All 47 water sports ranked by popularity, from swimming, surfing and scuba diving to cave diving, river surfing, spearfishing and aqua zumba.
Pool, open water and whitewater activities all appear, including the wind driven ones such as sailing and windsurfing that people search for by description alone. Each entry names the origin, the strongholds and the federation, and the top ten are compared by venue and gear.
Water Sports List
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Water-Skiing
- Jet Skiing
- Wakeboarding
- Windsurfing
- Kitesurfing
- Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Water Sports at a Glance
What separates these ten is not the water, it is what moves you across it. Your own arms, a wave, a sail, a kite or an engine, and each answer changes what you have to learn first.
| Sport | Water You Need | What Moves You | Kit to Start | Learning Curve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming | Any pool or calm open water | Your own body | Suit and goggles | Weeks to be safe, years to be fast |
| Surfing | A coast with a breaking wave | The wave | A soft top board and a leash | Long, the hardest entry on this list |
| Scuba Diving | Clear water, ideally over a reef | Fins, plus buoyancy control | A course first, then rented gear | A four day course gets you certified |
| Sailing | Open water with steady wind | The wind in a sail | A dinghy course, the club lends the boat | Weeks to sail alone, years to race well |
| Water Skiing | Flat water behind a boat | The boat | Skis, the boat is the hard part | Most people get up within a session |
| Jet Skiing | Open water | An engine | Rent before you buy | Immediate |
| Wakeboarding | Flat water, behind a boat or a cable park | The boat or a cable | Board and binding | Harder than water skiing, easier than surfing |
| Windsurfing | Steady wind over flat water | A sail on the board | Board, rig and a wetsuit | Slow at first, then it clicks |
| Kitesurfing | Steady wind and space downwind | A kite on lines | Lessons are not optional | Two to three days of instruction |
| Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) | Any flat water | A paddle | An inflatable board and a paddle | One session |
| Kayaking | Rivers, lakes or coastal water | A double bladed paddle | Kayak, paddle and a life jacket | A weekend to be steady, longer for whitewater |
| Canoeing | Calm lakes, rivers or coastal water | A single bladed paddle | Canoe, paddle and a life jacket | A few outings to track straight |
| Sailing | Coastal water or a large lake | Wind in the sails | A dinghy, or a course first | Weeks for the basics, years to race well |
| Rafting | Fast flowing whitewater rivers | The current, guided by paddles | Helmet and life jacket, guide provides the raft | One trip is enough to join in |
| Rowing | Rivers, lakes or coastal water | Oars pulled by the whole body | A boat and oars, usually club supplied | Months to find a clean stroke |
| Dragon boat racing | Rivers, lakes or harbours | Paddles in unison with a drummer | A team boat, usually club supplied | A few sessions to find the rhythm |
| Fishing | Any ocean, lake or river | Patience, not motion | Rod, reel and bait | A lifetime to master, minutes to start |
| Flyboarding | Coastal water or a lake with a jet ski | Water jets from a personal watercraft | A board, hose and a rented watercraft | One lesson to hover, longer to fly cleanly |
| Bodyboarding | A coast with a breaking wave | The wave, lying or kneeling | A soft board and fins | An afternoon to catch your first wave |
| Skimboarding | Shallow water at the shoreline | Your run up across wet sand | A thin flat board | A weekend to glide, longer for wave tricks |
| Cliff diving | A cliff over deep, clear water | Gravity | Nothing but nerve, sometimes a wetsuit | Not something to self teach |
| Synchronized swimming | Any pool | Coordinated body movement | Swimsuit, cap and goggles | Months to sync with a team |
| Water polo | A pool with goals | Swimming while handling a ball | Swimsuit and a cap | Months for the swimming, longer for game sense |
| Diving | A pool with a board or platform | A controlled fall | Swimsuit and goggles for training | Years to reach competition standard |
| Parasailing | Coastal water with a towboat | A boat towing a parachute canopy | Nothing, harness and canopy are provided | A single ride, no skill required |
