By Samantha Dammann, Swimming World College Intern.
As competitive swimmers, it’s easy to forget that there’s a world of water-based activities out there that don’t involve laps or a black line. Here are four extreme water sports that are a bit riskier, and possibly more fun, than lap swimming.
Freediving
Photo Courtesy: freediveuk.com
Most people have tried freediving whether they know what freediving is or not. According to Deeper Blue: “Freediving is breath hold diving, being in and under the water whilst holding ones breath.” So that time you held your breath while trying to pick that shell off the bottom of the ocean? That was freediving.
Of course, there’s a much more serious side to freediving than simply leisurely picking items up off the pool or ocean floor. Freediving originated out of people’s need to have food and tradable goods. Over the years this survival skill became a sport. There are several freediving disciplines, and information about all of them can be found on the Deeper Blue website.
If hypoxic sets were your specialty in college, freediving just might be the sport for you!
Ice Swimming
Photo Courtesy: internationaliceswimming.com
If you’re one of the rare people that enjoy jumping into a freezing pool at 4:45 am, then you need to check out ice swimming. Ice swimming is exactly what it sounds like- swimming in water so cold it’s basically ice.
The International Ice Swimming Association (IISA) was formed in 2009 by five swimmers who loved swimming in cold water. They’ve since established a list of regulations and have turned their hobby into a legitimate sport.
In order for a swim to qualify as an ice swim, the water temperature must fall at or below five degrees Celsius or 41 degrees Fahrenheit, and the swimmer can only wear a cap, a pair of goggles, and a regular swimsuit.
Underwater Rugby
Photo Courtesy: cmas.org
Underwater ruby has been around since 1961. It was invented in Köln, Germany and soon gained popularity in Nordic countries. Thirteen countries competed at the last underwater rugby championships, and the sport will surely continue growing.
Underwater rugby is exactly what it sounds like: rugby played underwater. The rules of the game are essentially the same as regular land rugby, but CMAS (Underwater Sports Committee) would argue that playing underwater makes the sport much more difficult. Players must hold their breath and modify their communication methods because, obviously, you can’t hear underwater.
A decreased chance of injury is one major benefit of playing rugby underwater. Playing in the water takes pressure of the player’s bones and joints by eliminating running, and protects players from tackling-related injuries.
Aquathlon
Photo Courtesy: cmas.org
Aquathlon is a water-based wrestling sport. Two competitors wearing masks and fins wrestle one other under or at the surface of the water while trying to steal ribbons off each other’s ankle bands. Engaging in an underwater wrestling match sounds like a guaranteed drowning accident, but Aquathlon competitors are actually safe because each round of competition only lasts for 30 seconds.
Aquathlon is a legitimate sport with an official committee, but is a sport that could easily be adapted to a fun, albeit crazy, post-practice activity.
Two more:
-Underwater hockey. Similar to Underwater rubgy, but with small wooden sticks and a plastic covered 5# lead puck. Goals at either end of the pool. There are National and world championships. Played wtih fins, dive mask, regular snorkel in a pool at least 10′ deep.
– Monofin swimming; use monofins, Finis snorkel, racing goggles. Distance range from 50 mtrs to 1500 meters (and more). World/International championships.
– Perhaps the most dangerous is “King of the Dock” – similar to Professional wrestling with the ring boundaries.
King of the Dock…YEAH!
Also there are some amazing Extreme Water Park attractions & rides that are both man made and Heaven sent around the world.
And lastly for this submission check out the game ‘SKWIM’ a fun fast paced game that has the elements of ultimate Frisbee and a round goal played around like lacrosse.
Swimming truly is FUN!
Definitely doing the ice swimming <5 degrees
Joe Stott
Swear you choked in 20 degrees
I did and It was 18 big difference pal