Do you remember your first fishing or boating trip? Ask anyone to tell the story of who first took them boating or fishing – chances are good the story is deeply personal and meaningful.

Over a dozen studies have shown that being with family and friends, relaxing and being outdoors and close to nature are the primary reasons people spend time on the water. A family doesn’t have to spend a fortune on a theme park vacation to have an experience that everyone will enjoy. Although your first meeting with Mickey Mouse will probably be memorable, chances are it will pale in comparison to memories of spending time on the water with the people you love.

Time spent fishing and boating connects family and friends

You know how important it is to spend quality time with family and friends. Many of us have seen how outdoor recreation strengthens the family as a unit and children as individuals. So it comes as no surprise that studies have consistently shown that involvement with family members and friends is a primary reason people go boating and fishing.

On the water, there are no cars, no rush hour, no deadlines and a chance to relax

There are news stories every week about the stress and time crunch felt by working Australian’s and their families. People are searching for ways to escape the daily routine, be closer to nature and focus more on family and relationships. Studies show that people who participate frequently in outdoor recreation are more satisfied with life overall. For a weeklong vacation or just a quiet Saturday morning, recreational fishing and boating are great ways to “get away from it all.”

Fishing and boating enhance appreciation for the natural world

Many Australian’s see outdoor recreation as one of the main reasons to protect the environment. Australian’s say outdoor recreation benefits the environment because it gives people a reason to care about the resources upon which their activities depend.