There are 194 sports that start with the letter R. From Race Walking to Ryukyu Kobudo. Sports, as a structured form of physical activity, play a vital role in cultures worldwide, serving as a means of entertainment, competition, and community engagement. Activities can range from team sports, like soccer and basketball, to individual pursuits like athletics and swimming. The evolution of sports has been influenced by various cultural, social, and technological factors, leading to the establishment of governing bodies, international competitions like the Olympics, and extensive professional leagues. Sports contribute significantly to physical health, social bonding, and can even have a positive economic impact on communities through events and tourism.

One interesting fun fact about sports is that cricket, often regarded as a national pastime in countries like India and England, is played by more than 120 countries and has a dedicated following of over 2.5 billion fans worldwide, making it one of the most popular sports globally.

Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:

Origin Country: This column indicates the country where the sport was first developed or is considered to have originated.

Player Count: This represents the typical number of players involved in a game or match, reflecting the format of the sport—whether it is individual or team-based.

Equipment Needed: This column lists the primary gear or tools necessary to participate in the sport, which could vary widely depending on the nature of the activity.

Description: This provides a brief overview of the sport, outlining its rules, objectives, and how it is generally played or competed.

Sports That Start With R

Sports origin country player count equipment needed
Race Walking United Kingdom 1 None
Raceball United States 2-4 Racball, court
Raceboard Sailing United Kingdom 2 Sailboard, sail
Racecars United States 1-4 Race car, racing gear
Racehorse Breeding United Kingdom 1+ Horses, Land
Racehorse Jumping United Kingdom 1 Racehorse, racing gear
Racehorse Steeplechasing United Kingdom 2 Horses, Obstacles
Racehorse Training United Kingdom 1+ Horses, Land
Racewalking United Kingdom 1 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Racketlon Austria 2 Rackets for 4 sports
Racquetball United States 2 Racket, ball
Racquets United Kingdom 2-4 Racquets, Ball
Radball Germany 2 per team Bicycle, ball
Radebeul Handball Germany 7 per team Handball, court
Raft Racing United States 4-6 Raft, oars, life jackets
Rafting United States 4-12 Raft, Oars, Life Jackets
Rag Ball United States 2+ Ball
Raga Racing India 1-2 Motorized trike, racing gear
Ragnarok Norway 4-8 Various, based on Norse mythology
Rak Muay Thai Thailand 2 Gloves, mouthguard, shorts
Rakeball United States 2-4 Racket, ball, court
Raking Sweden 1-2 Garden rake
Rallycross United Kingdom 2+ Car, safety equipment
Ramadan Football Egypt 2 teams Football, field
Rambling United Kingdom 1 None
Rambutan Climbing Malaysia 1 Climbing equipment
Rambutan Fruit Catching Malaysia 2+ Rambutan fruit
Rambutan Jousting Malaysia 2 Bamboo pole, rambutan fruit
Random Access Golf United States 1-4 Golf clubs, ball, course
Rantoulball United States 2 Ball, court
Rapid Fire Archery India 1-2 Bow, arrows, targets
Rapid Fire Pistol Various 1 Pistol, targets
Rapier Fencing Spain 2 Rapier, mask, protective gear
Raptors Rugby Canada 15 per team Rugby ball, field
Raquetball Mexico 2 Racket, ball, court
Raquette Canada 2 Raquette (long wooden snowshoe)
Raschel Knitting Competition Germany 1+ Raschel knitting machine
Rasslin’ United States 2 None
Rat Hunting United Kingdom 1+ Hunting equipment
Rat Pack Bowling United States 2-4 Bowling ball, pins, alley
Rat Pak Racing United States 2-4 Radio-controlled cars, track
Rat Race United Kingdom 2+ Obstacle course
Ratholes United States 4 Sticks, Holes
Rathskeller Curling Germany 2-4 Curling stones, ice sheet
Rattlesnake Hunt United States 1-2 Snake hook, snake tongs
Reaction Time Games Various 1-2 None
Rebound Tumbling United States 1 Trampoline
Recreational Tree Climbing United States 1 Climbing gear
Red Bull Crashed Ice Austria 4 per team Skates, protective gear
Red Light Green Light Various 2+ None
Redneck Games United States 2+ Various
Reenactment United Kingdom Variable Period-accurate equipment
Reenactment Boxing Various 2 Boxing gloves, headgear
Reenactment Combat United Kingdom Variable Replica Weapons, Armor
Regatta United Kingdom teams Boats, oars
Regresar Mexico 2 Ball, court
Reindeer Racing Norway 1 Reindeer, sled
