Sophie Weguelin and Stuart Bithell officially launch National Watersports Month 

Brits take to the water this May to celebrate National Watersports Month

Yesterday (28th April 2014)  marked the beginning of a key moment in the sporting calendar, National Watersports Month.

Taking place in May, the annual event stages over 400 free events, spearheaded by the country’s leading watersports and boating organisations, RYA Go Canoeing, British Rowing, British Marine Federation and British Water Ski and Wakeboard.  

The National Watersports Month initiative aims to target both keen boaters but also beginners, getting them onto the water to try out a range of activities including canoeing, sailing, rowing, windsurfing, kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding .

During the month, selected watersports clubs and centres across the UK will welcome people of all ages to take part in a programme of free events including RYA Push the Boat Out activities.

Olympic sailing silver medallist  Stuart Bithell said: “Ahead of the summer break, National Watersports Month in May is a great way for people to dip their toes in the water and give it a go, with a range of open days, taster sessions and have a go lessons on offer. From St Austell in Cornwall to Argyll & Bute in Scotland, the month long campaign will be giving people across the country the chance to try something new, or simply breathe life back into an old hobby.”  

Helen Grant, Minister for Sport and Tourism said; “From canoeing to sailing, rowing to stand up paddle-boarding, there is a huge range of opportunities across the country during National Watersports Month. I encourage people to go out and try a new sport, experience some of our lovely water ways and support the British businesses who are the backbone of our marine leisure industry.”  

To see a full list of events visit www.onthewater.co.uk, or follow @WatersportsMonth on Twitter.  

For more information about RYA Push the Boat visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo