Skandalopetra: From Sponge Fishing to Sports Tourism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26248/sport-soc.vi4.1972Keywords:
skandalopetra, freediving, tourism, sponge fishing, sportizationAbstract
Skandalopetra diving, a traditional sponge-fishing technique from the Dodecanese islands, involved divers using a stone as a variable weight without any breathing apparatus. This practice was abandoned in the second half of the 20th century due to technological innovations, such as diving helmets, enabling underwater breathing. This article explores the revival and transformation of skandalopetra diving into a modern sport and tourist activity, gaining international recognition by federations such as AIDA and CMAS since the late 20th century. The purpose of the article is to highlight the cultural and symbolic transformations of skandalopetra diving from a sponge-fishing method into a symbol of local heritage and a tourism product. A central conclusion is that skandalopetra diving has become a contested practice among island communities competing for its symbolic appropriation and the enhancement of economically beneficial practices, particularly through tourism. The sportization of skandalopetra diving is accompanied by strict safety protocols and standardization, alongside commemorative events promoting the historical aspects of the practice. Contemporary competitions and related festivals illustrate the hybrid nature of skandalopetra as both a symbol of cultural heritage and a contemporary sports spectacle, blending competition, leisure, and touristic commercialization.
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