Relic Hunting Various 1 Metal detector, digging tools
Remington Gun Dog Competition United States 1 handler, 1 dog Hunting dog, gun
Repertory Gymnastics United States 1 Gymnastics equipment
Reprap Printing United Kingdom 1 3D Printer
Ret Racing Russia 2 Raft, oars, life jackets
Retro Gaming Tournaments Various 1-4 Vintage gaming consoles, games
Rett Syndrome Race United States 1+ Running gear
Reverse Archery United States 1 Bow, arrows, target
Reverse Curling Canada 4 Curling stones, broom
Reverse Juggling Various 1 Various objects
Reverse Polo India 4 Horses, Mallet, Ball
Reverse Stair Climbing United States 1 None
Reverse Tag United States 2+ None
Reverse Tug-of-War United States 2+ Rope
Reversed Chess Russia 2 Chess Set
Reversed Curling Canada 4 Curling stones, broom
Revi Polo Indonesia 4 per team Horse, mallet, ball
Rhino Charge Kenya 1 Off-road vehicle, racing gear
Rhythmic Gymnastics Soviet Union 1 Gymnastics equipment
Ribbon Dancing China 1 Ribbon, music
Ribbon Wrestling Japan 2 None
Rickshaw Racing India 2+ Rickshaw
Ride the Ducks United States 1-2 Amphibious vehicle
Rifle Marksmanship Various 1 Rifle, targets
Rift Climbing United States 1-2 Climbing gear
Rift Racing United States 1-2 Rift racing vehicle
Rigby Target Shooting United Kingdom 1 Rifle, targets
Ringette Canada 6+ Ringette stick, ring
Rink Hockey Spain 4 Hockey Sticks, Ball
Riva Racing Italy 1 Motorized boat
River Boarding United States 1 River board, life jacket
River Bugging United States 1 River bug (inflatable tube)
River Crossing Various 1-2 Life jacket, rope, raft
River Drifting Various 1-4 Boat, paddles
River Floating United States 1 Life jacket, float
River Jumping Various 1 None
River Kayaking Various 1 Kayak, life jacket, paddle
River Obstacle Racing Various 1 Wetsuit, life jacket
River Rafting United States 4-8 Raft, paddle, safety gear
River Running United States 1+ Safety gear
River Sandboarding Various 1 Sandboard, protective gear
River Sledding United States 1 Sled, safety gear
River Surfing Various 1 Surfboard, life jacket
River Tubing United States 1+ Inner tube, safety gear
Road Cycling Various 1 Bicycle, helmet
Road Luge Various 1 Luge sled
Road Running Various 1 Running shoes
Roadkill Gourmet United States 1+ None
Robe Sliding Canada 1-2 Sliding pad, protective gear
Robot Combat Various 2 teams Remote-controlled robot
Rock Balancing Various 1 None
Rock Bowling Various 1-2 Rock, pins
Rock Climbing Various 1+ Climbing gear
Rock Crawling United States 1 Modified off-road vehicle
Rock Cricket Pakistan 2 Cricket bat, ball, pitch
Rock Cutting Various 1 Rock cutting tools
Rock Cutting Competitions Various 1 Rock cutting tools
Rock Paper Scissors Tournaments Various 2 players None
Rock Skating United States 1 Roller skates, protective gear
Rock Skipping United States 1+ Flat rocks
Rock Squash Pakistan 2 Racket, ball, court
Rock Stacking Various 1 Rocks
Rocker Ball United States 2-4 Ball, court
Rocker Bogie Racing Various 1 Rocker bogie vehicle
Rocket Car Racing Various 1 Rocket-powered car, track
Rocket Jumping Various 1 Rocket-powered boots, protective gear
Rocket Stove Cooking Various 1+ Rocket stove, ingredients
Rodeo United States 1+ Rodeo equipment
Roller Derby United States 14 per team Roller skates, protective gear
Roller Football Various 2 teams Roller skates, ball
Roller Hockey Various 2 teams Roller skates, stick, ball
Roller Joust United States 2 Roller skates, jousting equipment
Roller Jousting Various 2 Roller skates, lances
Roller Luge Various 1 Luge sled, protective gear
Roller Polo Various 2 teams Roller skates, mallet, ball
Roller Skating United States 1-2 Roller skates
Roller Ski Biathlon Various 1 Roller skis, rifle, targets
Roller Skiing Norway 1 Roller skis, poles
Roller Speedway Various 6-10 per team Roller skates, protective gear
Roller Tennis Various 2 Roller skates, racket, ball
Roller Toe Wrestling United Kingdom 2 Roller skates
Rollerball United States 5 per team Roller skates, protective gear
Rollerblade Dance Various 1-2 Inline skates, music
Rollerblade Freestyle Dance Various 1-2 Inline skates, music
Rollerblade Rugby United States 7 per team Inline skates, rugby ball
Rollerblade Soccer United States 2 teams Inline skates, soccer ball
Rollerblade Stunt Shows Various 1-4 Inline skates, protective gear
Rollerblade Sumo United States 2 Inline skates, sumo-style gear
Rollerblading United States 1-2 Inline skates, protective gear
Rollerblading Freestyle Various 1 Inline skates, protective gear
Rollerblading Hockey United States 6 per team Inline skates, hockey equipment
