Watersports

by Kate Miller on Jul 25 2026

Watersports has nothing to do with swimming pools. It's one of kink's most misunderstood terms.

Watersports: Watersports is a kink term for sexual play that involves urine. It is also called golden showers or piss play, and it falls under the broader umbrella of BDSM and sensation play.

Also known as: golden showers, piss play, urophilia.

Watersports involves one or more partners incorporating urine into intimate play. For some people the appeal is about intimacy and vulnerability, for others it connects to dominance and submission dynamics, and for others it is simply about the physical sensation of warmth. Like all kink activities, it is practised by consenting adults who have talked through what they want beforehand. If you are curious but feel a bit nervous, that is completely normal. There is no pressure to dive in all at once.

Safety and hygiene are the most important things to think about before you try watersports. Urine from a healthy person is generally low risk, but it is not completely sterile, and there is still a small chance of passing on certain infections, especially if urine comes into contact with broken skin, mucous membranes, or the eyes. Avoiding contact with open cuts or wounds lowers your risk considerably. If either partner has a urinary tract infection, their urine contains more bacteria than usual, so it is worth speaking with a doctor before taking part. The same applies to any other health concern you are unsure about. Playing in a shower or bathtub makes clean up straightforward and stress free, and having towels and warm water ready keeps things comfortable for everyone.

Types of Watersports

Watersports play can take a few different forms depending on what partners are comfortable with.

External only: Urine stays on the skin or body surface, avoiding the face, eyes, and any open skin, which many people find the most approachable starting point.
Shower or bath play: Play takes place in a shower or bathtub so clean up is easy and neither partner has to worry about mess.
Dominance and submission framing: One partner takes a giving role and the other a receiving role, tying the activity into a wider power exchange dynamic.
Clothing involved: Some partners incorporate watersports while one or both are clothed, adding a different kind of sensation and an element of taboo.

New to all this? Take your time and explore our best sellers at HotCherry. Every order ships discreetly.

Key things to know

Enthusiastic consent and a clear conversation beforehand are essential, because both partners need to agree on exactly what will happen and have a way to stop at any time.
Urine is not completely sterile, so avoiding contact with eyes, broken skin, and mucous membranes lowers your risk of infection.
Having a safe signal or safeword in place matters here just as it does in any BDSM activity, so either partner can pause or stop the scene comfortably.
Playing in a shower or bathtub keeps things hygienic and makes clean up quick and easy, which takes a lot of the stress out of trying something new.
If either partner has a urinary tract infection or any other health concern, speaking with a doctor before taking part is a sensible step.

FAQ

Is watersports safe?

Watersports carries a low but real risk of infection, particularly if urine contacts broken skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Urine from a healthy person with no active infections is generally considered lower risk, but it is not risk free. If you or your partner have any health concerns, speaking with a doctor first is always a sensible step.

How do we talk about this with a partner before trying it?

Start with an honest, relaxed conversation outside of any intimate moment. Share what you are curious about, ask what your partner is comfortable with, and agree on boundaries together. Deciding on a safeword or safe signal before you begin means both of you can feel secure throughout.

Where is the best place to try watersports for the first time?

A shower or bathtub is the most practical and beginner friendly option. Clean up is simple, the environment is already designed for water, and you do not have to worry about protecting furniture or flooring. Having towels close by and warm water ready makes the whole experience more comfortable.

Do we need any special gear?

You do not need specific products to explore watersports, though some people like to use waterproof mattress covers or dedicated play sheets if they want to move beyond the bathroom. Comfortable, easy to remove clothing is worth thinking about if clothing is part of your play. Browsing BDSM gear can give you ideas for accessories that suit your dynamic.

How do we clean up afterwards?

Showering with warm water and mild soap straight after play is all you really need. Any surfaces that were exposed to urine should be wiped down with a suitable cleaner. Keeping things simple and having everything you need ready before you start makes the whole process quick and easy.

This entry is for education only. It is not medical advice, and HotCherry is a retailer, not a medical provider. If you have questions about your own health, please talk with a doctor or another qualified specialist.

Back to blog