Underwater sports

Underwater Sports

Underwater sports are a category of competitive sports that take place underwater. These sports are often played in swimming pools or open water environments and require specialized equipment and training. They are popular for their unique challenges and the skills they develop in participants.

Types of Underwater Sports

Freediving

A freediver using a monofin at a competition.

Freediving is a form of underwater diving that relies on breath-holding until resurfacing rather than the use of breathing apparatus such as scuba gear. It is a sport that tests the limits of human endurance and involves various disciplines, including static apnea, dynamic apnea, and constant weight.

Underwater Hockey

Players competing in an underwater hockey match.

Underwater hockey, also known as Octopush, is a globally played limited-contact sport in which two teams compete to maneuver a puck across the bottom of a swimming pool into the opposing team's goal using a small stick.

Underwater Rugby

An underwater rugby match in progress.

Underwater rugby is a team sport played underwater in a swimming pool. The objective is to score goals by placing a slightly negatively buoyant ball into the opposing team's goal at the bottom of the pool. It is a fast-paced game that requires excellent breath control and teamwork.

Underwater Football

Students playing underwater football.

Underwater football is a variation of traditional football played in a swimming pool. It involves two teams attempting to score goals using a ball that is negatively buoyant. The game is played with snorkels, fins, and masks, and emphasizes breath control and agility.

Equipment

Underwater sports require specialized equipment to ensure safety and enhance performance. Common equipment includes masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, and weight belts. For specific sports, additional gear such as monofins, underwater sticks, and protective gear may be used.

Safety

Safety is a critical aspect of underwater sports. Participants must be trained in proper techniques and safety protocols. The presence of lifeguards or safety divers is often required during competitions and training sessions to ensure the well-being of athletes.

Related Pages

• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Aquatic sports

References

• "Underwater Sports." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_sports
• "Freediving." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freediving
• "Underwater Hockey." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_hockey
• "Underwater Rugby." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_rugby

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  Freediver at the start of a competition in London, 2009

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  Freediver in Moalboal

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  Underwater rugby match

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  Students playing underwater football at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center