Rollerblading Racing Various 1 Inline skates, protective gear
Rollerblading Slalom Various 1 Inline skates, protective gear
Rollerblading Street Style Various 1 Inline skates, protective gear
Rollerblading Time Trials Various 1 Inline skates, protective gear
Rollergirls United States 14 per team Roller skates, protective gear
Rollerskating United States 1-4 Quad roller skates, protective gear
Rollerskating Artistic Various 1 Quad roller skates, music
Rollerskating Downhill Racing Various 1 Quad roller skates, protective gear
Rollerskating Freestyle Various 1 Quad roller skates, protective gear
Rollerskating Jam United States 2 teams Quad roller skates, protective gear
Rollerskating Speed Various 1 Roller skates
Rollickbaal Netherlands 2-4 Ball, court
Rooball South Africa 2+ Ball, goals
Roofrunning United Kingdom 1 None
Rooftop Running Various 1 Running shoes
Rooftop Soccer United States 2+ Ball, goals
Rope Climbing Various 1 Climbing rope, harness
Rope Jumping Various 1-2 Jump rope
Rope Polo India 2-4 Mallets, rope, ball
Rope Skipping Various 1 Jumping rope
Rope Swinging Various 1 Rope, harness, platform
Ropeskipping United Kingdom 1+ Rope
Roque United States 2-4 Mallets, balls
Rorschach Disc Golf Various 1 Frisbee, baskets
Roshambo Various 2 None
Roulette France 1-6 Roulette table, ball, chips
Rounders United Kingdom 8-16 Bat, ball, field
Rowboat Racing Various 1-4 Rowboat, oars
Rowenta Ironing Race Germany 2+ Ironing boards, irons
Rowing Various 1-8 Boat, oars, life jackets
Rugby Various 7-15 Ball, protective gear
Rugby Croquet United Kingdom 2-4 Croquet mallets, rugby ball, court
Rugby Golf United Kingdom 2-4 Rugby ball, golf clubs, course
Rugby League Australia, United Kingdom 13 Ball, protective gear
Rugby Sevens Fiji 7 Ball, field
Rugby Union Various 15 Ball, protective gear
Ruins Exploration Various 1+ Climbing gear, supplies
Rumble in the Jungle Democratic Republic of the Congo 2 Boxing gloves, ring
Rummikub Israel 2-4 Rummikub set
Runaround United States 2+ None
Runge Jumping Norway 1 Skis, protective gear
Running Various 1 Running shoes
Runo Wrestling Finland 2 None
Ruwach Philippines 2-4 Ruwach (wooden sled)
Ruzzola Italy 2-4 Wooden discs
Ryukyu Kobudo Okinawa, Japan 1+ Okinawan weapons

Descriptions

Race Walking
A competitive walking event where athletes must maintain contact with the ground and have a visible straight leg for the duration of the race. Races are typically held over distances of 20 or 50 kilometers.
Raceball
A variation of tennis played on a circular court using a ball and paddle. Players must keep the ball in play by hitting it back and forth.
Raceboard Sailing
A type of windsurfing where the rider uses a specialized ‘raceboard’ sailboard to compete in speed and distance races on open water.
Racecars
A motorsport involving high-performance vehicles racing on closed circuits, oval tracks, or purpose-built roads.
Racehorse Breeding
The selective breeding of horses for the purpose of improving the breed’s racing capabilities. It involves carefully selecting parent horses with desirable traits to produce offspring that can excel in various horse racing events.
Racehorse Jumping
A competitive equestrian sport where racehorses are trained to jump over obstacles in a timed event.
Racehorse Steeplechasing
A form of horse racing over a course that includes obstacles such as fences and ditches. Developed in Ireland in the early 18th century as a test of a horse’s abilities.
Racehorse Training
The process of preparing racehorses for competition, including physical conditioning, behavior modification, and teaching the horses various racing techniques. Trainers work to optimize a horse’s speed, endurance, and responsiveness to the rider’s commands.
Racewalking
A competitive walking event where athletes must maintain contact with the ground and have one foot on the ground at all times. It requires a distinctive upright posture and a rapid, efficient stride to achieve high speeds.
Racketlon
A four-sport combining game that requires players to compete in table tennis, badminton, squash, and tennis.
Racquetball
A fast-paced indoor sport played with a solid rubber ball on a closed court. Players use a hollow-faced racket to hit the ball against the front wall, forcing their opponent to return it.
Racquets
A family of sports that involve hitting a ball back and forth across a net using a stringed racquet, such as squash, badminton, and tennis. These games test players’ speed, agility, and hand-eye coordination.
