watersports

Watersports refers to activities that take place on, in, or under water. The term covers competitive aquatic sports and recreational pursuits, including swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and snorkeling.

Historically, water-based activities have been part of human culture for centuries. Modern organized swimming and diving competitions emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries, while sailing, rowing, and surfing developed into international sports with regional and Olympic competition. Technological advances in equipment and safety have broadened participation and accessibility across disciplines.

Governing bodies include World Aquatics (formerly FINA) for swimming, diving, water polo, and artistic swimming; World Sailing for sailing; the International Canoe Federation for canoe and kayak; the International Surfing Association; and the International Windsurfing Association for windsurfing, among others. National federations coordinate amateur and professional activity within countries.

Safety and training focus on water confidence, technique, conditioning, and the use of appropriate equipment such as life jackets, helmets for whitewater activities, and approved gear for each discipline. Environments range from pools and rivers to seas and oceans, with weather, water quality, and visibility affecting risk and planning.

Related topics include open water swimming, scuba diving, surfing, and sailing.