Study Shows Americans Have a Renewed Interest in Recreation in 2004

ARA) - After a decade-long decline, participation in outdoor recreation is on the rise across America. According to Leisure Trends Group, a research firm based in Boulder, Co., in 2004 Americans of all ages will be focusing on fun.

The war in Iraq is over, time has passed since the 911 terrorist attacks, and the economy is finally starting to recover. People are starting to realize they can now let loose and think about more pleasant things for a change. “Priorities are changing. Instead of worrying, enjoying life is a lot higher on people’s agendas,” says Jim Spring, president of Leisure Trends Group.

The change in behavior is already noticeable across the country. A recent survey conducted by the organization shows a strong jump in the number of people who are once again participating in sports, fitness and social activities.

The data also shows one of the most popular places to turn for fun in 2004 will be the water. Baby Boomers will be spending a lot of time enjoying the ocean on cruise liners and their own boats; while Generation Xers and Xers at heart will focus on adventure sports, such as kayaking, wave boarding, rafting and water skiing.

George Blair, who goes by the name Banana George thanks to his trademark yellow wetsuit, has been barefoot waterskiing since he was in his 40s. He celebrates his 89th birthday in January. “I love being out on the water,” he says. “It makes me feel free as a bird as the wind and water blow past me. Me and water just go hand in hand.”

“There’s just something uniquely rewarding and fun about the experience you have when taking part in extreme water sports,” says Steve Upp of USA Waterski in Polk City, Fla. “Towed water sports

add an extra dimension to the experience. Everyone in the boat gets to share the excitement with the person in the water.”

Calvin Tate and Pat Benavidas of St. Petersburg, Fla., get a different kind of satisfaction from their time spent on the water. The couple just took up boating two years ago, and they now live on a 70 foot custom house boat with Tate’s 19-year old son, Matt. “We had to throw away a lot of things before making the move, but were really open minded to take this adventure and we love it,” says Benavidas.

“When I’m out on the water, all the weight of daily stresses disappears. I get totally involved in driving the boat and enjoying the beauty of my surroundings. The world really does look different from the water and I get a fresh perspective on a lot of things. I think it’s like that for a lot of people,” says Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Dammrich travels the country sharing his enthusiasm for boating with anyone who will listen, and says he always has good interaction with people at boat shows. “They offer one-stop shopping for people who want to shop for a boat, accessories, gear and insurance. You can see a lot of makes and models side by side, which helps make the decision process a lot easier, and you can even secure financing,” he says.

Most boat shows take place during the winter months, so if you want to enjoy the sport all summer long, Dammrich says now is the time to shop around. For a list of boat shows in your area, go to www.discoverboating.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Courtesy of ARA Content