Radball
A form of bicycle polo played on a small indoor court, requiring precise ball control and cycling skills.
Radebeul Handball
A variant of handball with unique rules and court dimensions played in the town of Radebeul, Germany.
Raft Racing
A competitive water sport in which teams navigate inflatable rafts through a course, often featuring rapids and other challenging obstacles. Teams are scored based on speed, technique, and ability to overcome the course.
Rafting
The sport of navigating a rubber raft down a river or through whitewater rapids. It requires teamwork, agility, and strong paddling skills to maneuver the raft safely through challenging water conditions.
Rag Ball
A game played with a rag ball, typically with teams attempting to throw or kick the ball through a goal.
Raga Racing
A motorsport event involving high-speed racing of three-wheeled vehicles called ‘ragas’ on closed circuits.
Ragnarok
A live-action role-playing game based on Norse mythology, where participants engage in simulated battles and quests.
Rak Muay Thai
A form of Thai boxing that emphasizes powerful strikes and clinch techniques, often practiced for self-defense or fitness.
Rakeball
A fast-paced court sport similar to racquetball, but played with a larger ball and modified rackets.
Raking
A traditional Swedish sport involving the use of a garden rake to clear leaves and other debris from a designated area as quickly as possible. Competitors are judged on speed, accuracy, and technique.
Rallycross
A form of auto racing that consists of off-road circuit races on a closed course featuring a mixture of surfaces such as gravel, asphalt, and dirt. Drivers compete head-to-head in heats and finals.
Ramadan Football
A form of football played during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, often in the evening after fasting.
Rambling
A form of recreational walking, often in rural or natural settings, for the purpose of enjoyment, exercise, and exploration of the outdoors. Ramblers may follow established trails or create their own routes.
Rambutan Climbing
A sport where participants climb trees to harvest rambutan fruit, requiring agility and balance to navigate the branches.
Rambutan Fruit Catching
A traditional Malaysian sport where participants try to catch rambutan fruits falling from trees using only their mouths.
Rambutan Jousting
A traditional Malaysian sport where two competitors on foot attempt to knock each other off balance using a long bamboo pole with a rambutan fruit attached to the end.
Random Access Golf
A golf variant where the player randomly selects their club before each shot, adding an element of unpredictability.
Rantoulball
A variant of racquetball played on a smaller court, with a larger ball and no ceiling. The game emphasizes strategy and placement rather than power shots.
Rapid Fire Archery
A competitive archery discipline that involves shooting a series of arrows in quick succession at multiple targets.
Rapid Fire Pistol
A sport shooting event that requires competitors to accurately fire multiple shots from a handgun at a target within a limited time frame.
Rapier Fencing
A European martial art and competitive sport that involves the use of a rapier, a light, slightly curved sword. Fencers aim to score points by hitting their opponent with the tip of the weapon.
Raptors Rugby
A Canadian variant of rugby union played by the Toronto Raptors basketball team’s players and staff for team-building and fitness.
Raquetball
A variant of racquetball played on a smaller court, using a larger ball and emphasizing strategic placement over power shots.
Raquette
A winter sport similar to snowshoeing, but using a larger, more specialized snowshoe called a raquette. Raquette racing involves navigating a course while wearing these distinctive snowshoes.
Raschel Knitting Competition
A competitive event where participants use high-speed industrial knitting machines called Raschel machines to create intricate textile patterns and designs.
Rasslin’
A form of folk wrestling originating in the Appalachian region of the United States, characterized by grappling and throws.
Rat Hunting
A competitive sport where participants hunt and catch rats, often using dogs to flush them out of their hiding places.
Rat Pack Bowling
A social bowling format where players take turns rolling balls down the lane, creating a ‘rat pack’ atmosphere.
Rat Pak Racing
A form of competitive racing using remote-controlled model cars designed to resemble pack rats or other rodents.
Rat Race
A series of obstacle courses, mud runs, and endurance challenges, often held in rural or natural settings. Participants must navigate a variety of physical and mental obstacles to reach the finish line.
Ratholes
A game where players try to knock a small ball through a series of holes on a playing field using wooden sticks. Originated as a rural pastime in the American South.
Rathskeller Curling
A variant of curling played in the basement (rathskeller) of a building, often with improvised equipment and rules.
Rattlesnake Hunt
A dangerous sport in which participants locate and capture venomous rattlesnakes, often for the purpose of studying or relocating them. Strict safety protocols are crucial to minimize the risk of snake bites.
Reaction Time Games
Competitive games that test an individual’s ability to quickly respond to visual or auditory cues.
Rebound Tumbling
A gymnastics-based discipline that involves performing acrobatic stunts and tricks on a specialized rebound surface or trampoline.
Recreational Tree Climbing
A non-competitive sport where participants climb and explore trees using specialized equipment and techniques.
