AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

Different Types of Recreational Activities

1. Club Recreational Activities
2. Recreation for Amusement
3. Diversion through Entertainment
4. Sports Recreational Activities
5. Adventure Type of Recreational Activities

TYPES OF AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

A. COMPETITIVE WATER SPORTS
B. INDIVIDUAL WATER SPORTS
SWIMMING
 One of the most popular water sports, swimming has been around for centuries. *
 It has evolved to become one of the most common recreational activities as well.
 is a sport that tests your fitness and stamina

SURFING
 is riding a surfboard on the forward face of a wave, which mostly carries you towards the shore.
 There are different types of surfing that depend on the length of the surfboard, its design, the form of
the wave that is ridden, and the style of riding.
 Balance plays a critical role in maintaining the posture on the various equipment that can be used for
surfing. This includes surfboards, surf mats, long-boards, stand-up paddle boards, wave-skis, knee-
boards, or skim-boards

WINDSURFING
 the radical technique of surfing, combined with sailing know-how and skill, is what windsurfing is all
about.
 the equipment used here is a surfboard with sail fixed on a movable mast.
 the windsurfer has to move with the waves to control the board, and at the same time manage the sail
according to the winds.
 this is a surface water sport, and there are a lot of competitions, both local and international, as well as
an Olympic event for this sport.

JET SKIING
 basically racing over a body of water on a one-man watercraft machine.
 fancy stunts and tricks, like flipping and jumping over a ramp, can be done with freestyle jet skiing.
 competitive racing is also done between 10-20 racers over a set course.

WAKEBOARDING
 imagine surfing while being towed along by a high-speed boat. That’s wakeboarding in a nutshell.
 the board here is a specifically designed board with fins and weights, to allow the rider to manipulate it
with his/her feet.
 this sport is partially inspired by snowboarding, and is often performed in smaller bodies like lake
WATER SKIING
 another water surface sport, water skiing is basically skiing on water.
 an individual uses 2 skis or a single ski to sim or glide along the surface of water and is pulled along by
high-speed powerboat with the help of a ski cable or rope.
 On a competition basis, shoe water skiing and slalom skiing are followed, along with standard dual
skiing.

TRIATHLON
 a type of are that popularly involves swimming, cycling, and running various distances in immediate
succession
 it is a highly popular sport and was recently included in the Olympics
 the Ironman series and World Cup Championship are organized every year
 It is a test of your physical fitness, and stamina

KITESURFING
 uses a small surfboard or wakeboard which is pulled by a kite.
 you will need to go through some training in order to understand the movement and direction control of
the kite.
 There are a few rules and regulations to follow. If you stick to them, this is a sport which is fun-filled
and you will thoroughly enjoy it.

SKIMBOARDING
 a board sport, but with a twist. Unlike surfers who start deep into the waves by swimming to the deeper
parts of the ocean, skimboarders start at the beach, wading with the board into the wash of previous
waves. Then they catch the next wave back to the beach.
 the board is smaller than a surfboard
 it can be done in lakes and rivers as opposed to surfing, which requires a large body of water

BODYBOARDING
 Bodyboarding is a surface water sport, and the surfer rides a bodyboard on a wave that carries him
towards the shore.
 Bodyboards used for this form of sport vary according to the riders specifications regarding the style of
riding, and height and weight.
 Mike Steward – bodyboarders-(Hawaii, USA) a 9-time record holder

CLIFF DIVING
 one form wherein divers jump off cliffs or rocks in freshwater or salt water
 it is fun to just dive off a high cliff into the calm waters below.
 avid cliff divers travel the world in search of exotic locations to experience the thrill and ultimate rush

FISHING
 this water sport can be a lazy, relaxed activity, or a frenzied and highly competitive sport.
 there are different types of fishing – from big-game fishing to fly fishing and deep-sea fishing.
 the species and quantity of catch required depend on competitions rules and area of fishing (sea, river or
lake).
 C. TEAM WATER SPORTS
WATER POLO
 a very energetic and involves a full body workout, as players must swim and defend the ball as well as
try to score in the opponents’ goal. It’s a lot more like handball played in water rather than polo.
 this sport is very intense and competitive, with a lot of strategies and techniques involved in gameplay.
There are numerous competitions, and it is a very old Olympic event as well.

RAFTING
 thrill-seekers and extreme sports aficionados treasure this action-packed water sport.
 An inflatable raft must be maneuvered over rather rough or dangerous water by a team of around 4-12
people.
 this sport is a famous leisure sport, an ideal vacation sport, and depending on the location a water
current speed, slightly dangerous. It is more fun during rains when the river current is at its peak.

ROWING
 A sport in which athletes compete in boats on rivers, lakes, or the ocean, depending on the type of race.
 The force of the athletes on the oar blades of the boat while rowing, work against the water forces to
propel the boat forward.
 It is played for both competition and recreational purposes, and is one of the oldest sports to be included
in the Olympics.

