shooting, one of the most thrilling and precise sports in which participants shoot underwater targets with specialised spear guns. The ability to adapt to difficult aquatic conditions, excellent breath control, and steady aim are essential in this sport.

The activity calls for physical and mental focus to combine the thrill of marksmanship with the distinctive aquatic environment. It is a captivating and exhilarating aquatic discipline in that competitors demonstrate skills and accuracy while navigating the depths.

Which are the best underwater sports?
French target shooter, Jean-Marie Arnaud, fishes underwater off the coast of Marseille on 23 March 2018. Photo: Boris Horvat
Source: Getty Images

6. Underwater Photography and Videography

This is a two-day underwater sport in which teams of competitors dive into the ocean simultaneously with underwater cameras. The activity began as a photographic film competition in the 1980s when the Spanish and French nationals referred to it as Fotosub.

Because protecting underwater resources in this sport is crucial, anyone caught touching a live marine animal gets disqualified.

Sea sports
An aquatic cameraman filming under the Caribbean Sea whilst a production secretary takes notes using an aluminum plate. Photo: Hulton Archive
Source: Getty Images

5. Underwater Rugby

Underwater rugby is a sport that many people mistake for rugby football, but it has little in common. Underwater rugby first gained popularity in Cologne, Germany, in the 1960s. The game's goal is to score by attempting to send the slightly negatively buoyant ball into the opposing team's net.

The sport is played in a swimming pool that is 12 to 18 metres long and 8 to 12 metres wide. It lasts fifteen minutes each for the two halves, with a five-minute half-time break. Two teams compete in this sport, each with a pool of six players and a bench of six substitutes.

Are there any underwater sports?
Underwater rugby players during their 10th CMAS World Championship final match at the Alberto Galindo Herrera swimming pool in Cali, Colombia, on August 1, 2015. Photo: Luis Robayo
Source: Getty Images

4. Underwater Hockey (Octopush)

Octopush is similar to hockey underwater sport. The players typically push a puck along the bottom of a swimming pool while playing. Each team can have up to 10 members, with six participating in the competition. The game is divided into two halves, typically ten to fifteen minutes each.

Mask, snorkel, fins, a goal, a stick, a puck, a hat, and a pair of fins are a few of the accessories used. To ensure that the puck stays at the bottom, the sticks are often slightly longer than 30 cm.

Are there any underwater sports?
The French world champion women's aquatic hockey masters team take part in a training session before a friendly competition ahead of the upcoming World Championships in Sarcelles, outside Paris, on April 22, 2023. Photo: Anne Christine
Source: Getty Images

3. Free Diving

Free diving is underwater diving that does not require a breathing device like scuba gear. Instead, it wholly depends on the diver's ability to hold their breath until they surface.

Ancient culture members used this sport to gather food and resources like pearls and sponges. Additionally, they have been used to recover the sunken treasure and support military operations all over the world.

2. Snorkeling

Snorkelling is a well-liked, straightforward water activity that lets participants explore the aquatic world while treading water. Divers can easily observe marine life, coral reefs, and other sceneries with a mask, snorkel, and fins. It is suitable for people of all ages and skill levels because it requires little equipment and training.

Snorkelling is a fun and immersive activity that offers a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant marine ecosystems and opportunities to marvel at and appreciate the underwater world's beauty.

1. Sport diving

This is an activity that involves recreational open-circuit scuba diving equipment. It entails a series of individual and team competitions in a swimming pool and assesses the competitors' proficiency with recreational scuba diving methods. The game was created in Spain in the late 1990s and is now primarily played in Europe.

A list of underwater sports
A diver examines the seagrass beds area and collects data in Izmir, Turkiye on 9 June 2023. Photo: Mahmut Serdar Alakus
Source: Getty Images

Not only do underwater sports offer thrilling encounters and chances for adventure, but they also help people develop a greater understanding of the value of responsible conservation and the fragility of marine ecosystems. The allure of underwater sports will continue to inspire and enthral participants, whether they are searching for recreation, exploration, or competition.

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Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.