Red Bull Crashed Ice
A high-speed ice cross downhill race where teams of four skaters compete on a challenging, purpose-built course.
Red Light Green Light
A simple tag-like game where players must freeze in place when the ‘it’ player calls ‘red light’.
Redneck Games
A series of unusual and often humorous competitions, such as mud-pit belly flops, toilet-seat horseshoes, and bobbing for pigs’ feet, that celebrate rural American culture and traditions.
Reenactment
The recreation of historical battles, events, or eras through staged performances, often involving large groups of participants dressed in authentic costumes and using replica weapons and other equipment.
Reenactment Boxing
A combat sport where participants engage in historically accurate reenactments of boxing matches from a specific time period, often in period costumes.
Reenactment Combat
The historical reenactment of combat scenarios, often from specific battles or time periods. Participants use replica weapons and armor to create an authentic experience.
Regatta
A series of boat races, typically involving sailing or rowing, where teams or individuals compete against each other.
Regresar
A Mexican sport similar to squash, played with a rubber ball on a court with curved walls to keep the ball in play.
Reindeer Racing
A traditional winter sport in Norway where reindeer are used to pull sleds in competitive races.
Relic Hunting
The hobby of searching for and recovering historical artifacts, often with the use of metal detectors.
Remington Gun Dog Competition
A competition that tests the skills of hunting dogs, such as retrieving and tracking, in a controlled setting.
Repertory Gymnastics
A form of gymnastics that emphasizes the performance of pre-choreographed routines, often set to music, rather than the execution of individual skills and tricks.
Reprap Printing
The practice of creating 3D printed objects, often as a hobby or for personal use. Participants design and print a wide variety of items using open-source RepRap technology.
Ret Racing
A competitive water sport in which teams navigate inflatable rafts through a course, often featuring rapids and other challenging obstacles. The sport is particularly popular in Russia and other Eastern European countries.
Retro Gaming Tournaments
Competitive events where players compete in classic video games from past eras, often using original hardware.
Rett Syndrome Race
A running event that raises awareness and funds for research into Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects girls and can cause various physical and intellectual disabilities.
Reverse Archery
A variation of archery where the target is placed behind the shooter, requiring them to draw the bow and release the arrow while facing away from the target.
Reverse Curling
A variation of curling where the objective is to get the curling stone as close to the edge of the playing area as possible, rather than the center.
Reverse Juggling
A form of juggling where the performer tosses and catches objects in a reverse or backward motion, creating a visually striking performance.
Reverse Polo
A variation of polo where the objective is to hit the ball away from the goal, rather than towards it. Played on horseback with a wooden mallet and a small ball.
Reverse Stair Climbing
An endurance-based sport in which participants climb stairs in a reverse direction, descending to the bottom of a multi-story building as quickly as possible. It challenges balance, coordination, and leg strength.
Reverse Tag
A game where players must try to avoid being ‘it’ by running away from the person who is ‘it’, instead of chasing and trying to tag the other players.
Reverse Tug-of-War
A version of the classic tug-of-war game where the two teams pull the rope away from the middle, rather than towards it.
Reversed Chess
A variant of chess where the objective is to be the first player to lose all of their pieces. Captures are made by moving your own piece onto the square occupied by an opponent’s piece.
Reversed Curling
A variation of curling where the objective is to slide the stones as close to the outer edge of the target, rather than the center.
Revi Polo
An equestrian sport played in Indonesia, similar to traditional polo but with a smaller ball and field.
Rhino Charge
An annual off-road rally race held in Kenya, where participants navigate a rugged, unmarked course in modified 4×4 vehicles.
Rhythmic Gymnastics
A form of gymnastics that combines elements of ballet, dance, and apparatus manipulation. Gymnasts perform choreographed routines with various apparatuses, such as hoops, ribbons, balls, clubs, and ropes.
Ribbon Dancing
A performance art that involves the graceful manipulation of a long, colored ribbon attached to a stick or handle, often accompanied by music and dance.
Ribbon Wrestling
A traditional Japanese grappling sport where two opponents try to grab and pull a ribbon tied around the waist of their opponent.
Rickshaw Racing
A competitive event where participants race human-powered rickshaws, typically over a short distance or through an obstacle course.
Ride the Ducks
A sightseeing tour where participants ride in specialized amphibious vehicles that can travel on both land and water.
Rifle Marksmanship
The skill of accurately firing a rifle at stationary or moving targets, often in competitive settings.
Rift Climbing
A form of rock climbing that involves ascending narrow, vertical cracks or rifts in the rock face, often using specialized techniques and equipment such as camming devices and hand jams.
Rift Racing
A motorsport event where custom-built, high-performance vehicles race through natural or man-made rifts or crevasses, often in remote or rugged terrain.
Rigby Target Shooting
A form of target shooting that uses the Rigby rifle, a classic British big-game hunting rifle, in precision competitions.
