Water sports competitions are some of the most exhilarating events you can witness, showcasing human endurance, skill, and an intimate connection with the powerful forces of nature. Whether it’s riding towering waves, executing gravity-defying tricks, or paddling through challenging rapids, these competitions feature the best of the best in aquatic athletics. If you are passionate about the water, or simply enjoy the thrill of watching athletes push their limits, here are some of the top water sports competitions to watch this year.
1. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational
Held at Waimea Bay in Hawaii, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is one of the most prestigious big wave surfing competitions in the world. Named after Eddie Aikau, a legendary Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer who embodied courage and the spirit of aloha, this event only runs when the waves are a minimum of 20 feet high—translating into wave faces of up to 40 feet or more.
The event is unique because it is held based on wave conditions rather than being an annual fixed event. Surfers are on standby throughout the winter season, waiting for the conditions to be perfect for “The Eddie” to run. Watching this competition means witnessing some of the world’s most talented big wave surfers take on waves that are as beautiful as they are terrifying. The atmosphere at Waimea Bay when the competition is called “on” is electric, and the sense of camaraderie among surfers, coupled with the thrill of massive waves, makes it a must-see.
2. Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is an international competition that pushes the boundaries of human courage and acrobatics. The competition takes place across multiple exotic locations around the globe, with athletes diving from breathtaking heights of up to 27 meters. The combination of stunning landscapes, precise technique, and the element of danger makes it one of the most thrilling water sports competitions to watch.
Each stop on the series presents different challenges, from diving into the turquoise waters of Polignano a Mare in Italy to the emerald depths off the cliffs of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The divers are judged on their acrobatic skills, difficulty of dives, and their entry into the water. Watching the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is a mesmerizing blend of athleticism and artistry, and it never fails to leave spectators holding their breath.
3. The ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships
The ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships is one of the most challenging and fast-paced events in the world of water sports. Held in different locations each year, this competition features top athletes navigating a series of gates while battling the intense currents of artificial and natural whitewater courses. The event requires incredible precision, strength, and endurance, as paddlers maneuver their way through a complex set of obstacles in record time.
The atmosphere at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships is always high-energy, with fans cheering as paddlers make rapid adjustments and fight to maintain balance. The excitement lies in the unpredictable nature of the sport, as even the smallest mistake can cost valuable seconds. The combination of water, speed, and human determination makes this competition captivating to watch.
4. America’s Cup
Known as the “Formula 1 of sailing,” the America’s Cup is one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing competitions in the world. Teams from different countries compete in state-of-the-art sailing yachts that reach incredible speeds. The event pits the world’s best sailors and their high-tech boats against one another in a thrilling battle of strategy, skill, and teamwork.
America’s Cup is unique because it is not just a race—it’s an intricate dance of tactics and split-second decisions. The precision with which these boats are sailed, and the challenges posed by changing wind and water conditions, keep the competition highly engaging. The innovative technology and sheer spectacle of these sailing machines skimming over the waves make America’s Cup a must-watch for any water sports enthusiast.
5. Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is a series of three surfing contests held on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. This prestigious event draws the world’s best surfers, who compete in the powerful and challenging waves of Haleiwa, Sunset Beach, and Pipeline. Each wave offers its own unique set of challenges—from the barreling waves of Pipeline to the long, steep rides of Sunset Beach.
The Vans Triple Crown is not only a showcase of individual skill but also a celebration of surfing culture. Each surfer’s ability to adapt to different waves and their style in riding these iconic spots are factors in determining the overall champion. Fans gather to watch their favorite surfers ride some of the most famous waves on the planet, making it a true highlight in the surfing calendar.
6. FINA World Aquatics Championships
The FINA World Aquatics Championships is a grand showcase of various water sports disciplines, including swimming, diving, water polo, open water swimming, and artistic swimming. Held every two years, it gathers elite athletes from around the globe competing for the prestigious world title. The competition features a variety of events that test speed, endurance, skill, and teamwork.
Swimming and diving competitions, in particular, are crowd favorites, as athletes break records and execute jaw-dropping dives. The synergy of synchronized swimming and the intensity of water polo matches offer something for every spectator. The FINA World Championships are a celebration of human ability in water, highlighting everything from explosive power to graceful movement.
7. Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships
For those who appreciate endurance and pure physical grit, the Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships (M2O) is the ultimate test. This competition spans the 32-mile Ka’iwi Channel, one of the roughest and most unpredictable channels in the world, known as the “Channel of Bones.” Athletes, either solo or in relay teams, paddle from Molokai to Oahu, enduring swells, wind, and currents.
The Molokai 2 Oahu race is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Paddlers have to remain focused and strong throughout hours of grueling effort in open ocean conditions. The sheer endurance and determination displayed by the athletes make this event both awe-inspiring and thrilling to witness.
8. The Wave Garden Surfing Competitions
Wave Garden competitions have introduced a new era of competitive surfing by moving the action from unpredictable ocean waves to perfect, man-made waves. Wave Garden facilities create consistent conditions, allowing surfers to showcase their skills without the uncertainty of natural elements. These events are a fascinating blend of traditional surfing style and modern technology.
Because the waves are identical each time, the emphasis is on the athletes’ skill, technique, and creativity. Watching a Wave Garden competition offers a fresh perspective on the sport, as surfers can execute innovative tricks and display their talents without worrying about wave quality. It is an exciting glimpse into how technology is reshaping traditional water sports.
9. The Rolex Fastnet Race
The Rolex Fastnet Race is one of the most iconic offshore yacht races in the world. Covering over 600 nautical miles from the Isle of Wight, around Fastnet Rock off the coast of Ireland, and finishing in Cherbourg, France, this race is a grueling test of navigation, sailing skill, and stamina. Competing in the Fastnet means dealing with the unpredictable and often challenging weather conditions of the North Atlantic, making it an intense experience for sailors and spectators alike.
The mix of professional crews and passionate amateur sailors adds an element of unpredictability to the race. The beauty of the open ocean, coupled with the drama of tactical maneuvers and sheer endurance, makes the Rolex Fastnet Race an event that captures the imagination of the sailing world.
10. ISA World Surfing Games
The ISA World Surfing Games is an international surfing competition that brings together the top surfers from across the globe, representing their countries in team competition. Unlike other professional surfing events that focus on individual rankings, the ISA World Surfing Games celebrate the collective spirit of team surfing.
Held at some of the world’s best surf spots, the competition showcases national pride as surfers fight for their countries in a bid for gold medals. The atmosphere at the ISA World Surfing Games is electrifying, with fans and teams coming together to support their athletes. The level of talent is always incredible, and watching surfers compete for national glory adds an extra dimension to the sport.
Water Sports Competitions Worth Watching
From surfing massive waves to diving from dizzying heights, these water sports competitions are some of the most exciting events to witness this year. Each one offers a different flavor of aquatic challenge, highlighting the diverse skills and immense courage of athletes dedicated to pushing boundaries. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or just someone who enjoys the thrill of seeing incredible feats unfold, make sure to catch some of these top water sports competitions for an unforgettable experience.
