Stand-up paddling, kayak fishing and white water kayaking topped the list of fastest growing outdoor activities in 2013, according to a topline participation report released last week by The Outdoor Foundation.


 

The 10-page report found that the number of people participating in those activities increased 29, 28 and 14 percent respectively compared to 2012. Trail running and mountain biking took the next two spots  with growth rates of 13 and 11 percent, according the report which is based on responses gather through more than 19,000 online interviews.

Over the three-year period ending Dec. 31, 2013, the fastest growing activities were: adventure racing, 28 percent; off-road triathlon, 25 percent; stand-up paddling, 24 percent; kayak fishing, 20 percent and recreational kayaking, 11 percent.


 

Three-year participation decreased most in snow sports, reflecting the impact of the 2011-12 season, which was one of the warmest and driest of in a century.  Participation dropped 11 percent in downhill skiing, 8.9 percent in country skiing, 7.7 percent in snowboarding and 6.6 percent in snowshoeing.

 

 

Among the more encouraging findings was that participation rates among 18-to-24-year olds increased a point to 58 percent, marking the sixth consecutive increase and the highest level since 2007. Among 6-to-12-year olds, the rate climbed a point to 64 percent, it highest level since 2008. The rate remained flat in the 13-to-17-year-old cohort at 60 percent. As a group, the 6-to-24-year-old cohort enjoyed 99 outings in 2013, compared to 77 for those 25 and older.

 

“We are particularly encouraged by the increase in active young people, which reflects nationwide efforts to re-engage and re-inspire America's youth to get outdoors,” said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. “Through our Outdoor Nation initiative, the Foundation and its partners will continue to empower youth and young adults to lead the growing outdoor movement, inspiring a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts and committed stewards.”

 

Since being founded by Outdoor Industry Association, the non-profit foundation has gone on to raise millions of dollars from the industry, government and foundation to fund programs that have connected thousands of youth to the outdoors. The foundation is now selling tickets for its second annual Outsiders Ball, which last year raised more than $400,000 to fund such programs. This year it is encouraging outdoor specialty retailers to partner with local non-profits to apply for grants in a bid to leverage their expertise and bolster their with their local communities.  Tickets can be purchased at www.outsidersball.org