Ringette
A team sport similar to ice hockey, but played with a rubber ring instead of a puck, and with no physical contact allowed.
Rink Hockey
A variant of ice hockey played on an indoor rink, typically with a smaller ball instead of a puck. Originated in Spain in the early 20th century.
Riva Racing
A high-speed boat racing sport featuring the iconic Riva brand of luxury wooden powerboats, known for their sleek design and powerful engines.
River Boarding
A thrilling water sport in which participants ride specialized boards down Class III-V rapids, using their hands and feet to steer and propel themselves through the turbulent water.
River Bugging
A recreational water activity where participants ride inflatable, inner tube-like devices down rivers and other waterways, often navigating through rapids and other obstacles.
River Crossing
An outdoor challenge that involves crossing a river or other body of water using various methods, such as swimming, wading, or using a makeshift raft or bridge. It tests participants’ problem-solving skills and physical abilities.
River Drifting
The recreational activity of floating down a river in a boat or raft, often for leisure and scenic enjoyment.
River Floating
A leisurely water activity where participants float down rivers and other waterways, often using inner tubes, inflatable rafts, or other personal flotation devices to relax and enjoy the scenery.
River Jumping
The extreme sport of jumping from high points, such as bridges or cliffs, into the water below.
River Kayaking
A water sport in which participants navigate rivers and other waterways using a specialized, narrow boat called a kayak. River kayakers must possess strong paddling skills to navigate rapids and other challenging river features.
River Obstacle Racing
A challenging endurance event where competitors race through a river course, navigating various obstacles such as jumps, slides, and submerged objects.
River Rafting
A water sport where participants navigate Class II-V rapids in an inflatable raft, using paddles to steer and propel the raft through the turbulent water.
River Running
The activity of navigating rivers, often in a canoe, kayak, or other small watercraft, for the purpose of exploration, adventure, or transportation.
River Sandboarding
A variant of sandboarding where participants ride down the steep, sandy slopes of river banks and beaches.
River Sledding
A winter sport where participants ride specialized sleds down frozen rivers or other icy waterways, often incorporating jumps, turns, and other obstacles.
River Surfing
A unique water sport in which participants ride the standing waves created by the flow of a river, using specialized surfboards designed for river conditions. River surfing requires precise techniques and an understanding of river hydrology.
River Tubing
The activity of floating down a river while sitting or lying in an inner tube, often for recreational purposes.
Road Cycling
The sport of racing bicycles on paved roads, often covering long distances and challenging terrain. Road cyclists compete in events such as time trials, stage races, and one-day classics.
Road Luge
A gravity-powered sport where participants ride a small, specialized ‘luge’ sled down paved roads or hills, often reaching high speeds.
Road Running
The sport of competitive running on paved roads, typically in events such as marathons, half-marathons, and various road race distances.
Roadkill Gourmet
A subculture where participants collect and cook roadkill, often for the purpose of reducing food waste and environmental impact.
Robe Sliding
A winter sport where participants slide down snow-covered slopes while seated on traditional First Nations robes.
Robot Combat
A competition where teams design and operate remote-controlled, weaponized robots that fight each other in an arena.
Rock Balancing
The art and sport of carefully stacking rocks in intricate, gravity-defying formations, often for aesthetic or meditative purposes.
Rock Bowling
A variant of bowling where participants roll natural rocks or boulders at a set of handmade pin targets.
Rock Climbing
The sport of ascending or traversing natural or artificial rock formations, using one’s hands, feet, and various climbing techniques and equipment.
Rock Crawling
A form of off-road driving where specialized, highly modified four-wheel-drive vehicles are used to navigate over and around large rocks and other obstacles.
Rock Cricket
A variant of cricket played on rocky, uneven terrain, with a smaller ball and a shorter pitch, often using natural rock formations as obstacles or boundaries.
Rock Cutting
The hobby of cutting, shaping, and polishing raw rocks and minerals to create decorative or collectible specimens.
Rock Cutting Competitions
Competitive events where participants demonstrate their skills in cutting, shaping, and polishing raw rocks and minerals.
Rock Paper Scissors Tournaments
Competitive events where participants engage in the classic hand game of ‘rock, paper, scissors’ to determine the winner.
Rock Skating
A form of roller skating that involves performing tricks and maneuvers on natural rock formations, such as ledges, boulders, and cliffs.
Rock Skipping
The act of skipping flat stones across the surface of a body of water, with the goal of achieving the maximum number of skips.
Rock Squash
A variant of squash played on a smaller, rock-based court, often with a more rugged and irregular surface compared to traditional squash courts.
Rock Stacking
The art and sport of carefully balancing and stacking rocks into intricate, gravity-defying sculptures, often for aesthetic or meditative purposes.
Rocker Ball
A court sport similar to racquetball, but played with a slightly larger ball that ‘rocks’ or bounces erratically.