| Underwater hockey | A swimming pool | Short sticks pushed along the bottom | Mask, snorkel, fins and a short stick | A few sessions to hold your breath and play |
| Underwater photography | Any clear water | Your own swimming or diving | A waterproof or dive camera | Longer than the diving itself to master |
| Freediving | Clear, deep open water | Held breath alone | Mask, fins and a wetsuit | Years to dive deep and safely |
| Aquathlon | Open water plus a run course | Swimming then running | Swimsuit and running shoes | Weeks if you can already swim and run |
| Canyoning | Rivers cutting through rock canyons | Climbing, swimming and rappelling | Wetsuit, harness and rope, guide usually supplies | A guided day is enough to start |
| Riverboarding | Fast flowing rapids | Lying prone on a buoyant board | Board, helmet and a wetsuit | A guided day to get comfortable in rapids |
| Yachting | Open coastal water | Wind, plus crew coordination | A yacht, usually chartered or club owned | Years to skipper, weeks to crew |
| Kneeboarding | A lake or calm coastal water | Towed behind a motorboat | Kneeboard and a tow rope | A few sessions to stay upright |
| Tubing | A lake or calm coastal water | Towed behind a motorboat | An inflatable tube and a tow rope | No real learning curve |
| Barefoot water-skiing | Flat, calm water | A motorboat, no skis | A wetsuit and a tow rope | Years of regular water skiing first |
| Hydrofoil surfing | A coast with waves | A hydrofoil lifting the board | Foil board and a leash | Longer than standard surfing, expect many falls |
| Ice swimming | Icy open water below freezing | Your own strokes against the cold | Just a swimsuit, and medical clearance | Requires cold water conditioning first |
| Aquabiking | A swimming pool | Pedalling a submerged stationary bike | A pool and a rented aqua bike | A single class to get the hang of it |
| White water kayaking | Turbulent river rapids | A double bladed paddle | Whitewater kayak, paddle and a helmet | Months of flat water practice first |
| Water basketball | A swimming pool | Swimming while shooting a ball | Swimsuit and a floating hoop | An afternoon, rules are simple |
| Water volleyball | A swimming pool | Swimming while hitting a ball | Swimsuit and a floating net | An afternoon, rules mirror dry land volleyball |
| Water aerobics | Any pool | Guided exercises against water resistance | Swimsuit, no equipment required | A single class to join in |
| Aqua Zumba | Any pool | Dance moves against water resistance | Swimsuit, no equipment required | A single class to join in |
| Cave diving | Underwater cave systems | Full scuba propulsion | Full scuba kit plus cave certification | Years of open water diving first |
| Paddleboard yoga | Calm lakes or coastal water | Balance on a floating board | A paddleboard and a yoga strap | A few sessions if you already do yoga |
| River surfing | A fast flowing standing wave | The river current, not the tide | A shorter surfboard or river board | Longer than ocean surfing, waves never stop |
| Spearfishing | Clear coastal or reef water | Your own dive, then a spear | Speargun or pole spear, mask and fins | Years to hunt safely and consistently |
The two that need instruction rather than practice are scuba and kitesurfing, and for the same reason. In both, the mistake that hurts you is one you cannot discover safely on your own.
#1 Swimming
Swimming has a long history, with early evidence of it dating back to the Stone Age in 7,000 BCE.
It is popular worldwide, with competitive swimming events held globally. The International Swimming Federation (FINA) governs the sport.
Swimming made its Olympic debut in 1896, with the inclusion of four races.
Now, the Summer Olympics feature numerous swimming events, and the World Swimming Championships are held every two years.
Latest Posts about Swimming
#2 Surfing
Surfing has its origins in ancient Polynesian culture, particularly in Hawaii, where it was a central part of society.
Today, surfing is popular in countries with coastlines offering good wave conditions, such as the USA, Australia, and Brazil.
The World Surf League (WSL) holds the annual Championship Tour, and surfing made its Olympic debut in the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Latest Posts about Surfing
#3 Scuba Diving
Scuba diving’s origins can be traced back to the early 1940s, when Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan developed the first self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA).
