Positive news for the marine industry as participation in boating activities sees increase in popularity since 2002

Participation in water activities was up 3.4% in 2017, with motor boating, canoeing and paddleboarding being particularly popular. According to the latest research, a record 3.96m UK adults (7.4% of the UK adult population) participated in one or more of 12 core boating activities in 2017, the highest volume recorded since this research initiative was first launched in 2002. And despite challenges to consumer confidence and an unsettled economy in the wake of Brexit negotiations, boat ownership has also increased, with more than 690,000 boat owning households in the UK. Canoeing and motor boating saw the largest increases in participation. Canoeing increased by 345,000 and the number of people taking an interest in motor boating by 186,000 respectively. The other core boating activities remained steady. Stand-up paddleboarding also increased in popularity with 190,000 more participants in 2017 compared to 2016. Overall 16.3 million people (30.6% of UK adults) participated in any water-based leisure activities. With an increase of over 2 million more participants in 2017, it is the highest volume of participants recorded since the survey began in 2002. It includes participants of the 12 core boating activities and growing watersports activities, as well as activities such as sea angling and coastal walking. According to the survey, the number of boating enthusiasts has also grown, showing positive signs in the marine industry. Howard Pridding, Chief Executive Officer at British Marine, commented: “It is really encouraging to see this level of growth in boating and watersports participation and our members will particularly welcome the increase in the proportion of boat owning households. “There are so many great ways to get out on and enjoy the water in and around the UK. The continuing popularity of activities like stand up paddleboarding and canoeing are proof of just how easy it is to get involved in on-water activities. And the growth in sailing, motor boating and canal boating is excellent news for our boatbuilders and hire boat companies.”