We invite you to experience Discover Boating Week!

• Do you love your boating?
• Would you like to share that passion?
• Or are you simply new to the lifestyle and want to learn more?

Recreational boating is a passion enjoyed by millions of Australians each year. The diversity of this pastime ensures that there is something to excite every member of the family.

To celebrate the start of the recreational boating season, Discover Boating Week will run from October 18 to 26.

The public are invited to learn more about recreational boating through a vast range of activities and events that have been organised by industry members and associated boating groups.

Lots of businesses have come together to answer the questions that everyone is asking. Over a million people each year take to the water in some way to enjoy recreational boating. With the wonderful waterways we have, many people are asking how they can participate and also enjoy this popular pastime. Discover Boating week will be one way to start getting the answers to those questions.

Activities include Marina Open Days, informative programs that will allow visitors to understand boat sharing, boat hire and boat storage options, as well as experiential activities that will allow visitors to Discover Paddling, Try a Trailer Boat and try numerous Sailing Experiences, with the week ending with Discover Sailing Day. Discover Sailing Day started in 1997 and since then has given over 30,000 kids the opportunity to try sailing for the first time. Its success has been the inspiration for Discover Boating Week.

Here are some of the great things you can visit, see and participate in:

Try A Trailer Boat Trailer Boating is Australia’s most popular type of boating with 90% of registered boats living on trailers. Ever wondered what it would be like to own a Trailer Boat? Visit one of the locations to find out how, as well as expert advice on servicing, registration and the latest equipment and accessories. See Try A Trailer Boat Activities!

Understanding Boat Sharing Larger boats are a natural progression from owning a small trailer boat. In some instances, people’s needs naturally draw them to the larger vessels. It is not always possible or convenient to buy a big boat outright and as such Boat Sharing or Boating clubs are a great way to live the lifestyle without the large outlay and ongoing maintenance costs associated with owning a big boat. See the Understanding Boat Sharing events!

Marina Open Days Marinas are the doorways to many boating activities. Many of them have evolved into small communities with a vast array of services and amazing entertainment. Discover how your local marina opens its doors to people by visiting one of the participating facilities listed in the free Activity Schedule. See the Activity Schedule here for more information.

Discover Paddling If there is one outstanding growth area in boating, it has to be paddling. Canoes and Kayaks provide for a healthy and economical way of getting onto the water. It’s fun and a great way to enjoy our waterways without a big outlay and while keeping fit and healthy. Visit one of the participating locations to learn more. View Discover Paddling locations!

Discover Sailing Day For those that have been around boating, you would know that Discover Sailing Day has been around since the late 1990’s. This activity is fantastic, especially for kids to get aboard a dinghy and understand the joys and healthy lifestyle activities they can participate in. This event will be bigger and better in 2014, and if you wish to participate, or know someone that may, please jump onto the Discover Sailing website to find a location near you and register your attendance in advance. For those of us not so young, but still with a desire to learn more about sailing, check out the various activities within the Sailing Experiences category. For further information, check out the Discover Boating Week website here, or view the PDF Activity Schedule here! Discover Boating Week is constantly growing, so check back regularly as more activities are being added every day! We hope you have an opportunity to visit one of the Discover Boating Week locations. See you on the water, The Discover Boating Week Team