Atlantic City International Power Boat Show
21 January 2005 - 15:27
The National Marine Manufacturers Association is pleased to welcome you back to the Atlantic City International Power Boat Show, February 2 - 6, 2005.
STUDY SHOWS RENEWED INTEREST IN RECREATION IN 2004
CHICAGO, December 23, 2004 - - After a decade-long decline, participation in outdoor recreation is on the rise across America. According to Leisure Trends Group, a research firm based in Boulder, Co., in 2004 Americans of all ages will be focusing on fun.
The war in Iraq is over, time has passed since the 911 terrorist attacks, and the economy is finally starting to recover. People are starting to realize they can now let loose and think about more pleasant things for a change. Priorities are changing. Instead of worrying, enjoying life is a lot higher on peoples agendas, says Jim Spring, president of Leisure Trends Group.
The change in behavior is already noticeable across the country. A recent survey conducted by the organization shows a strong jump in the number of people who are once again participating in sports, fitness and social activities.
The data also shows one of the most popular places to turn for fun in 2004 will be the water. Baby Boomers will be spending a lot of time enjoying the ocean on cruise liners and their own boats; while Generation Xers and Xers at heart will focus on adventure sports, such as kayaking, wave boarding, rafting and water skiing.
George Blair, who goes by the name Banana George thanks to his trademark yellow wetsuit, has been barefoot waterskiing since he was in his 40s. He celebrates his 89th birthday in January. I love being out on the water, he says. It makes me feel free as a bird as the wind and water blow past me. Me and water just go hand in hand.
Theres just something uniquely rewarding and fun about the experience you have when taking part in extreme water sports, says Steve Upp of USA Waterski in Polk City, Fla. Towed water sports add an extra dimension to the experience. Everyone in the boat gets to share the excitement with the person in the water.
When Im out on the water, all the weight of daily stresses disappears. I get totally involved in driving the boat and enjoying the beauty of my surroundings. The world really does look different from the water and I get a fresh perspective on a lot of things. I think its like that for a lot of people, says Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
Dammrich travels the country sharing his enthusiasm for boating with anyone who will listen, and says he always has good interaction with people at boat shows. They offer one-stop shopping for people who want to shop for a boat, accessories, gear and insurance. You can see a lot of makes and models side by side, which helps make the decision process a lot easier, and you can even secure financing, he says.
Most boat shows take place during the winter months, so if you want to enjoy the sport all summer long, Dammrich says now is the time to shop around. For a list of boat shows in your area, go to www.discoverboating.com.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the worlds first and largest producer of boat shows. NMMA is the leading association, representing the $30 billion recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80% of the boats, engines & accessories used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. . A non-profit organization, NMMA reinvests its proceeds into the recreational boating industry.Look for the NMMA Certified label on boats, personal watercraft and trailers. NMMA, the Best in Boating. For more information go to www.nmma.org.
Michael Duffy, Show Manager, (212) 984-7016