It is popular in destinations with rich marine life and clear waters, such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Red Sea in Egypt.
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is the world’s leading scuba diving training organization.
#4 Snorkeling
Snorkeling, which involves swimming near the water’s surface while wearing a diving mask and snorkel, is thought to have originated with ancient Greek sponge divers.
It is now a popular activity in tropical destinations, such as the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Southeast Asia.
While snorkeling is not a competitive sport, it is a widely enjoyed recreational activity and a means to explore marine life.
#5 Water Skiing
Water-skiing was invented in 1922 by Ralph Samuelson in Minnesota, USA.
The sport involves being towed behind a motorboat while standing on one or two skis. It is popular in regions with calm waters, such as lakes in North America and Europe.
The International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) governs the sport, and the World Water Ski Championships are held every two years.
Water skiing was part of the Olympic program from 1972 to 2000 as a demonstration sport.
Latest Posts about Water Skiing
#6 Jet Skiing
Jet skiing, a personal watercraft sport, emerged in the late 1960s when the first commercially successful jet ski was developed by Kawasaki.
It gained popularity in the 1980s and is now enjoyed worldwide in various water conditions.
The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) organizes the annual World Finals in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, USA.
#7 Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding originated in the 1980s, combining techniques from water skiing, snowboarding, and surfing.
The sport involves riding on a short, wide board while being towed behind a motorboat. Wakeboarding is popular in the USA, Australia, and Europe.
The International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) oversees the sport, and the World Wakeboard Championships are held annually.
#8 Windsurfing
Windsurfing, a combination of surfing and sailing, was invented in the late 1960s by Californians Jim Drake and Hoyle Schweitzer.
It is popular in coastal areas worldwide, particularly in destinations with consistent wind, such as the Canary Islands and Tarifa, Spain.
The International Windsurfing Association (IWA) governs the sport, and windsurfing has been part of the Olympic program since the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
Latest Posts about Windsurfing
#9 Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, was developed in the late 20th century, with pioneers such as the Legaignoux brothers and Cory Roeseler contributing to its creation.
The sport involves riding on a board while being propelled by a large kite. Kitesurfing is popular in locations with consistent winds, such as the Dominican Republic, Tarifa, Spain, and Cape Town, South Africa.
The Global Kitesports Association (GKA) oversees the sport, and the annual GKA Kite World Tour takes place across multiple locations.
Latest Posts about Kitesurfing
#10 Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand-up paddleboarding has its roots in ancient Polynesian culture, but it gained modern popularity in Hawaii in the early 2000s.
The sport involves standing on a large, stable board and propelling oneself using a long paddle. SUP is popular in coastal areas, lakes, and rivers worldwide.
The International Surfing Association (ISA) and the International Canoe Federation (ICF) both govern the sport.
SUP is not part of the Olympic program, but the ISA and ICF organize separate World Championships for the sport.
Latest Posts about Paddleboarding
More Water Sports
- Kayaking: A versatile water sport where participants propel themselves in a small, narrow boat called a kayak using a double-bladed paddle. Kayaking is popular in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, with various types of kayaking, including whitewater, sea, and recreational. It has been an Olympic sport since 1936.
- Canoeing: Similar to kayaking, canoeing involves paddling in a small boat called a canoe using a single-bladed paddle. Canoeing is popular on calm lakes, rivers, and coastal areas for recreational and competitive purposes. It has been an Olympic sport since the 1936 Berlin Games.
- Sailing: An ancient sport that involves navigating a boat using the power of wind. Sailing is popular in coastal areas and large lakes, with various types of boats and competitions. The World Sailing governing body is overseeing the sport.
- Rafting: A thrilling water sport where participants navigate a raft through rough waters, typically in whitewater river conditions. Rafting is popular in regions with fast-flowing rivers, such as the Colorado River in the USA and the Zambezi River in Africa.
