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

by Susie NationGrainger on 27 Mar 2013

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
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/107832

Related Articles

Melges 15 Fittings Guide
A breakdown of the fittings based on a complete Allen Brothers fit-out If you are looking to upgrade or replace the hardware on your Melges 15, it helps to know exactly which fittings you need and what their role is on the boat.
Posted today at 7:30 am Fortaleza World Sailing Championships announced
Test event in January 2026, and the real thing in January 2027 World Sailing has confirmed the dates for Fortaleza 2027 World Sailing Championships as 22-30 January 2027, with a Test Event being held one year prior.
Posted today at 6:40 am All set in Trieste for the Melges 24 Worlds
Racing set to begin at Yacht Club Adriaco The countdown is nearly over. In just a few hours, the Yacht Club Adriaco will oversee the start of one of the most eagerly awaited international sailing events of the season.
Posted today at 4:41 am 2025 Six Metre World Championship Day 1
Wind gods fail to deliver in Oyster Bay, NY Sadly day one of the 2025 Six Metre World Championships at the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club (SCYC) proved to be a non-starter as the wind failed to make an appearance.
Posted today at 12:51 am International One Design World Championship
Northeast Harbor, Maine, hosts IOD fleet The 2025 world championship for the International One-Design class (IOD) was a 6-day series this year, hosted by the Northeast Harbor Fleet (Northeast Harbor, Maine), in early September.
Posted on 22 Sep 52 Super Series Porto Cervo practice race
The loss of the last 'dress rehearsal' is something of a disappointment Although there was just enough breeze to execute a couple of meaningful practice starts, the breeze dropped away and thereafter proved insufficient to allow the planned two short official practice races to be sailed today off Porto Cervo.
Posted on 22 Sep Materials That Make the Difference
Discover the performance fabrics behind the Henri-Lloyd AW25 collection Discover the performance fabrics behind our AW25 collection. This season, Henri-Lloyd has focused on advanced, responsibly sourced materials designed to thrive in demanding coastal conditions.
Posted on 22 Sep Teams are go for 2025 Six Metre World Championship
29 boats registered and ready to race Registration is now complete and 29 teams from ten nations are ready to race for the 2025 Six Metre World Championships at the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club on Long Island Sound.
Posted on 22 Sep 2025 Dutch Water Week overall
From experiment to future The Dutch Water Week concluded today with the pilot finals of the Sailing Grand Slam (SGS).
Posted on 22 Sep SDYC win Annual Annapolis YC 3-2-1 Invitational
Three days of fast-paced, multi-format racing on the Chesapeake Bay After three days of fast-paced, multi-format racing on the Chesapeake Bay, San Diego Yacht Club claimed the 2025 Annapolis Yacht Club 3-2-1 Invitational title, bringing the trophy home for the first time.
Posted on 22 Sep