Swimming is mentioned in many of the classics in connection with heroism and religion. Nicolas Wynman’s Dialogue Concerning the Art of Swimming (1538) is the first recorded written document on swimming methods. Swimming first appeared at the 1896 Olympic Games, parallel to the development of the pool. Swimming in the English Channel is the most publicized non-Olympic event. Demonstrates excellence in strength and endurance. Matthew Webb from England was the first man to cross the English Channel in 1875, and later Gertrude Ederle from the United States of America became the first woman to cross it in 1926.
Diving to see exotic fish and aquamarine life is a much-loved vacation adventure. In ancient times, snorkels were made from hollow reeds found in lakes and swamps. Pliny the Elder, a Roman from the 1st century AD. C. refers to snorkeling, so the activity remains one of the oldest registered water sports. Loenardo da Vinci created a more modern tube when the Venetian senate called on him to do so. Miscellaneous fixed this hollow tube to leather helmets
Today’s diver’s snorkel is usually a J-shaped tube that is open at the top and has a mouthpiece at the other end, usually no more than 2 feet (61 cm) long.
The inhabitants of the west coast of the United States go crazy riding the waves on a wooden board known as a surfboard. Surfing originally developed in Hawaii in the 19th century. It became popular in California in the 1920s and became a successful youth sport in the 1960s.
Surfers originally used long, cumbersome wooden boards, but now ride lightweight synthetic boards that allow for a greater degree of maneuverability. Hawaii hosts annual international surfing championships.
Water polo originated in England in 1870, with Americans joining the bandwagon in the early 20th century. There are many clubs and varsity teams for this rigorous sport. The Americans put a spin on the game by using a softer rubber ball in a larger pool, a game known as softball water polo. Violence and rough play wiped out this faction of the sport, and today only the hardball version is still played around the world. Men began Olympic-level water polo in 1900, and women first played at the Olympics in 2000.
Diving, another favorite Olympic sport, kicked off the competition in 1871 in front of London Bridge. Diving is now a popular sport at the high school and college level, and is an amazing display of strength, control, and agility.