Rocker Bogie Racing
A unique racing event where competitors navigate custom-built, four-wheel-drive ‘rocker bogie’ vehicles over challenging off-road terrain.
Rocket Car Racing
A type of motorsport where custom-built, rocket-powered vehicles race on a closed course, often reaching high speeds.
Rocket Jumping
A technique in video games where players use the explosive force of rocket launchers to propel themselves to new heights or distances.
Rocket Stove Cooking
The practice of cooking food using a highly efficient, wood-burning ‘rocket stove’ design, often in outdoor or survival situations.
Rodeo
A competitive event that features a variety of cattle and horse-based activities, such as bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, and barrel racing, showcasing the skills of cowboys and cowgirls.
Roller Derby
A contact sport played on a skating rink, where two teams of players attempt to score points by having a designated player (the ‘jammer’) lap the opposing team’s players.
Roller Football
A variant of traditional football played on a skating rink, where players use roller skates to maneuver the ball and score goals.
Roller Hockey
A team sport played on a skating rink, where players use roller skates and a stick to pass, shoot, and score goals with a ball.
Roller Joust
A combat sport played on roller skates, where participants use padded lances to knock each other off their skates.
Roller Jousting
A modern adaptation of the medieval sport of jousting, where participants on roller skates attempt to knock each other off balance using long, padded lances.
Roller Luge
A variant of luge where participants ride specialized, streamlined sleds while wearing roller skates on paved tracks or hills.
Roller Polo
A team sport played on a skating rink, where players use roller skates and mallets to pass, shoot, and score goals with a ball, similar to the game of ice hockey.
Roller Skating
A recreational and competitive sport in which participants use roller skates, with wheels attached to the bottom of a shoe or boot, to glide across a smooth, usually indoor surface. Roller skating can involve artistic performances, speed skating, and roller derby.
Roller Ski Biathlon
A summer version of the biathlon sport, where participants cross-country ski on roller skis and shoot at targets.
Roller Skiing
A dry-land training activity for cross-country skiers, in which participants use specialized skis with wheels attached to simulate the movements and techniques of cross-country skiing on paved surfaces.
Roller Speedway
A high-speed, contact-based roller skating sport played on a banked track or oval.
Roller Tennis
A variant of tennis played on a skating rink, where players use roller skates to maneuver and return the ball.
Roller Toe Wrestling
A quirky variant of toe wrestling where participants compete while wearing roller skates.
Rollerball
A contact sport played on a banked track, where teams of players use their bodies and specialized equipment to score points by pushing or throwing a ball through a goal.
Rollerblade Dance
The artistic and performance-based discipline of executing choreographed dance routines on inline roller skates.
Rollerblade Freestyle Dance
The improvisational and creative discipline of performing freestyle dance moves on inline roller skates.
Rollerblade Rugby
A variant of rugby union played on inline roller skates, combining the skills of both sports.
Rollerblade Soccer
A game where players compete on inline roller skates while trying to score goals with a soccer ball.
Rollerblade Stunt Shows
Theatrical and acrobatic performances showcasing high-level inline skating skills, often incorporating stunts, tricks, and choreography.
Rollerblade Sumo
A unique sport where participants wear sumo-style costumes and use inline roller skates to try and push each other out of a designated ring.
Rollerblading
The sport of skating on specialized inline roller skates, often for recreation, transportation, or trick performance.
Rollerblading Freestyle
The performance and competitive discipline of executing technical tricks and stunts on inline roller skates.
Rollerblading Hockey
A variant of ice hockey played on inline roller skates, with similar rules and gameplay.
Rollerblading Racing
Competitive events where participants race against each other on inline roller skates, often on closed circuits or downhill courses.
Rollerblading Slalom
A competitive discipline where participants navigate a course of gates and obstacles on inline roller skates, demonstrating their agility and control.
Rollerblading Street Style
The practice of performing tricks and stunts in urban environments, utilizing the unique characteristics of the city landscape.
Rollerblading Time Trials
Competitive events where participants race against the clock, individually or in teams, on a designated rollerblading course.
Rollergirls
A modern, female-centric version of roller derby, featuring fast-paced action and theatrical personas.
Rollerskating
The recreational and competitive sport of skating on four-wheeled roller skates, often on designated rinks or tracks.
Rollerskating Artistic
A competitive discipline of rollerskating that emphasizes technical skills, creativity, and artistic expression through choreographed routines.
Rollerskating Downhill Racing
Competitive events where participants race downhill on roller skates, often on paved courses or hills.
Rollerskating Freestyle
The discipline of performing technical tricks, stunts, and free-flowing movements on quad roller skates, often in a creative or improvisational manner.
Rollerskating Jam
A competitive roller skating discipline where two teams of players attempt to score points by having a designated ‘jammer’ lap the opposing team’s players.
