Thinking about what else you could bet on? Place a few familiar bets on 22Bet and check out our article on water sports betting.
Water sports aren’t just about thrilling competitions, beautiful landscapes, and athletes in great shape — they’re also an exciting area for sports betting. Some disciplines are well-known and popular among bookmakers, while others are so rare and unusual that they attract attention simply by being unique.
Betting on Popular Water Sports
The first sport that comes to mind is swimming — especially during the Olympics. It’s straightforward: there are clear distances, different styles (freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, etc.), tons of records, and strong athletes. For those who follow the sport closely, it’s possible to make fairly accurate predictions. Of course, betting on swimming is usually only available during major tournaments like the World Championships, European Championships, or the Olympic Games.
The second popular water sport is canoe and kayak racing. Here, it’s important to consider the athletes’ condition, the weather, and the course. It’s also more suitable for betting during big events, but there are people who study this in depth and know how to profit from it.
Water polo is also quite interesting — it’s a team sport that relies on tactics, physical endurance, and teamwork. You can bet on match outcomes, totals (number of goals), handicaps, and more. Water polo is especially popular in Europe: Hungary, Serbia, and Spain have strong teams. If you understand the sport well, you can find good odds, especially in matches from lesser-known leagues.
Let’s not forget about sailing — regattas like the America’s Cup, for example. Everything depends on the crew, the boat, the wind, and the conditions. Betting on sailing is challenging, but it can be very profitable for those in the know.
And of course, there’s surfing. At first glance, it might seem chaotic and hard to predict. But in reality, if you know who’s competing, what the waves are like, and how a particular surfer performs at different locations, you can make decent predictions. Major events like the World Surf League are sometimes offered by bookmakers.
Water Sports That Stand Out for Their Unusual Nature
Now let’s talk about water sports that don’t often appear in betting lines but are fascinating because of how unique they are.
For example, underwater rugby. Yes, it really exists. Players use a ball filled with salt water so it sinks, and teams try to score by putting it in the opponent’s basket — all underwater. It’s quite the spectacle, but tough for betting: little information, few broadcasts.
Flyboarding is another spectacular activity. A person rises into the air above water on a special board using high-pressure water jets. It’s a mix of stunts and competition. While there are almost no betting options for it yet, if the sport continues to grow, bookmakers might start paying attention.
SUP (stand-up paddle) surfing involves riding a board with a paddle. It seems like a simple pastime, but competitions are already being held. Technique and balance are key here. There are hardly any betting options at the moment, but the sport is gaining popularity.
We should also mention aquatic orienteering. It’s like regular orienteering, but on water — in boats or while swimming. Very rare and unusual, but it sparks interest among extreme sports fans.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for stability and profit potential, pay attention to swimming, canoe/kayak racing, water polo, and surfing. These sports are well developed and have plenty of accessible information.
But if you’re after something unique, entertaining, and just for fun — underwater rugby, flyboarding, and SUP surfing might pleasantly surprise you. Yes, betting on them is still rare, but who knows — maybe these will become the next big trend.
So, water sports aren’t just about athleticism — they offer room for excitement, emotions, and new discoveries.