National Boating Week: Get out there, sport!
If you have a competitive edge, there are plenty of ways to hone it out on the waterEach year more than one in five Aussies engage in some form of boating. Almost one in five households have a boat or watercraft.
It’s not surprising considering that 85 per cent of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the coast.
Cruising, or simply messing around in boats for pleasure is the most visible way that people get active.
However, sport plays a big part of the engagement with boating; as well as the competition, it promotes leisure, entertainment or simply good health.
Competitive boating is much loved by many.
Sailing, powerboating, water-skiing, paddling and fishing all have a big part in the world of competitive recreational boating.
Sailing competitively
Sailing is a common gateway to recreational boating. If you ask boaters about their youth, many will tell you it consisted of sailing classes and time with friends in a sailing club.
Sailing is a fun, safe, accessible and affordable sport that welcomes participation from people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.
There are many different ways to get started in sailing, with programs such as Australian Sailing’s Discover Sailing program providing opportunities to sail at clubs to develop skills, experience and confidence.
Sailing clubs are found on the coast, along rivers and beside inland lakes in some spectacular locations around the country.
There are almost 400 sailing clubs throughout Australia, with more than 60,000 registered club members and 100,000 people regularly participating in the sport.
You do even have to own a boat to enjoy sailing. Clubs can provide boats, and boat owners are always looking for crew. Regular Discover Sailing programs also allow you to safely try the sport out without first needing to become a member of the club.
Fishing for sport
Fishing is very popular as a recreational sport. The Australian National Sportfishing Association says about 3.5 million Australians go fishing for sport and recreation every year, making it one of the largest outdoor pursuits.
It’s not surprising when one of the main reasons people say they buy a boat is to go fishing.
For those with more energy and a focus on health, paddling and kayaking has boomed over the last 10 years.
Non-powered vessels such as stand-up paddleboards and kayaks have become popular ways to both keep fit and to connect with nature.
No matter your gender, age or level of mobility, there is something for everyone when it comes to boating.
For more information, visit DiscoverBoating.com.au, or on social media via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.
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