‘Unprecedented’ rise in UK watersports participation

A new survey has revealed participation in watersports across the UK has remained high since lockdown was lifted, with more people than ever trying boating activities and watersports in 2022.

In 2021, with severe restrictions on international travel imposed on the population due to the pandemic, many people headed to the coast and inland waters to make the most of the good weather and spend their leisure time outdoors. Compared to 2020, this resulted in massive growth in UK watersports participation, and it appears interest has not waned since.

According to the Watersports Participation Survey 2022, some 13.2 million UK adults tried a boating activity in 2022, up 3 per cent from 12.8 million in 2021. Over 10 million people took part in one or more boating activities once or twice in 2022, while the number of people taking part more frequently in on-water activities (at least three times) remained similar to the previous year, at 3.2 million.

“It is encouraging to see that watersports participation has continued to prove popular with the UK population post the pandemic boom,” says Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine.

“Paddle sport activities, particularly stand up paddleboarding, which are easily accessible both on the coast and inland waterways, have remained extremely popular with participation figures continuing to rise. However, it does appear that the trend is still for more infrequent, experiential participation rather than regular participation.

“As anticipated, with the international travel restrictions being lifted, we saw an increase in the number of people travelling abroad to enjoy their watersports. But with so many opportunities in the UK, we are confident anyone looking to try a new activity or undertake regular boating activities will be able to find just what they need on their doorstep, and we would encourage anyone looking to get out on the water to make sure they get the right training and advice before heading out, so they have a safe and enjoyable experience.”

The Watersports Participation Survey 2022 confirms the rise across watersports and on-water activity in the UK and follows more encouraging findings.

Earlier this year, British Marine also released its latest Key Performance Indicators report for the 2021/22 financial year, detailing economic trends and statistics from across the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry, which confirmed that the marine industry enjoyed a successful post-pandemic bounce back.

Ashley Metcalfe, chief executive of British Canoeing, adds: “I am delighted that the findings of the latest Watersports Participation Survey show that interest in paddlesport activities has continued to flourish and grow.

“The ongoing growth of stand up paddleboarding has been unprecedented. Our new status as a recognised body presents us with a great opportunity to develop the discipline further and ensure safety guidance is enhanced for new and experienced paddlers.”

British Canoeing has recently been formally recognised as a National Governing Body for Stand Up Paddleboarding, after receiving confirmation from Sport England, and has appointed Samantha Rutt as its new stand up paddleboarding lead for the organisation.

Samantha Hughes, RNLI Water Safety Partner, adds: “We’ve seen a huge rise in incidents to paddleboarders over the last few years, and a significant number are to people who have been blown or swept out to sea. If you find yourself in difficulty at the coast, please call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

“The best way to enhance your time on the water is to have a stand-up paddleboard lesson. You will learn useful techniques including tips to help you get back on the board. You’ll also develop your skills and knowledge of how to understand the environment such as wind and tidal information. This will set you up for future paddling.”

The RNLI has teamed up with 12 expert training agencies and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) across the UK and Ireland to develop and promote four key safety messages for paddleboarders, encouraging those heading out on the water to:

• Wear a buoyancy aid
• Carry a phone in a waterproof pouch
• Wear the correct leash
• Avoid offshore winds

The Watersports Participation Survey is conducted annually by a consortium of leading marine bodies, including British Marine, Royal Yachting Association (RYA), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), British Canoeing (BC) Canal and River Trust and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).