| Water sports have always been among man's | | | | Flexibility 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 the | | | | surf beaches. |
| adventurer and sports lover. What is it that | | | | Underwater Sports: |
| distinguishes these types of sports from other | | | | These 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 being | | | | Certified Diver. With mask, wet suit (body suit) |
| in water," says 28-year-old Natalie, a water sports | | | | fins for the feet, and a Self Contained |
| lover. According to her, some of the major | | | | Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA)- you're |
| benefits include: | | | | ready to enter a world you never knew existed |
| * They set the stage for excellent fitness | | | | beneath 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 you | | | | breathing 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 not | | | | Underwater group sports include: |
| built for is a fantastic challenge. | | | | * Underwater Rugby that is played with a ball that |
| * Especially for those sports, which require holding | | | | is naturally buoyant. Here breathing is done |
| one's breath, the athlete must develop larger | | | | through a snorkel and tackling is only allowed if |
| lungs, capable of holding more air, thus staying | | | | you 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 ability | | | | short wooden curved sticks and a heavy puck. In |
| to breath in more air is a healthier body. Like | | | | this game, players wear diving masks, snorkels, |
| water, the more oxygen we can get into our | | | | and 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 involve | | | | bottom. |
| water. They can be classified into these | | | | Water sports that take place ON the surface are |
| categories: In the water, under the water, and on | | | | a 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. The | | | | dangerous sports. |
| human race mastered this skill long ago. Swimming | | | | Surface 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 of | | | | sometimes 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 to | | | | However, the board is smaller and the person lies |
| rescue other swimmers. As a water sport, it | | | | on the board. |
| helps develop a variety of key attributes. | | | | * Surface Skimming: These types of sports |
| Strength, Leadership, and staying calm in | | | | include 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 is | | | | There are excellent water sports associations |
| the practice of swimming on the surface of the | | | | that offer training, organized expeditions, and |
| water equipped with a mask and short tube | | | | adventure 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 in | | | | up-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 requires | | | | There are a large number of sports that involve |
| strength for hard throwing, endurance, and | | | | water. 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 | | | | |