Rollerskating Speed
A competitive sport where participants race against each other on roller skates, often on a designated track or course, striving for the fastest time.
Rollickbaal
A fast-paced court sport that combines elements of squash, handball, and racquetball, played with a small, bouncy ball.
Rooball
A game similar to soccer, but played with a slightly larger ball and involving the use of the hands and arms to control and pass the ball.
Roofrunning
An urban sport where participants run and perform acrobatic stunts on the roofs of buildings, often in a competitive or free-running style.
Rooftop Running
A unique urban sport where participants run and navigate obstacles on the rooftops of buildings, often in city environments.
Rooftop Soccer
A variation of soccer played on the roofs of buildings, with players navigating the unique terrain and limited space.
Rope Climbing
A sport in which participants climb a vertical rope, using only their hands and arms, to reach the highest point possible. Rope climbing tests upper body strength, grip strength, and technique.
Rope Jumping
A physical activity in which participants repeatedly jump over a rope that is swung to pass under their feet and over their heads. Rope jumping can be done individually or with a partner, and is often used for fitness and training purposes.
Rope Polo
An equestrian sport where players on horseback attempt to hit a ball through the opposing team’s goal using a long wooden mallet attached to a rope.
Rope Skipping
A sport that involves performing a variety of jumps, tricks, and routines using a single jump rope, often in competitive settings.
Rope Swinging
The thrill-seeking activity of swinging from a high platform or cliff edge while attached to a sturdy rope, often for the adrenaline rush and scenic views.
Ropeskipping
The act of jumping over a rotating rope, often performed individually or as a team, with a focus on coordination, speed, and endurance.
Roque
A lawn game similar to croquet, but played with larger balls and mallets, and often on a more uneven surface.
Rorschach Disc Golf
A variation of disc golf where players throw specialized ‘Rorschach’ discs, with the goal of landing them in elevated baskets or targets, often in unique outdoor settings.
Roshambo
The classic game of ‘rock, paper, scissors’, often played as a quick way to make decisions or resolve disputes.
Roulette
A casino game where players bet on the outcome of a spinning wheel and ball, relying on chance and probability.
Rounders
A bat-and-ball game similar to baseball, played on a circular field with four bases, often as a recreational activity.
Rowboat Racing
Competitive events where participants race traditional rowboats, often on rivers, lakes, or coastal waters.
Rowenta Ironing Race
A competitive event where participants race to see who can iron a garment the fastest, with emphasis on technique and efficiency.
Rowing
A water sport in which participants use oars to propel a boat, known as a shell or scull, through the water. Rowing can be a competitive sport, with events held in various boat classes and distances.
Rugby
A full-contact team sport in which two opposing teams try to carry or kick an oval-shaped ball across a goal line and score points. Rugby is played in several variations, including rugby union and rugby league.
Rugby Croquet
A hybrid sport that blends the gameplay of croquet with the use of a rugby ball, played on a croquet court.
Rugby Golf
A game that combines elements of rugby and golf, where players try to kick a rugby ball into a series of ‘holes’ on a golf course.
Rugby League
A full-contact team sport that is a variant of the rugby football game. The main differences from rugby union are the number of players, the scoring system, and the rules for restarting play.
Rugby Sevens
A fast-paced variant of rugby union, with teams of seven players competing on a smaller field, emphasizing speed and skill.
Rugby Union
A full-contact team sport in which two opposing teams try to carry, pass, and kick an oval-shaped ball across a goal line and score points. Rugby union is played worldwide and is one of the oldest forms of the sport.
Ruins Exploration
The hobby of exploring and documenting abandoned or historical sites, often in remote or challenging environments.
Rumble in the Jungle
A historic boxing match that took place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1974 between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
Rummikub
A tile-based game that combines elements of rummy and mahjong. Players use numbered tiles to create melds and set combinations, with the goal of being the first to play all their tiles.
Runaround
A children’s game where players run in different directions, trying to catch and tag the other players.
Runge Jumping
A type of extreme skiing where participants launch themselves off natural or artificial ramps, performing acrobatic maneuvers in the air.
Running
The sport of traveling on foot at a rapid pace, often as a form of exercise or competition. Running events can range from short sprints to long-distance marathons and ultramarathons.
Runo Wrestling
A traditional Finnish form of folk wrestling, characterized by grappling techniques and the use of a leather belt as a key piece of equipment.
Ruwach
A traditional winter sport from the Philippines in which participants ride wooden sleds down snow-covered slopes, often in a competitive setting. The sport involves speed, balance, and skill in maneuvering the sled.
Ruzzola
A traditional Italian game where players take turns throwing wooden discs, similar to a Frisbee, at a target.
Ryukyu Kobudo
The study and practice of traditional Okinawan weapons, such as the tonfa, nunchaku, and sai, as a form of martial arts and self-defense.

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