Water Sport

One of these submarines is shaped like a dolphin and can actually leap out of the water -- just like Flipper. The others dive deep, giving average (but very wealthy) people an incredible view of the sea.

By Charles W. Bryant

This hybrid of kiting, wakeboarding and windsurfing is gaining popularity. How do kitesurfers harness the wind to soar from wave to wave on our world's oceans?

By Sarah Winkler

Once you get up on those skis, it's an exhilarating feeling to glide across the water. But it's not easy to pull yourself up into skiing position. What's the trick?

By Sarah Winkler

There are only so many waves fit to surf. And surfer dudes aren't always laid-back about amateurs hogging the swells. What happens when surf becomes turf?

By Charles W. Bryant

Steve Irwin was fatally stabbed in the heart by a stingray, which makes you wonder whether swimming with sea creatures is a good idea. Is it?

By Charles W. Bryant

In this fishing sport, the bait is the fisherman's hand. A noodler wades in, wiggles his fingers in a catfish hole and hopes the animal bites. Then he pulls that prize to the surface.

By Debra Ronca

Which sport combines the thrill of skateboarding, skiing and boating? Why is wakeboarding so popular throughout the world? How can it be dangerous?

By Sarah Winkler

You might not think about the physics involved in keeping your canoe afloat as you drift down a river, but this seemingly simple pastime is pretty complex. And is there a difference between canoeing and kayaking?

By Sarah Winkler

Looking for a sport that combines adventure, exercise and sightseeing? Nine to 10 million people have tried white-water rafting as an exhilarating escape from the day to day.

By Maria Trimarchi

Cave diving is the most intense, specialized and dangerous form of scuba diving there is. Cave divers explore places never before seen or touched by humans.

By John Fuller

If you had to choose between a kayak and a canoe for a race, which one would you pick? Fans of each have been arguing for ages. It's time to settle the debate.

By Charles W. Bryant

Gliding through lakes, barreling down the rapids or fording the surf, kayakers face off with nature and leave feeling exhilarated. So how do you get started?

By Charles W. Bryant

You may not think about life jackets until you find yourself overboard and far from shore. How do life jackets keep people afloat, and why does it take only a few pounds of buoyancy to do it?

By Molly Edmonds

Sailboats rank as one of man's most revolutionary inventions. How far have sailboats come since the days of the Santa Maria, Nina and Pinta?

By Cristen Conger

Popularized in music and movies, surfing is a beloved sport for many. But did you know that it's been around for hundreds of years? Learn about the basics of surfing and get surfing safety tips.

By Tracy V. Wilson

Every boat owner should know how to maintain a boat to prevent it from aging and damage. Learn how to make important boat repairs as well as build useful boat accessories.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Millions of people swim safely in public, but it's important to know that certain infectious diseases can occur while swimming in public pools, parks, lakes, water fountains and yes, even the ocean.

By Dr. Rob Danoff

Personal watercraft such as jet skis are used by millions of Americans each year, but they weren't always that popular. Learn how personal watercraft came to be, how they work and the laws and environmental concerns that govern them.

By Tracy V. Wilson

Advances in SCUBA gear have opened up the underwater world to more people than ever before. With some equipment and a little training, you can explore it all. Find out how SCUBA works.

By Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.

'The bends' is a dangerous condition based on water pressure. Find out how you can get -- and prevent -- the bends.