Watersports have long been perceived as intense and physically demanding activities led by elite athletes. From activities like sailing and wakeboarding to open water swimming, women have often faced many barriers when it comes to getting active in blue spaces. This may be displayed in a lack of representation, limited access or even their levels of confidence. This month’s theme for the Women and Girls Like Us campaign is ‘Watersports.’ Therefore, this month we want to help tackle these barriers and support women in becoming more active in the water.
Creating Inclusive Spaces for Women
We’re working with organisations like Active Thames are working to make watersports more inclusive for everyone. With campaigns like Women and Girls Like Us, Active Essex are using their platform to encourage women and girls to try new activities and become more physically active in their own way. Active Thames is a partnership programme in place to support the development of watersports on the tidal Thames and inland waterways in London, Kent and Essex. They fund projects like Sea-Change Sailing Trust. This offers sail training weekends for women from disadvantaged backgrounds as well as for youths and vulnerable adults. They work with groups of people from the age of ten years upwards and help people to develop transferable skills like communication and teamwork.
This initiative is accessible for everyone and are welcoming to individuals of all ages and abilities to take part. For many women that do not feel confident or see themselves represented in watersports, initiatives like these offer a way for them to begin their journey on the water in a supported environment.
Real Stories from the Water
Watersports are not just about physical activity, they’re about connection, confidence, and being part of a community. For many women, watersports has been a place to build confidence and empowerment.
As Holly Adams shared about her experience:
“Rowing took me through my childhood and into adulthood. I found my active on the water, both as a coxswain and as part of a crew. Rowing doesn’t stereotype and in fact no sport should, we would have mixed crews out regularly and also dominated the river as a ladies four. I know watersports aren’t for everyone, but there is something amazing for your mental wellbeing, about being on the water as the sun rises and dances across the river.”
Stories like this highlight how inclusive and inspiring watersports can be. They remind us that being active on the water isn’t just for elite athletes, it’s for everyone.
National Campaigns Making a Difference
Representation matters. When women can see others like them participating in watersports, whether that be in the media or in a mainstream club or environment, they are automatically going to feel more confident and comfortable to take part. Representation helps break down the stigma that getting active on blue spaces is only for the elite, young or experienced.
Campaigns like This Girl Can and Women on Water are working hard to break down stereotypes and build confidence within women. ‘This Girl Can’ celebrates real women getting active in their own way from all backgrounds and all abilities. They provide all women with the opportunities, support and advice they may need to become active. Meanwhile, Women on Water provides mentorship and leadership opportunities for women in the water and sport industry. They help provide women with voices in spaces that they have previously been underrepresented. Campaigns like these are not only about women’s participation but they’re about increasing visibility for women to be seen and changing the stereotypes around watersports.
Get Involved and Support the Movement
Watersports are not just for the elite athletes. They are for everyday woman that’s discovering the happiness of being on the water. Whether that be a mum trying water aerobics for the first time or a group paddleboarding session, there is something for everyone to get involved with. You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to be willing to give it a go!
The more women who get involved, the more visible the community becomes. Watersports is becoming more inclusive and welcoming to women of all backgrounds. Thanks to strong initiatives likes these that are committed to making a change. So, give it a go by joining a local club or even by sharing your own experience. By doing this you’re helping reshape what watersports look like for women.