SYNCHRONIZED DIVING
 what’s there to it, step off a board and jump. Actually, this water sport is a little more complex than that.
 Particular diving and jumping forms and rules exist and in some cases, acrobatics while falling must be
performed.
 Diving is a very popular and intensely competitive Olympics events.
 It can be done solo or synchronized, where 2 divers must mimic or perform opposite diving forms,
while diving simultaneously

SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING
 A combination of swimming, gymnastics, and dance, synchronized swimming is performing elegant
synchronized moves in the water with music played in the background.
 It requires great flexibility, aerobic endurance, strength, grace, perfect timing, and excessive breath
control when underwater.
 Olympic and World Championships do not allow men to compete, however, there are many other
competitions that do not allow male swimmers to participate.

SAILING
 to be more specific, travelling over water in a vessel or vehicle that has sails can be termed as sailing.
 Sailing is an intensely competitive sport, and many competitions like the Sailing World Championships,
Sailing World Cup for youth, men and women are held apart from the Olympic Sailing Regatta.

KAYAKING
 This water sport, where a small boat called a kayak is used to move across water, can be done in white
water rivers, seas, or lake, for different purposes, such as recreation, expedition, touring, adventure, or
competitive purposes.
 Kayaking through rapids and whitewater is dangerous and needs years of practice to master.
 Kayaking is a part of the Olympics, and one of the fastest growing outdoor activities.
CANEOING
 Canoeing is done in a small boat called a canoe which is pointed at both ends.
 It can be done individually, or with a group of people in rivers, lakes, or even water parks.
 Canoeing can be relaxing or adventurous, depending on the type of water that you choose.
 Canoeing is a great sport, is very important, and has been a part of the Olympics since a long time.

POWERBOATING
 If you love speed and racing, then this is a sport for you. However, you need to be cautious as racing of
boats need you to be extra aware of your surroundings.
 These powerboats reach speeds high enough to get your adrenaline pumping and enjoy the thrills of a
race.
 Powerboating is a fun and enjoyable ride.

YACHTING
 Technically speaking, yachting is sailing or boating on a vessel called a “yacht”. These vessels or
yachts are designed to sail fast, and are hence used widely for racing.
 There are strict rules that govern yacht racing.
 There are many competitions held, the America Cup being the oldest, most prestigious, and exclusive
event in yacht racing.

D. RECREATIONAL WATER SPORTS

SNORKELING
 a swimming on the surface o through water with a diving mask, fins, and a hollow tube called a snorkel
(a pipe that helps you breathe underwater).
 It is a popular recreational activity and is appealing due to its simple nature.
 You can observe underwater life and corals without any training or equipment like in scuba diving
 Water sports like underwater rugby, spearfishing, and underwater hockey are played using snorkeling
equipment.

SPEARFISHING
 An ancient method of fishing using sharpened sticks to catch fish
 Technology has changed spearfishing – which now involves the use of air-powered spear guns or slings
along with various diving equipment.
 The original technique is to hold your breath underwater to spear fish with no bait, being very specific
and selective. Hence, it is the most environmental-friendly form of fishing

UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
 If you love photography, this will be an ideal sport for you.
 Diving in the deep blue waters equipped with a camera offers exquisite, exciting, and rare photographic
moments.
 It is often performed while scuba diving with a waterproof camera and appropriate high setup.
 Digital cameras have drastically changed many facets of underwater photography.
WATER AEROBICS
 a form of exercise where aerobics are performed in shallow water.
 it is beneficial for one and all, including the elderly.
 The use of water supports the body and reduces the risk of injury to the muscles and joints, prevents
overheating of the body, and is a very safe and simple form of exercise.
 It helps strengthen muscles, and can be done even if you are not a good swimmer.

FREE DIVING
 is training your body for long spells under water without the use of any diving equipment.
 It’s all about holding your breath underwater and exploring the world underwater.
 The goal is to challenge oneself and test your limits, thus improving your ability and pushing your limits
further

PARASAILING
 A parachute that is specially designed to be towed behind a boat.
 You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the water and horizon with a fun-filled ride.
 Commercial parasailing operations are held all over the world, and there are many parasailing
associations that govern the sport held for the game as well.

SCUBA DIVING
 A type of underwater diving using a scuba set – that generally consists of an host, mouthpiece, regulator
, harness, back plate, and an air tank – to breathe underwater
 Scuba diving is very popular, and undertaken for many reasons that include recreational, scientific,
commercial, professional, or public service

BAREFOOT SKIING
 Water skiing using just your feet is barefoot skiing.
 Balance plays a crucial role in this sport.
 It is fun to be towed along with the boat, and is also a great hobby.
 It is one of the most popular water sports today

Aquatic Activity Health Benefits

1. It Builds Strength
2. It’s Easy on the Joints
3. It’s Good for Flexibility
4. It Torches Calories
5. It’s Heart-Healthy