Underwater sports: disciplines and competitions

The term ‘underwater sports’ refers to a group of disciplines that require staying underwater for all or most of the time. Although all of them are similar to each other from this point of view, there are several differences between various discipline. Take a look at underwater sports and find out what competitions are held.

Aquathlon (underwater wrestling)

Aquathlon is a discipline in which two sportsmen compete against each other at a time. They have to get in short underwater fights while holding their breath. The goal each of them is aiming for is reaching the ribbon worn by the opponent. The ribbon is attached to the ankle. The fight takes place in a ring. It possesses the form of a square with a five meters’ side. The ring is marked above the water with the help of special equipment. There are three rounds, each of them is 30 seconds long. There are two breaks. The break must last for not less than 1 minute 30 seconds. Sportsmen who compete in aquathlon must be dressed in a swimsuit, a swim mask and a pair of swimming fins. In addition, they must wear cuffs on their ankles to attach ribbon to them.

Freediving

This discipline is often referred to as breath-hold diving. Actually, this is another group of sports united by the fact that they require covering particular distances while holding one’s breathe. According to the rules established by the CMAS, competitions may be held for the following varieties of freediving:

• Freediving in swimming fins in a pool;
• Freediving without swimming fins in a pool;
• Freediving in swimming fins in open ponds.

Competitors must wear a wetsuit providing thermal protection, a mask and a monofin.

Sports diving

This discipline has two appearances: the first is called ‘combined swimming’ and it requires covering a 300 meters’ distance as fast as possible. Sportsmen have to swim in a pool, a part of the distance must be covered underwater with the help of a gear. As for the ‘obstacle course’, this variety requires covering a 100 meters’ distance while demonstrating different skills. For instance, they have to put their mask on and off, put on the whole gear set. The judges pay attention to the time spent swimming and the accuracy of moves.

Underwater orienteering

This discipline takes place in open ponds. Both individual sportsmen and teams can take part in the competitions. All participants wear a scuba gear and use equipment for evaluating the length of the covered distance and the depth of the water. Their goal is covering the pre-set distance as soon and accurately as possible. The distance is marked by buoys. The first one marks the starting point and the last one indicates the finish.

In 1973, the first European championship in underwater orienteering was held, as well as the first World tournament.

Finswimming

This term refers to a group of sports that require covering a distance under the water without any additional mechanisms. The only things that may be used are a wetsuit, a mast, a monofin or two fins. The goal of each sportsmen is reaching the finish in the shortest period possible. There are several varieties of finswimming. They are:

• Finswimming close to the water surface with a scuba (the distance varies from 50 to 1500 meters);
• Finswimming with a balloon (the distance may be 100, 400 or 800 meters);
• A relay race involves several participants who cover particular parts of the distance;
• Marathons are held sometimes (the distance may reach 20 kilometers).

Spearfishing

This is a way of fishing that is used by amateurs. It involves using special gear or even bare hands. Spearfishing involves not only catching the fish but also looking for it. Sometimes even competitions are held in some countries. These events usually take part in open ponds and require catching fish of a particular kind, size. Sportsmen have to dive and catch the fish while holding their breath. They are not allowed to use any equipment for breathing under the water. The goal of each competitor is to catch as many fish as possible within a limited period of time.

Underwater rugby

This discipline takes place in swimming pools. Two teams consisting of 12 players each compete against each other. Six sportsmen out of those 12 play in the pool while the others stayon the ground. All sportsmen wear fins, masks and snorkels. Each team aims for scoring a goal by putting a ball with zero buoyancy into the basket belonging to the opponents. The field is usually 10 to 12 meters in width. Its length varies from 15 to 18 meters. The depth is also different: it may reach 5 meters.

Underwater hockey

This discipline appeared in 1954 in England and became popular very soon. It involves two teams. Each of them consists of 10 sportsmen wearing special gear and using special equipment. A mask, a snorkel, a pair of fins and a stick are the musts for every player. Six sportsmen from each team play at a time, while four sportsmen get into the game in case others get injured or lose their ability to play. The goal of this game is to score the goal by moving the puck on the bottom of the pool and putting it into the other team’s gate. The game consists of two periods lasting for 10-15 minutes each. There is a break between them, which lasts for 3 minutes. Two referees are under the water, as well as the players; one more referee judges the game from the ground.

Organizations

Underwater sports are recognized by the World Confederation of Underwater Activities. This organization was established in 1959. The CMAS is in charge of everything that is concerned with competitions, rules and underwater sports in general. It can either distinguish particular disciplines or exclude some of them from official lists of sports. The CMAS is recognized by the International Olympic Committee, yet underwater disciplines are not Olympic.

History

The history of these types of sports is lasting. It began in 1920s, when the diving mask and the diving fins were invented. Within the next few years, underwater spear-fishing and free-diving were extremely popular. However, as soon as the scuba gear was invented, other disciplines developed. This is when this group of sports became recognized by people coming from all over the world.

All in all, underwater swimming is a huge group of completely different types of sports. Each of them is unique and has its own characteristics, but all these disciplines are united by the fact that they involve competing under the water.