The Three Main Categories of Water Sports Explored

Water sports have always been among man'sFlexibility are the hallmarks of this sport.
favorite and most challenging sports. Whether it is* Surf Lifesaving is a competitive sport that
on the water, in the water or under the water,evolved from the training activities of lifeguards at
water sports have always fascinated thesurf beaches.
adventurer and sports lover. What is it thatUnderwater Sports:
distinguishes these types of sports from otherThese include various forms of diving. Among the
sports? What are their advantages? In addition,most popular underwater sports are:
what are the different kinds of water sports?* Scuba Diving is an adventure unto itself. Each
Read on as we tell you more...person is required to take professional lessons to
Advantages of Water Sports:learn it after which the person becomes a
Why are they so special? "The sheer fun of beingCertified Diver. With mask, wet suit (body suit)
in water," says 28-year-old Natalie, a water sportsfins for the feet, and a Self Contained
lover. According to her, some of the majorUnderwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA)- you're
benefits include:ready to enter a world you never knew existed
* They set the stage for excellent fitnessbeneath the surface.
exercises that stretch your muscles and build* Free Diving: The aim of the diver is to dive in
strength in unique ways.and swim down to the maximum depth without a
* Unlike other sports, you aren't sweating as youbreathing apparatus. Necessary tools are great
do them, so even though you're working hard,lungs, and the ability to equalize the water
your body temp stays cool.pressure, which builds on the ears as one travels
* Since they are so different from other sports,deeper.
competing in the water, an element we were notUnderwater group sports include:
built for is a fantastic challenge.* Underwater Rugby that is played with a ball that
* Especially for those sports, which require holdingis naturally buoyant. Here breathing is done
one's breath, the athlete must develop largerthrough a snorkel and tackling is only allowed if
lungs, capable of holding more air, thus stayingyou have the ball or are tackling the one holding it.
beneath the surface for a longer period of time.* Underwater Hockey is played under water with
The natural benefit of larger lungs and the abilityshort wooden curved sticks and a heavy puck. In
to breath in more air is a healthier body. Likethis game, players wear diving masks, snorkels,
water, the more oxygen we can get into ourand fins and must surface to breathe while
bodies, the more efficiently our bodies work.teammates continue the game on the pool
There are a large number of sports that involvebottom.
water. They can be classified into theseWater sports that take place ON the surface are
categories: In the water, under the water, and ona special breed. They're usually extremely
the water.fast-past, requiring the participant to be fully
In the Water:aware at all times, and can be some of the more
The most popular is, of course, swimming. Thedangerous sports.
human race mastered this skill long ago. SwimmingSurface Sports Include:
forms an interesting component of several other* Boating: Races are held every year in different
major sports or activities that include:parts of the world. Like car racing, the boats are
* The Triathlon: This is a combination ofsometimes made from extremely light, fragile
swimming, cycling, and running.material and the danger level rises with the
* Modern Pentathlon: It includes epee fencing,speeds.
pistol shooting, swimming, show-horse jumping,* Canoe polo: Playing polo using a canoe
and cross country running.* Body boarding: This sport is similar to surfing.
* Rescue Swimming: Swimming with a mission toHowever, the board is smaller and the person lies
rescue other swimmers. As a water sport, iton the board.
helps develop a variety of key attributes.* Surface Skimming: These types of sports
Strength, Leadership, and staying calm ininclude traditional surfing, water skiing,
high-pressure situations are necessary abilities,kneeboarding, and wake boarding. They require
which are also great life skills to possess.great footwork, and excellent balance.
* Snorkeling is a very popular water activity. It isThere are excellent water sports associations
the practice of swimming on the surface of thethat offer training, organized expeditions, and
water equipped with a mask and short tubeadventure sports in thrilling destinations all over
known as a snorkel.the world. The Internet, as always, has the most
There are several group sports that are played inup-to-date information on how you can get
water. These include:involved. Keep checking regularly, and in the
* Water Basketball: A team, ball, basket, water.meantime pick your favorite sport and dive in!
It's very similar to basketball in water.Summary:
* Water Polo: A physical team sport that requiresThere are a large number of sports that involve
strength for hard throwing, endurance, andwater. They can be classified into these
extremely fast reflexes for defense.categories: In the water, under the water, and on
* Synchronized Swimming: A hybrid of swimming,the water.
gymnastics, and ballet. Endurance, Awareness, and