Sea change for women in water sports
The Teignmouth-based company and the regional variation of the UK’s viral #ThisGirlCan campaign are encouraging more women on the water by offering ladies-only half price taster sessions in sailing.
According to Sport England, there are 62% more men than women taking part in regular water sports across the country (source: Active Lives Survey 17/18, 397,700 v 247,500).
The sailing sessions build on a successful ladies-only paddle boarding event hosted by SeaSports Southwest and Devon Girls Can earlier this year, in May.
The events proved so popular that additional sessions had to be added to accommodate all of the eager ladies that attended. Following this success SeaSports Southwest are excited to be holding a second event on October 20th; a half price (Ladies only) sailing taster.
Sue Cox, joint owner of SeaSports, says
“We know that there are still far fewer women involved in a lot of sports, including over 150,000 less in water sports.
In enjoying water sports so much myself and knowing how rewarding the sport is, I would love to encourage more women to try out a variety of water sports and hopefully they will find the enjoyment, satisfaction and wellbeing that I do from being out on the water.”
‘Devon Girls Can’ is a celebration of active women in Devon, developed by Sport England under the umbrella of the ‘This Girl Can’ UK wide campaign, to help women overcome the fear of judgement stopping too many women and girls from joining in with sport and activity.
About SeaSports South West
SeaSports South West is located on the back beach in the coastal town of Teignmouth, Devon. Established in 2007, they have become an integral part of the community during their growth over the past 12 years, as well as an important part of the UK and international Watersports network. Tim Cox, joint owner, holds imense knowledge and qualifications which take him all over the world training instructors on Super Yachts. Teaching and assessing in water sports related activity, both Tim and Sue Cox, who head up the family run business, love to give back to the local community and get kids involved and safe on the water. They run a weekly youth club on the beach every week as well as teaching with the local kids swimming groups.
SeaSports is a now thriving business with a strong reputation for high quality, friendly training in all things water sports, from power boat & paddle board tuition to sailing qualifications, navigation and shore based Atlantic rowing training.
Having focused their community efforts on getting kids out on the water, in 2019 SeaSports are excited to also be focused on encouraging more women to get involved in water sports too.
Full course details, including costs and times can be found at www.seasports-sw.com or by calling 01626 772555.
