Press Releases
ALEXANDRIA, VA (May 29, 2008) – As communities across the country prepare to celebrate the eighth annual National Fishing and Boating Week during the first week of June, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is releasing results from a recent study that shows boating and fishing activities have a strong impact on personal satisfaction and healthy relationships.
From June 1 – 8, organizations across the country will encourage people to experience boating and fishing as a way to reconnect with nature and strengthen relationships. Throughout the week, various events will offer hands-on opportunities for families and friends to learn about these recreational pastimes while enjoying quality time together.
“National Fishing and Boating Week is the perfect time for people to experience the benefits of boating and fishing,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “As our study indicates, families and friends that fish and boat together, have stronger relationships. We encourage people to get involved, especially our boating and fishing partners who can help inspire participation among their members and customers.”
RBFF’s national study found that people who boat and fish are significantly more satisfied with their marriages, relationships and friendships than are non boaters and anglers. Other key findings include:
- Boaters and anglers are more likely to have close relationships with their children than non boaters and anglers
- Boaters and anglers report feeling more satisfied with their mental health than non boaters and anglers
- Boaters and anglers report that fishing has had a positive impact on their careers, with many of their best ideas coming to them while they’re on the water
For a listing of events taking place during National Fishing and Boating Week and information about free-fishing days, visit RBFF’s newly re-vamped TakeMeFishing.org Web site, which hosts a wealth of information for boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels. For free, downloadable event planning materials, visit RBFF.org.
“We’re encouraging our stakeholders to leverage the national Take Me Fishing™ campaign, which is now in full swing with an updated look and stronger call to action,” added Peterson. “We’re also doing national, regional and local outreach to spread the word about the joys of boating and fishing and the important role participation plays in protecting our nation’s aquatic resources.”
RBFF staff will help kick off National Fishing and Boating Week on Monday, June 2, 2008 when they join 10 national organizations, including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, at this year’s DC Youth Fishing Event. Held at the Constitution Gardens pond on the National Mall, hundreds of DC-area fourth, fifth and sixth graders will learn angling skills from more than 200 volunteers.
About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing campaign and Anglers’ Legacy.
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