Please select your home edition
Edition
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - LEADERBOARD

5.8% of the UK population take part in boating says survey

by Susie NationGrainger on 27 Mar 2013
SW
Last year, some 2.8 million adults participated in at least one of the twelve boating activities* included in the 2012 Watersports Participation Survey. This figure is equivalent to 5.8% of the UK population.

The Executive Summary of the survey is available to download now.

The Watersports Participation Survey now in its 11th year surveys a significant sample of 12,000 adults, tracking trends in boating and was commissioned by a consortium of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), British Marine Federation (BMF), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), British Canoe Union (BCU) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

The survey states that canoeing was reported as the top boating activity* followed by small sail boat activities, motor boating and cruising. It also reports that 754,000 households (2.8%) own a boat or craft and that the South West, Wales and Northern Ireland remain the residential areas with the highest levels of participation.

The 55+ age group, are smallest in terms of volume but have increased in participation levels across all activities, whilst those between the ages of 16 – 34 years are the most likely to go boating at 7.5%, most notably in the most active watersports.

RYA Sport Development Manager Jon White said: 'We are pleased to see figures remaining steady from recent years. The consortium will certainly be continuing its work encouraging newcomers to take to the water and helping regular boaters to enjoy their activities safely.

'Many members of the consortium are holding events and initiatives to capture the enthusiasm and excitement of those who watched watersports during the London 2012 Games including RYA Push the Boat Out, On the Water and Go Canoeing'.

Key findings:

• Some 2.8 million people participate in boating activities*
• Canoeing, small sail boat activities and motor cruising are the top three boating activities* for 2012
• The more enthusiast boater participation (13+ times a year) has remained relatively stable since 2002 despite recession and weather.
• 28% of boating activity* takes place along the whole of the South Coast of England.
• 7.55% of 16-34 year olds participate in one of the 12 boating activities*

* The 12 boating activities making up 'Any Boating Activity' includes Small sail boat racing, Small sail boat activities, Yacht racing, Yacht cruising, Power boating, Motor boating/Cruising, Using Personal Watercraft, Rowing/sculling, Canoeing, Canal boating, Water skiing and RYA website
Henri-Lloyd Dynamic RangeBarton Marine Pipe GlandsSelden 2020 - FOOTER

Related Articles

Admiral's Cup 2025 | Welcome from Cowes
Bow Caddy Media provide an introduction and interview with Shane Guanaria from Zen Ahead of the first race, Crosbie Lorimer provides an introduction and interviews Shane Guanaria from Zen
Posted today at 11:12 pm
Aussies hunt 'Ashes on Water' win
The BONDS Flying Roos are looking to bounce back with a vengeance in Portsmouth Fresh off a bruising weekend in New York, the BONDS Flying Roos are looking to bounce back with a vengeance as they take on long time rivals Great Britain in their home waters at the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, held in Portsmouth.
Posted today at 9:27 pm
4 Ultim rocketships to contest Rolex Fastnet Race
The giant 32m long by 23m wide flying trimarans are taking part in the 100th anniversary edition While the 50ft flying catamarans competing at SailGP Portsmouth this weekend will be impressive, charging out of the opposite western end of the Solent will be giant 32m long by 23m wide flying Ultim trimarans taking part in the 100th anniversary edition.
Posted today at 6:45 pm
SailGP comes to Portsmouth!
We speak to the sailors ahead of the weekend The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth takes place this weekend, with the 12 teams competing in F50 catamarans close to the waterfront, where a massive grandstand has been built for the spectators.
Posted today at 5:41 pm
SailGP: No practice racing at Portsmouth
The Practice Race was a fizzer, however the future of the SailGP fleet development was revealed. The scheduled Practice Day failed to fire at SailGP Portsmouth, after the forecast, admittedly light, breeze failed to male an appearance. The self propelled start marks were making a much better speed than the F50s.
Posted today at 4:14 pm
McIntyre Mini Globe Race Leg 3 Preview
The race to South Africa starts from Vuda Marina Fiji on 26th July In a world-first sailing challenge, 15 solo sailors from eight countries are navigating identical 5.8-meter (19-foot) self-built plywood yachts around the globe— The fleet has enjoyed a five week stopover in Fiji at the end of Leg 2.
Posted today at 1:26 pm
Third time Finn World No.1 for Alessandro Marega
Maintaining the top spot in the Finn World Ranking List Italy's Alessandro Marega maintains the top spot in the Finn World Ranking List for the third consecutive release. He remains World No. 1 with an 80-point lead over France's Laurent Hay.
Posted today at 1:18 pm
World Sailing Nations Cup to make grand return
After a seven-year hiatus, World Sailing has officially opened the bid process for host cities After a seven-year hiatus, the World Sailing Nations Cup, the ultimate event to crown the world's top match-racing nations, is making its much-anticipated return.
Posted today at 9:08 am
J/99s the in Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race
There will be a race within a race taking place in the 63 yacht fleet When the fleet of 63 yachts set off in the 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast (NSGCYR) on 26 July, there will be a race within a race taking place.
Posted today at 6:53 am
2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth Day 2
A classic British summer's day as sailors launched beneath a blanket of grey cloud and drizzle The second day of the WASZP Pre-Games served up a classic British summer's day as sailors launched beneath a blanket of grey cloud and with a hug of fresh drizzle.
Posted today at 5:25 am