- Rowing: A water sport in which participants propel a boat using oars. Rowing is popular on rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, with various types of boats and competitions. It has been an Olympic sport since the 1900 Paris Games, with the International Rowing Federation (FISA) overseeing the sport.
- Dragon boat racing: Originating in ancient China over 2,000 years ago, dragon boat racing involves teams paddling long, ornate boats adorned with dragon heads and tails. It is popular in Asia and has spread worldwide. The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) organizes the World Championships.
- Fishing: An ancient practice and recreational sport, fishing involves catching fish using various methods such as angling, netting, or trapping. It is popular worldwide in various water bodies, including oceans, lakes, and rivers.
- Flyboarding: Invented in 2012 by Franky Zapata, flyboarding is a thrilling water sport where riders are propelled above the water on a board connected to a personal watercraft via a long hose. It is popular in coastal areas and lakes worldwide.
- Bodyboarding: A variation of surfing, bodyboarding involves riding waves on a smaller, softer board while lying down or kneeling. It is popular in coastal areas with good waves, such as Hawaii, Australia, and Brazil. The Association of Professional Bodyboarders (APB) oversees the World Tour.
- Skimboarding: A hybrid of surfing and skateboarding, skimboarding involves riding on a thin, flat board on the shoreline or shallow water. Skimboarding originated in Laguna Beach, California, in the 1920s and is popular in coastal areas with suitable conditions.
- Cliff diving: An extreme water sport where participants jump off cliffs into the water below, cliff diving tests athletes’ courage and skill. It is popular in locations with suitable cliffs, such as Acapulco, Mexico, and the Azores, Portugal. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is a notable annual competition.
- Synchronized swimming: A combination of swimming, dance, and gymnastics, synchronized swimming involves performing coordinated, graceful routines in the water. It is popular worldwide, particularly in Russia, the USA, and Japan. The International Swimming Federation (FINA) governs the sport, which has been part of the Olympic program since 1984.
- Water polo: A fast-paced, physically demanding water sport played by teams of seven, water polo involves scoring goals by throwing a ball into the opposing team’s net. It is popular in countries such as Hungary, Serbia, and the USA. The sport has been part of the Olympic program since 1900 for men and 2000 for women.
- Diving: A water sport in which athletes perform acrobatic dives from platforms or springboards, diving is popular worldwide. The sport showcases athletes’ strength, flexibility, and agility. The International Swimming Federation (FINA) governs diving, and it has been part of the Olympic program since 1904.
- Parasailing: A recreational water sport where participants are towed behind a boat while attached to a parachute-like canopy called a parasail, parasailing offers thrilling views from above. It is popular in coastal areas with calm waters.
- Underwater hockey: A unique water sport played on the bottom of a swimming pool, underwater hockey involves teams of six using small sticks to score goals. It is popular in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa. The World Underwater Hockey Championship is held every two years.
- Underwater photography: A specialized form of photography capturing underwater scenes and marine life, underwater photography is popular among scuba divers and snorkelers. Although not a competitive sport, various underwater photography competitions exist, such as the annual Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest.
- Freediving: A discipline where participants dive deep underwater without the aid of breathing apparatus, freediving tests athletes’ mental and physical limits. It is popular in locations with clear, deep waters, such as the Mediterranean Sea and the Caribbean. The AIDA International World Championships are held regularly.
- Aquathlon: A multi-sport event combining swimming and running, aquathlon is popular among endurance athletes. The International Triathlon Union (ITU) governs the sport, organizing the annual ITU Aquathlon World Championships.
- Canyoning: An adventurous outdoor activity involving navigating canyons using various techniques such as climbing, rappelling, and swimming, canyoning is popular in regions with suitable terrain, such as the Alps and the Sierra Nevada. Canyoning is not a competitive sport.
- Riverboarding: Also known as hydrospeed, riverboarding is an adrenaline-pumping water sport where participants ride on a buoyant board down fast-flowing rivers, navigating through rapids and obstacles. Popular in regions with suitable rivers, such as New Zealand and the French Alps, riverboarding is not a competitive sport.
