Fields, forests and mountains are the real playgrounds for millions of Americans, if you ask those who like fishing, camping, hunting, and hiking. For many people, those activities are considered the “big four” in the outdoor industry. But participants are having difficulty finding the time for these avocations. That's one of many observations on outdoor activities in the United States, according to the latest findings in SGMA International's Outdoor Recreation in America (2003 edition).

This annual study contains participation figures for more than 30 outdoor activities (from 1998-2002) which range from archery to mountain biking to wakeboarding. It also lists various sales figures for:

  • retail sales of outdoor footwear (2001 vs. 2002)
  • wholesale sales of outdoor equipment – camping, fishing, hunting, snow sports, and water sports (2000 vs. 2001 vs. 2002)

Listed below are a few of this report's key findings:

  • At least 50% of all participants in the “big four” — fishing, (tent) camping, hiking, and hunting — have been involved in at least one of these activities for 10 years or more.
  • Recent statistics indicate that snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, and wakeboarding are four of the hotter outdoor pursuits.
  • There are more males who go tent camping and more females who enjoy RV camping.
  • Scuba divers have the highest average annual household income – $88,000 – among outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Trail running has the highest annual average number of days of participation – 36.
  • When asked the question – Which is their favorite outdoor pursuit?, – freshwater fishing was the top response – with 10.2 million people.
  • Males account for 70% of all mountain bikers.
  • Among water sports, scuba diving, kayaking, and surfing have had the largest percentage rates of growth since 2001.
  • The top outdoor equipment sales category is water sports with $10.6 billion in wholesale sales.

This report is available in two formats: as a PDF download or as a Kinko's Doc Store printed copy. ORDER REPORT

These sports participation statistics are from continuing national research by American Sports Data, Inc. Hartsdale, NY, which has been tracking U.S. sports participation annually since 1987. It now monitors trends in more than 100 fitness, sports, and outdoor activities.