Da Hui Paddle Board Race

The fifth annual Special Report on Paddlesports shows that paddlesports are on the rise, again setting a record for the number of participants. In 2014, 21.7 million Americans — 7.4 percent of the population — enjoyed paddling.

This represents an increase of more than 3 million participants since the study began in 2010. Paddlers averaged 7 annual outings in 2014, up from 6.8 the year before. Collectively, paddling participants made nearly 216 million outings.

Though paddling participation is rising, there is significant growth potential among minorities, which are underrepresented in the sport.