Is SCUBA diving a sport?

[Thrillhouse]

I've met a number of [usually very competative] people who've scoffed over SCUBA diving being called a sport. Personally I think it's easy to shrug off any activity that involves breaking a sweat to get a little ball in a net, but still, what are the opinions here? Is SCUBA a sport?

 

[G.uy]

Yes, diving is definatly a sport. I wouldnt call it an extreme sport but rather an adventure sport.

 

[Arizona]

"An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others."

AskOxford: sport

As your not competing, I would not classify recreational scuba a sport, no matter how certifying agencies may want to market it. I think a hobby or desire to get close to nature would be more accurate for most.

Take for example swimming, if you swim on a regular basis but do not compete would that be considered a sport? Think of a runner as opposed to someone that runs competitively.

AZ

 

[Alex777]

Yes, it seems to me there must be an element of competition to turn a recreational activity into a sport. Freeidiving may sometimes be a sport, but scuba diving almost never is.

 

[mwm]

It is a Way Of Life.

 

[Walter]

I've met a number of [usually very competative] people who've scoffed over SCUBA diving being called a sport.

Why do you care what they think?

I dive. I don't dive because it is or isn't a sport. I dive because diving is essential to my soul. It matters not if it's considered a sport by others. I don't personally refer to diving as a sport because calling it a sport cheapens diving by lumping it in with lots of silly games often played by folks with IQs that are straining to reach double digits.

 

[dboddy]

I have to agree with Walter...it really does not matter to me what others think. I consider diving not only a sport, but a way of life. As a cave diver...I'm always competing with myself...to improve my skills, my SAC rate and my understanding of the environment that I choose to dive in. I will never stop learning nor training.

My diving is for me and no one else. Although my family seems to like me more when I'm on a steady diet of frequent diving!

 

[Randy43068]

It's a little of each. I can't say that diving is a "way of life" but sure is fun.

 

[texdiveguy]

Regardless of what other divers or non divers or even Webster says...I call it a SPORT!

 

[LiteHedded]

not a sport IMO
but it doesn't matter