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A comprehensive list of water sports categorized by the degree of immersion by the participants. Find out the names, definitions, and examples of various aquatic activities, from boating and fishing to diving and freediving.
- Individual Water Sports
- Team Water Sports
- Recreational Water Sports
- 30 Different Types of Water Activities & Sports to Try: Summary
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1. Scuba Diving
I’m sure you’ve heard of scuba diving; it’s one of the fastest-growing water sports – and one that’s on everyone’s bucket list. Did you know that the term “SCUBA” is an acronym that stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, though? That’s what separates scuba diving from “free diving,” which, by the way, is also on my list. It involves using specialized breathing equipment and carrying your own breathing gas. That, in turn, grants you more independence and more time to explore...
2. Free Diving
How long can you hold your breath? I’m asking because – well, this water sport is going to push your abilities to the absolute max, and then some. I mean, it’s called “breath-hold diving” for a reason. You don’t get a breathing apparatus as you would for scuba diving. Instead, you dive on a single breath and hold it until you resurface again – which, by the way, requires an incredible amount of mental and physical control. Underwater diving has formed the foundation of other water sports, suc...
3. Cliff Diving
If you love being in the water – but don’t feel that simply swimming or diving gives you an adrenaline rush you’re after – cliff diving might be right up your alley. It’s daring, thrilling, and, quite frankly, awe-inspiring. And for a moment there, you’ll get a chance to feel as if you’re actually flying – before plunging into the water. There’s nothing quite like it, and the rush you get is insane. Cliff diving is certainly not for the faint-hearted. But if you’re into extreme sports, you’ll...
16. Water Polo
When it comes to popular team water sports, water polo is the undisputed king. Don’t let the name confuse you, though. This sport has a lot more in common with football than it does with polo. In fact, many referred to it as “football in the water” back in the day. It’s a competitive team water sport – with two teams of seven players – where you score goals by throwing the ball into the other team’s goal. It requires speed, strength, and, above all, excellent teamwork. Water polo has its root...
17. White Water Rafting
If you have a rushing mountain river nearby and you are looking for an on-the-water activity that will deliver a jolt of adrenaline, I highly recommend whitewater rafting. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in your surroundings and soak up the scenery as you – and the rest of your group, along with a guide – navigate the river rapids in an inflatable raft. Teaming up with others to keep your raft on course also promotes bonding and makes it an unforgettable experience for families and group...
18. Rowing
“Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream,” goes the nursery rhyme. But there is nothing gentle about rowing as a competitive sport. The concept is simple: You’re using oars to propel your boat from one point to another at high speed – and the goal is to win the race. Rowing has been around for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used it as a means of transportation, but it developed into a sport in the 17th and early 18th centuries in England – and it was include...
25. Water Aerobics
Whether you choose to call it “water aerobics,” “waterobics,” “aquatic fitness” – or one of the many nicknames it goes by – the concept remains the same: Water aerobics is defined as performing aerobic exercises in relatively shallow water, usually a swimming pool. There’s no actual swimming involved, though. Instead, it is a type of resistance training that’s easier on the joints – and puts you at a lower risk of injuries than the “land-based” version. It relies on the water’s resistance to...
26. Snorkeling
The ocean is a whole new world for you to explore, full of wonders hidden just below the water’s surface. And the best way to get a glimpse of it all (without having to use full-blown scuba diving gear) is snorkeling. It’s defined as swimming on – or through a – body of water while wearing a diving mask, snorkel, and fins and observing the underwater features and sea life. You don’t even need to gear up as heavily as you would for scuba diving. All you really need are goggles, a snorkel, and...
27. Spearfishing
I would say this activity has a lot more in common with hunting than fishing. I mean, sure, you’re still technically catching fish, but how you go about it (and the equipment you use) makes all the difference. I’m talking about a completely hands-on approach to landing a catch here: This ancient method of fishing (seriously, it has been around for millennia) involves using a sharp, pointed object, such as a spear, harpoon, or gig, either thrown by hand or launched with a spear gun, to impale...
If you’re looking for new water sports and activities to try this summer – alone or in a group, as a hobby or competitively – be sure to consider some of the following: 1. Scuba diving 2. Free diving 3. Cliff diving 4. Water skiing 5. Jet skiing 6. Swimming 7. Kayaking 8. Canoeing 9. Surfing 10. Stand-up paddle boarding 11. Windsurfing 12. Wakeboar...
Explore the versatility and thrill of water sports with this comprehensive list of 30 activities you can try in, on, and under the water. Learn about scuba diving, free diving, cliff diving, water skiing, jet skiing, and more.
- Founder, Kayaking & Paddle Boarding Expert
Jun 23, 2023 · Water sports and activities are a great way to get moving, have fun, and enjoy lakes, rivers, and oceans all year round, but especially in the summer. Swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and...
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- Swimming. Type of Sport: Individual and Team; Disciplines: swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming, open water swimming, and high diving; Governing Body: Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA);
- Kayaking. Type of Sport: Individual and Team; Disciplines: surf kayaking, white water kayaking, marathon kayaking, freestyle kayaking, polo kayaking, slalom/race kayaking, extreme slalom kayaking, marathon kayaking, ocean race kayaking, and sprint kayaking;
- Snorkeling. Type of Sport: Individual; Disciplines: plain snorkeling, full-face mask snorkeling, bog snorkeling; Governing Body: Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS);
- Surfing. Type of Sport: Individual and Team; Disciplines: tandem surfing, shortboard surfing, longboard surfing, tow-in surfing, big wave surfing, wave skiing, and horse surfing;
Sep 27, 2023 · Explore the world of aquatic adventures with this comprehensive list of water sports, ranked by popularity. Learn about the history, equipment, and events of each sport, from swimming to kitesurfing.
Sep 27, 2023 · Learn about 10 Olympic water sports, ranked by popularity, with brief histories, governing bodies, and latest posts. Discover swimming, surfing, diving, water polo, rowing, sailing, canoe, artistic swimming, and marathon swimming.
Columbus, Oh. Water Sports & Water Activities in Columbus, OH. Find Things to Do Near You. If you're a competitive water sport athlete, it's important to consistently improve your technique. Browse our list of swimming classes and water sport lessons in Columbus, OH to hone your skills. Water Sports Activities Near. Columbus, OH. When. Where. Who.
