On a planet like Earth that is 70% covered by water, mankind has found ways to practice sports in this marine environment, either by testing their physical condition or by using equipment such as a surfboard or more sophisticated devices. Here are some of the extreme marine sports.

 

Surfing

Surfing is the challenge of mastering the waves while standing upright on a board made of wood or synthetic materials while standing upright. The millennial essence of surfing could come from bodysurfing (gliding over the waves using the body).

 

Bodyboarding

It is practiced with a smaller and wider surfboard than a regular one. Contrary to surfing, the rider lies face down on the board to perform acrobatics on the wave.

 

Paddle Surfing / Stand-Up Paddle (SUP)

It is another derivation of surfing, with the difference that a paddle is used, which allows greater control and more agile movements while riding on the waves. It can also be practice on lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.

 

Water Skiing

The challenge is to stay above the waterline to make turns while maintaining balance, mounted on one or a pair of skis and towed at high speed by a boat or a crane.

 

Wakeboarding

Standing on a board with integrated boots, similar to snowboarding, the surfer can jump over the wake left by the boat that is towing him. Depending on the rider's skill of the rider, he/she can perform tricks and turns.

 

 

 

Cavern diving

Supported by oxygen tanks, the diver can visit the marine depths with a torch and discover an unknown world. If you are new to this practice, it is ideal to do it in the company of an expert.

 

Kayaking

There are two modalities: paddling on a calm lake and enjoying the view, and the extreme version: descending at high speed on the rapids of a rushing river, between rocks and deep falls, controlling the boat with the paddles.

 

Diving with Sharks

The ultimate test of diving is to dive among the dominant species of the deep. Some do it protected by a steel cage, but others dare to "coexist" with sharks.

 

River Rafting

It consists of gliding down a fast-flowing river in a boat or raft. Armed with oars, the adventurers on board must participate to avoid a collision against the rocks while going through the rapids.

 

Jet Ski

Riding them is a great thrill –even superyachts always include several for fun–; equipped with powerful engines, they can reach up to 75 mph. There are jet skis (single-seater) and runabouts (multiple-seater).

 

Flyboard

The equipment consists of a pair of boots connected to the turbine exhaust of a jet ski through a hose, through which water jets are projected, allowing the user to rise or dive while performing maneuvers.

 

Jet Boat

Navigating at more than 45 mph while avoiding obstacles, including huge rocks, is an unparalleled experience. The secret lies in the powerful 450-horsepower engine that gives the boat the ability to travel at a depth of 4 in.

 

Freediving or Apnea Diving

This practice consists of holding your breath while descending into the ocean to explore reefs, caves, marine life, and shipwrecks, without the use of an oxygen oxygen tank, just a mask, and snorkel.

 

Sailing

Since time immemorial, mankind has usedthe wind to sail. For recreational purposes, pleasure boats range in length from 8 to 78 ft., the latter with one, two, or even three hulls.

 

Subwing

It consists of a pair of linked rotating wings controlled by the participant, who is towed by a boat. As the wings rotate independently of each other, they perform underwater movements, including turns.

 

 

 

 

 

Snorkeling with Whales or Whale Sharks

Following the instructions of the experts to avoid any mishap, live the experience of swimming with these calm giants of the sea, equipped only with a snorkel and a mask.

 

Sea walking

Equipped with a scuba diving mask to supply oxygen, you will a walk on the seabed to get to know it quietly, under the guidance of an expert. It is designed for those who cannot to swim or do not want to dive.

 

Snuba Diving

It is ideal for diving without the need to carry uncomfortable scuba tanks. All you need are fins, a mask, a weight belt for descending and a hose connection for oxygen.

 

Spinnaker Flying

A ride through the clouds is achieved with a large sail attached to a symmetrical mast. To perform the flight, the sailboat – preferably 39 ft. – must be anchored aft to point the bow downwind.

 

 

 

Sit-down hydrofoil

Towed by a boat, the hydrofoil practically "flies" over the water, avoiding the wake created by the boat. Jumps and turns can be performed in the air, similar to water skiing.

 

Hydrofoil Electronic

Driven by an engine with no rotating parts - a turbine - it safely travels at over 31 mph. Equipped with an 31 in. mast, it can sail over rough seas and make steep turns.

 

Kitesurf Hydrofoil

The keel of the board allows the user to "float" with great stability. Pulled by a kite, it reaches considerable speeds by offering less resistance to the water, with the possibility of performing turns.

 

Wing Foiling // Wing Surfing

This new sport combines wind foiling kite-foiling, and SUP foiling. Standing on a foil board, the sailor holds a lightweight, aerodynamic inflatable wing that propels him or her to surf the waves and once they break, return for more.

 

Seabob

Sliding or diving into the sea is the attraction of the Seabob, the union between humans and machines. Its powerful motor allows you to steer it anywhere just by simply shifting your body weight. It can dive up to 131 ft. at 12 mph.

 

Text: ± Photo: Alliance wake, PXhere, Thew wha, Eolistice, GMYacht, Wixtatis, Marcia, JustLuxe, Shark Research