I always say there is something about water that draws people to it. Maybe it’s an ancient memory of the times all the living creatures were living in the sea. Or maybe it’s just really fun being in and around water. Either way, if you want your life to revolve around water more that just an occasional day at he beach, then you should pick a hobby that is water related. In this article you will find a list of 34 different watersports that you can get into. So it’s a really good starting point if you are undecided. What is a watersport? The term covers any type of physical and mental game conducted with bodies of water. Each watersport has its own challenges and also health benefits, some are really easy, some are really hard to master. But whichever you choose, they will help you get energized will free you of any accumulated stress. It is scientifically proven that every person sweating through their passionate hobbies releases the hormone known as endorphin that makes an individual calm and happy.
Brief Introduction to Watersports
Watersports have been done since the ancient and medieval times either as a form of competition, a test of skill, showcase of talent, or primarily just for fun. Usually they involve a person operating in different conditions or using a variety of tools and vessels optimally designed for the water. Performing these types of activities is challenging and thrilling. But it is not only the sport itself. Most of these watersports will also bring you in contact with nature and let you enjoy lots of special moments out there. It can be a simple sunset over the sea, the way waterdrops bounce of the water surface, secret hidden bays, underwater wonders and sea life, witnessing the power of the nature during storms etc…
One notable example of a watersport that brings you close to nature and lets you explore nature is kayaking. If you will choose kayaking the main piece of equipment is off course a kayak. Here is a good article on which kayak you should choose. When we are talking about kayaking, one thing to consider when choosing a watersport is also the cost. Kayaking for instance is a bit more expensive, however once you have a kayak there is not much extra cost, you just go out and paddle. Some watersports are much cheaper though. Depending on where you live, swimming can mean only a pair of swimming trunks and of you go. With some water sports (again kayaking is a good example) you must also consider equipment storage. Huge pieces of equipment like jet skis, kayaks, boats require lots of space so you can store them when you are not using them. So these might not be perfect if you live in an apartment in the city. But of course, as always, if there is a will there is a way.
Different water sports have different origins. Some of these activities have originated from traditional hunting and scavenging techniques and have evolved to be passed down to the next generation as a variant of water sport. They can be either extremely dangerous or extreme in nature, while other water sports are engaging, relaxing, and exciting to watch. Other water sports are more modern and invented only “recently”. Either way, we can group them into three categories:
The Three Types of Watersports
Individual Water Sports
Individual water sports are sports where you control every aspect of the activity. You are the solo-operator. These are of course more fun if you do them with friends and share the experience but the act alone is only on you. Reaching personal goals and objectives, overcoming obstacles, improving every time you go out… these types of sports require a rare kind of determination, honing of skill, endurance, and stamina.
- Swimming
- Water Skiing
- Jet Skiing
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Skimboarding
- Wakeboarding
- Paddleboarding
- Bodyboarding
- Kite Surfing
- Cliff Diving
- Kayaking
- Foil surfing
- Solo sailing
- Kayaking (solo)
- Canoeing (solo)
Team Watersport
Team watersports are sports that you can not do alone. If you are a sociable person, you work good with others, value team spirit and company, then team water sports might be just the thing for you. It is more fun and thrilling to enjoy watersports with a group of people that train together and know about the challenges and dangers that an individual competitor might face. The synchronization of movement, teamwork, and joint effort are important factors that a winning group should possess. On the other hand, with team sports you are always dependent on others so be ready to adapt and compromise.
- Synchronized Diving
- Synchronized Swimming
- Rowing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Water Polo
- Rafting
- Powerboating
- Yachting
- Dragon Boat racing
Recreational Water Sports
The before mentioned water sports can be done as serious competitive sports with training, competitions, rankings, championships etc… or simply as a recreational hobby. Water sports mentioned in this chapter are generally not meant to be competitive although with some of them there are also competitions (spearfishing, free diving…). Some of these are still challenging, but most of them are good for people that want to relax, unwind, and generally just have fun while visiting different tourist locations. Recreational water sports are one of the things that come to mind with people working on a daily basis and wanting to go out in the wild and have a vacation. That does not mean that they should be taken lightly. Some of these can be dangerous without proper knowledge, training and preparations.
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Aqua Jogging
- Water Aerobics
- Underwater Photography
- Free Diving
- Cave Diving
- Barefoot Skiing
- Parasailing
- Spearfishing
Conclusion
We listed 34 different water sports now you have a better idea what is out there and what choices do you have if you want to choose a hobby or a sport that involves water. For me, my favorites from this list are surfing and kayaking, what about yours?