Study Shows Fishing And Boating As The #1 Leisure Activity For Spending Quality Time With Family
Eighty-seven percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships.
by Katherine Nicol 301.272.2450
The vacation season is just around the corner and a new national survey shows that 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships. In addition, the survey, by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), found that Americans believe fishing and boating are the best ways to spend quality time with their families.
"It is time for families to turn off their computers and televisions, and rediscover one another through fishing and boating." said Bruce Matthews, President and CEO of RBFF. "National Fishing and Boating Week kicks off on June 1 and we challenge American families to get out on the water and reconnect. It’s hard not to relax and have a good time together when you are on the water."
The second National Fishing and Boating Week will take place from June 1–9, with thousands of local events in communities across the country. Events will provide hands-on opportunities for families and friends to share fun, quality time together while learning about two of this nation’s favorite pastimes — recreational boating and fishing.
Thousands of events are planned for families, children and seniors, and include fishing and boating festivals, educational events,boating demonstrations and many other hands-on activities for participants of all ages. From knot tying and boating safety, to casting and properly releasing your catch, National Fishing and Boating Week Events will provide a fun, exciting and enriching experience for the entire family.
RBFF interviewed 1,013 randomly selected adults nationwide by phone between May 3–7, 2002. The data were weighted to reflect the demographic make-up of the adult U.S. population. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
Respondents were asked which leisure activities are the best way to spend quality time with their family. Responses included:
- Fishing and boating—35%
- Playing team sports—21%
- Watching TV—18%
- Going to the movies—16%
- Playing computer games—4%
In addition to being a great way to reconnect with family, RBFF’s survey found that 90% of Americans believe that fishing and boating help to reduce the stress levels in their lives. It also revealed that in the last two years more than 55% of Americans have been fishing and boating.
"We’ve all read the news reports about Americans working more, spending less time with family and friends and having high levels of stress," said Matthews. "Take a break, breathe some fresh air and get out on the water together. Fishing and boating are favorite American traditions that promote family values and cohesiveness, as well as provide wholesome recreational outdoor activities."
Fishing and boating offer a positive experience that the entire family can enjoy together.
- Numerous studies have shown that being with family and friends, relaxing, and being outdoors and close to nature are the primary reasons people boat and fish.
- Many Americans believe that outdoor recreation strengthens the family as a unit and the children as individuals.
- Studies also show that people who participate frequently in outdoor recreation are more satisfied with life overall.
For a listing of events taking place during National Fishing and Boating Week and throughout the year, visit WaterWorksWonders.org. Visitors will find a complete listing of events near their homes or vacation destination. They can also find dates of state-sponsored free fishing days (no fishing license required) offered throughout the country. Most states sponsor free fishing days during National Fishing and Boating Week.
For additional information, visit WaterWorksWonders.org, or call Kirk Gillis, RBFF Communications Manager, at 703-519-0013, ext. 109.
RBFF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating and thereby increase public awareness and appreciation of the need for protecting, conserving and restoring this nation’s aquatic natural resources.
National Fishing and Boating Week is a key component of RBFF’s national awareness campaign, Water Works Wonders. The initiative was recently nominated for a 2002 Fatherhood Award by the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI), the premier fatherhood renewal organization in the country. The Fatherhood Awards are presented annually to men, women, and organizations who make a substantial contribution to strengthening involved, committed, and responsible fatherhood.
