Scubatics is a series of maneuvers 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.
Scuba Divers compete breathing compressed air, just as they would in the ocean. Skin Divers compete using a snorkel and surfacing for a breath during their sequence, while Apnea Divers complete their routines on a single breath.
There are six 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.
The arena, or competition box, is a marked section of a pool or other clear, confined water 10 meters by 10 meters (33 feet by 33 feet) and two meters (a little over 6 feet) deep. The box is positioned one meter below the surface and at least one meter above the bottom and looks like this:
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.
Each competitor will dive a series of published maneuvers specific to his or her category of competition. The higher the category, the harder the sequence. Each diver will perform the sequence two or three times during the competition.
Competitors may use any approved scooter. Scuba divers may use either back-mounted or side-mounted scuba tanks. Skin divers, free divers, and apnea divers may choose whether or not to use a snorkel.
Each year the International Scubatics Federation will publish six competition sequences, available to all Federation members. These sequence increase in difficulty from Cat 3 to Cat 1 and are different for Scuba and Breath-Hold divers. Cat 1 competition will also include a freestyle sequence designed by the diver to best show off his or her individual skills. Members can download the 2008 seqences here.
In order to participate in any sanctioned training event or contest each diver must be a member of the International Scubatics Federation and hold two certifications: depending on category, a Scuba or Skin Diving card from a nationally recognized certification agency such as NAUI or PADI, and a Diver Propulsion Vehicle speciality certification card, also from a nationally recognized agency.
At our 3-day weekend training and contest events, Friday is reserved for practice and DPV training, so if you don’t have a DPV cert, you can take the class on Friday. Saturday is day-long coaching and training, and Sunday is the competition. Each participant must also carry dive-specific medical insurance from a company such as DAN, the Diver’s Alert Network.
To join, click here. For the 2008 sequences and other forms for training and contests, click here.
See the Frequently Asked Questions page for more info.
