KITE SURFING NEWS ITEM

BMF: Up to 4 Million Participate in Water Sports

TUESDAY, 18 MARCH 2008

Up to four million adults now enjoy a diverse range of boating activities, the latest Watersports and Leisure Participation Survey now reports, which is a significant increase on last year's figure of 3.7 million. Participation has been fluctuating since 2002 and overall has recorded a small but steady decline; this year's figure takes the participation rate back to levels reported in 2004. Seven of the 12 boating activities have risen since 2006, including sailing and yacht cruising / racing and motor boating / cruising, though only canal boating has increased to a significant level.

This annual survey was conducted by the British Marine Federation (BMF) Statistics and Market Research department with MCA, RNLI, RYA, and sponsored by Sunsail. An impressive 13 of 21 sectors have become more popular with the public. Canal Boating, Kite Surfing, and Motor Boating all enjoyed particular success.

It has been calculated that 14.7 million people participate in one or more of the 21 sectors surveyed. This figure demonstrates an increase on 13.8 million in 2006 and 12.9 million in 2005. Coastal activity was also divided into three sub-categories, where 'motor boating/ cruising or canal boating' flourished by 2.34%, followed by 'small sail boat cruising or yacht cruising' at a 1.87% increase.

Female participation figures have shown a steady increase in general boating activities. Whilst statistics for males still dominate female figures, a more stable trend has been discovered in female interest.

The 16-34 year olds make up the majority of numbers in 'active' water sports, with rowing, canoeing, windsurfing, kite surfing, and cliff climbing proving extremely popular. Family groups are also making boating activities a predominant part of their leisure agenda.

Somewhat obviously, most activities are taking place on the coast in 2007, with 90% of respondents only participating in the UK. Participants also prefer the warmth of summer sun to enjoy their chosen activity.

With a headline figure of up to 14.7 million people, almost a third of the UK adult population, taking part in and around our coasts and inland waterways, there is clearly a large potential for boating and water sports enthusiasts.

You can download the Watersports and Leisure Participation Survey at www.britishmarine.co.uk/statistics.

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