Syros to Host 30th World Spearfishing Championship

Ermoupolis, Syros. Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

The capital of the Cyclades, Syros, will this year host the 30th CMAS World Spearfishing Championship to be held on September 15-19.

Jointly organized by the Hellenic Federation of Underwater Activities and Fishing Sports, the Nautical Club of Syros (NOS), the Syros-Ermoupolis Municipality and the South Aegean Region, with the support of the World Confederation of Underwater Activities (CMAS), the five-day sporting event will host participants from some 21 countries, dozens of athletes and hundreds of visitors and fans.

The ancient method of spearfishing is now a competitive sport defined as the bait-less hunting and capture of fish underwater without the aid of artificial breathing devices, using gear that depends entirely on the physical strength of the competitor.

Founded in 1959, the CMAS consists of more than 130 federations from five  continents. Besides organizing international underwater sport events it is at the forefront of technical and scientific research and development.

The annual contest has been held in Peru, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Chile, Malta and Polynesia, among others. Greece has participated in many of the competitions gaining numerous distinctions in the process.