Please select your home edition
Edition
Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

Recreational Boating is a favourite pastime for millions of Australians

by Domenic Genua 25 Sep 2020 10:05 BST
Recreational Boating © Boating Industry Association

With more than 85 per cent of the population living within 50km of the coast, it is estimated that more than 20 per cent of all Australians engage in some form of boating annually and that almost 1 in 5 households have a boat or watercraft.

With the span of magnificent coastline, harbours, bays, and rivers, Aussies are spoilt with options for enjoying time in, on or around our waterways.

The popularity of recreational boating can be witnessed on our waterways all year round, and the longevity and history of this favourite pastime is best demonstrated at the fabulous maritime museums Australia wide.

Despite the challenging scenario that the pandemic has presented, recreational boating and the desire for the outdoors has seen a substantial increase in interest and demand worldwide. Where permitted, recreational boating has presented Australians with the perfect remedy for those seeking to de-stress and relax in the outdoors for improved mental health.

Recreational boating is diverse in nature, not only catering for the opportunities associated with having a good time, but also as a conduit to many sporting activities such as fishing, sailing, water-skiing, wake boating and paddling.

National Boating Week kicks off today and will run until 2 October, fittingly with the weekend of 3 and 4 October being the unofficial start of the boating season in Australia.

The week will celebrate the lifestyle of recreational boating and will work to help Australians understand pathways to participate as well has help those already active on the waterways. The purpose of the campaign is to heighten awareness of the joys and benefits associated with recreational boating across Australia.

This week will also see the launch of DiscoverBoating.com.au, an information portal to help all Australians better understand and guide them with information, education and entertainment associated with boating.

The week will occur alongside with National Safe Boating Week organised and delivered by the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG). The BIA works with regulators to support our charter to encourage and promote safe, responsible and enjoyable boating.

Related Articles

Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup Day 2
Philip Köster triumphs again in Pozo Izquierdo The 37th edition of the Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup delivered a thrilling second day this Sunday, once again marked by strong winds and the talent of the world's best windsurfers. Posted today at 8:47 pm
A perfect start to the 5th annual AEGEAN 600
Cloudless blue skies, crystal clear waters and perfect 12-15 knots of northerly wind At the very southern end of the Greek mainland at Cape Sounion in Attica, today's start to the 5th edition of the AEGEAN 600 was perfect: cloudless blue skies, crystal clear waters and perfect 12-15 knots of northerly wind. Posted today at 8:39 pm
29er Europeans at Lake Garda day 4
One race, one storm, and one big lay day vibe With qualification wrapped and the fleet now split into six groups—Gold, Silver, Bronze, Emerald, Purple, and White—Day 4 of the 29er Europeans kicked off with early optimism and an earlier-than-usual launch in pursuit of the morning breeze. Posted today at 7:09 pm
iQFOiL Worlds a Aarhus day 1
Full foiling conditions launch the World Championship with four high-intensity races for both fleets The iQFOiL World Championship kicked off today in Aarhus with dynamic and demanding conditions that truly tested the world's top foiling windsurfers. The wind was anything but steady, shifting in both direction and intensity throughout the day. Posted today at 7:01 pm
Rolex TP52 Worlds in Cascais overall
American Magic Quantum Racing win Rolex TP52 Worlds after breezy week in Cascais. Doug DeVos' American Magic Quantum Racing crew were crowned 2025 Rolex TP52 World Champions today in Cascais, Portugal. Posted today at 6:54 pm
Junior National Schools Championship at Itchenor
89 RS Fevas enjoy exhilarating sailing in beautiful Chichester Harbour The 2025 Junior Schools Week at Itchenor Sailing Club, sponsored by Magic Marine, brought together 89 RS Fevas for exhilarating youth sailing in beautiful Chichester Harbour. Posted today at 1:26 pm
£6500 raised for Morvargh Sailing Project
Local fundraising dinner at Langston House in Devon Langston House, a beautifully restored Grade II-listed Georgian farmhouse, opened its gates for the first time on 18th June to host a magical midsummer fundraising evening. The event brought together the local community. Posted today at 1:21 pm
Red Bull Sailing Academy Opens
A new hub for current and future superstars to reach the top of their sport Marina Monfalcone, North Italy, made waves yesterday, as sports superstars gathered to open the Red Bull Sailing Academy, marking the beginning of a new era in the sport. Posted today at 12:53 pm
Vane A Jack Roberts Trophy at Fleetwood
Out comes the Dremel in the breaks A light wind forecast for Saturday and challenging day for the 4 entrants, with the far bank having most of the action. It seemed that the lunch break showed the most promising increase of wind. Posted today at 12:07 pm
Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup Day 1
Philip Köster edges out Marcilio Browne in one of the closest finals ever Philip Köster edges out Marcilio Browne in one of the closest finals ever as Pozo delivers 50 knot winds and waves. Posted today at 11:42 am