Finswimming is one of the most exciting water sport ever. Finswimming is a sport belonging to the aquatic specialties which, using specific equipment (monofin, fins, snorkel or cylinders) allows the athlete to reach much higher speeds than swimming. There are indoor (swimming pools) and open water (sea, lake, rivers) championships.

To which federation belongs Finswimming?

The international federation to which fin swimming belongs is CMAS, the Confédération Mondial des Activités Subaquatiques, which is part of the ARISF, and is a discipline recognized by the IOC.

Is there an age limit to join Finswimming?

Finswimming is suitable for any age . In fact, there are competitions for very young people, for children and adults and for veterans, over 25 years old.

How can I find a Finswimming club?

You can find Finswimming clubs easily, just looking on the internet.

How can i stay updated with Finswimming News?

Finswimmer Magazine is the most comprehensive web site about Finswimming in which you can find events, updates and everything about Finswimming.

2026 FISU World University Championship Finswimming - Sharm El-Sheikh - Finswimmer Magazine

2026 FISU World University Championship Finswimming

Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt – April 10–11, 2026

The world of university finswimming is preparing for one of its most exciting moments of the season: the 2026 FISU World University Championship Finswimming, scheduled to take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on April 10th–11th 2026.
Although official documentation on the specific edition is not yet available, the event will follow the established structure and regulations defined by FISU and outlined in the Finswimming Technical Handbook. This ensures a high-level, world-class competition bringing together the best university athletes from across the globe.

A Growing Tradition

Finswimming became an officially recognised FISU sport in 2020, and since then the discipline has evolved quickly within the university sports ecosystem. After the inaugural University World Cup in 2022 (Italy) and the upgraded Championship edition in 2024 (Colombia), the 2026 event marks the third global FISU finswimming gathering, expected to continue the trend of rising participation and performance.

Location: Sharm El Sheikh, Ras Umm Sid, Governatorato del Sinai del Sud, 46619, Egitto

Competition Program

According to FISU regulations, the Championship unfolds over two competition days, featuring a full program of sprint, middle-distance and long-distance events.

Individual Events (Men & Women)

50m AP
100m / 200m / 400m / 800m SF
50m / 100m / 200m / 400m BF

Mixed Relays

Each team is composed of two men and two women (order: M–W–M–W):

4×50m SF
4×100m SF
4×50m BF
4×100m BF

Athletes may compete in multiple events, and nations may enter up to two athletes per individual discipline.

Technical Set-Up and Venue Standards

As with all FISU Championships, the event will follow CMAS regulations and strict venue standards. The competition pool must be 50m long, at least 1.80m deep, equipped with starting blocks on both sides, 16 touchpads, and professional timekeeping systems.
A dedicated warm-up area and training pool must also be available to the delegations starting from the first arrival day.

Sport Presentation and Atmosphere

FISU places strong emphasis on sport presentation to elevate the athlete and spectator experience. Expectations for Sharm El-Sheikh include:

Professional commentary and athlete introductions
Music, audiovisual content, and start-countdown system
Video scoreboard and race-result displays
Educational CMAS videos for spectators

The goal is to create a dynamic, modern, world-class atmosphere that showcases finswimming at its best.

Medical, Anti-Doping & Athlete Services

In line with the FISU Handbook guidelines, the 2026 Championship will include:

On-site medical teams and emergency coverage
Two ambulances available during training and competition
Full anti-doping procedures coordinated with FISU and CMAS
Free Wi-Fi for all delegations
Ice provision for injury treatment
Laundry services (when applicable)

All participants must hold valid travel medical insurance.

Medals & Awards

The event will award medals in all individual and mixed relay disciplines, totalling 102 medals (34 gold, 34 silver, 34 bronze).
FISU Teams composed of mixed-nation athletes (eligible for relays) may participate but cannot receive medals.

A Global Meeting Point for University Finswimming

The 2026 FISU World University Championship Finswimming in Sharm El-Sheikh promises to be a milestone for the sport: a blend of elite underwater racing, international youth competition, and global university sports culture—all set against one of the world’s most iconic aquatic destinations.

More information, including the detailed schedule and final entry lists, will be released closer to the event.