- Yachting: A recreational or competitive sailing activity, yachting involves navigating a yacht on open waters. It is popular in coastal areas and large lakes, with various types of boats and competitions. The prestigious America’s Cup is one of the most famous yachting events in the world.
- Kneeboarding: A variation of water-skiing and wakeboarding, kneeboarding involves riding on a buoyant board while kneeling and being towed behind a motorboat. Popular in lakes and coastal areas with calm waters, kneeboarding is not a competitive sport but is enjoyed by many water sports enthusiasts.
- Tubing: A recreational water sport where participants ride on a large, inflatable tube towed behind a motorboat, tubing is popular on lakes and calm coastal waters. It offers an exhilarating and fun experience, but is not a competitive sport.
- Barefoot water-skiing: A challenging variation of water-skiing, barefoot water-skiing involves skiers being towed behind a motorboat without skis, relying on their bare feet to glide across the water. It is popular among skilled water skiers and is governed by the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF).
- Hydrofoil surfing: Combining elements of surfing and foiling, hydrofoil surfing involves riding a surfboard equipped with a hydrofoil that lifts the board above the water’s surface. It is popular in coastal areas with suitable wave conditions and is not a competitive sport.
- Ice swimming: A daring water sport, ice swimming involves swimming in icy waters, often below freezing temperatures. It is popular in cold regions, such as Finland, Russia, and Canada. The International Ice Swimming Association (IISA) organizes the annual Ice Swimming World Championships.
- Aquabiking: Also known as water cycling, aquabiking is a fitness activity that involves riding stationary bicycles submerged in water, typically in a swimming pool. It is popular worldwide as a low-impact exercise and is not a competitive sport.
- White water kayaking: A thrilling form of kayaking, white water kayaking involves navigating a kayak through turbulent river rapids. It is popular in regions with suitable rivers, such as the Colorado River in the USA and the Futaleufú River in Chile. Various regional and international competitions exist.
- Water basketball: A combination of basketball and water polo, water basketball is played in a swimming pool, with teams attempting to score by shooting a ball through a hoop. It is popular as a recreational sport in swimming pools worldwide and is not a competitive sport.
- Water volleyball: Similar to traditional volleyball, water volleyball is played in a swimming pool, with teams attempting to hit a ball over a net without it touching the water. It is popular as a recreational sport in swimming pools worldwide and is not a competitive sport.
- Water aerobics: A low-impact fitness activity, water aerobics involves performing various exercises in a swimming pool, often with the guidance of an instructor. It is popular worldwide for its cardiovascular and muscle-strengthening benefits, and is not a competitive sport.
- Aqua Zumba: A water-based variation of the popular dance fitness program Zumba, Aqua Zumba incorporates dance moves and exercises performed in a swimming pool. It is popular worldwide as a fun, low-impact workout and is not a competitive sport.
- Cave diving: An extreme form of underwater diving, cave diving involves exploring underwater caves while using scuba equipment. It is popular among experienced divers in regions with suitable caves, such as Florida and Mexico. Cave diving is not a competitive sport, but various training and certification programs exist.
- Paddleboard yoga: Combining stand-up paddleboarding and yoga, paddleboard yoga involves performing yoga poses on a paddleboard while floating on calm waters. It is popular as a recreational activity in coastal areas, lakes, and rivers worldwide and is not a competitive sport.
- River surfing: A variation of traditional surfing, river surfing involves riding waves created by fast-flowing rivers. It is popular in regions with suitable rivers, such as the Eisbach River in Germany and the Snake River in the USA. River surfing is not a competitive sport, but has a dedicated following.
- Spearfishing: An ancient method of fishing and a water sport, spearfishing involves catching fish using a spear or a specialized speargun. It is popular worldwide among freedivers and scuba divers. Spearfishing is not an Olympic sport, but various regional and international competitions exist.
FAQ
What are the most popular water sports?
The most popular water sports include swimming, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, water-skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
How many different water sports are there?
Our water sports list includes 47 unique water sports.
