Scubatics - Scubatics is a series of manoeuvers similar to those done by an air show aerobatic pilot, but performed underwater by a Scuba Diver or Skin Diver who is being moved through the water using a Diver Propulsion Vehicle, also know as a Scooter.
Divers compete in shallow, confined water, such as a pool, by performing a series of lines, pivots, loops, rolls, and turns. Each maneuver will be graded by a panel of trained judges based on trajectory, trim, aesthetics, and difficulty; the diver with the highest score at the end of the contest wins. Prizes are award for first, second, and third place in each category of competition.
This sport is ideal for the UK. Keep yourself diving over the winter by training and having fun! When the British weather blows out your diving for the weekend - just head for the pool!
Anyone can join in the fun of Scubatics, not just Scuba divers. Scuba divers can compete breathing compressed air, just as they would in the ocean. However skin divers can also compete using a snorkel and surfacing for a breath during their sequence, while Apnea divers can complete their routines on a single breath.
The "Box"
The standard competition box, is a marked section of a pool 10 metres by 10 metres and two metres deep. The box is positioned one metre below the surface and at least one metre above the bottom. However, there can be minor adjustments made for shallower pools that are prevalent in the UK.
Judges are positioned at both the surface and underwater and are aided by a series of video cameras. The surface monitors also allow spectator viewing.
Categories of Competition
- Category 3 Scuba – The entry level category of competition for Scuba Divers.
- Category 2 Scuba – The intermediate category of competition for Scuba Divers.
- Category 1/Pro Scuba – The highest category of competition for Scuba Divers.
- Category 3 Free dive/Apnea– The entry level category of competition for Apnea/Free Divers.
- Category 2 Free dive/Apnea – The intermediate category of competition for Apnea/Free Divers.
- Category 1/Pro Free dive/Apnea – The highest category of competition for Apnea/Free Divers.
Competing
Each competitor will dive a series of published manoeuvers specific to his or her category of competition using an approved scooter. The higher the category, the harder the sequence. Each diver will perform the sequence two or three times during the competition.
Each year the International Scubatics Federation (ISF) will publish six competition sequences, available to all Federation members. These sequences increase in difficulty from Cat 3 to Cat 1 and are different for Scuba and skin divers. The Cat 1 competition will also include a freestyle sequence designed by the diver to best show off his or her individual skills.
The Scubatics skills DVD and Official Rule Book detailing the manouevres are available in the Deep Ideas store. We are currently working with the ISF to make some minor modifications to the skills routines to allow Scubatics to be performed in shallower pools. There should also be DPV/Scubatics instructors available early next year.
For more information, please visit the Scubatics website. 