Allow outdoor water sports to recommence

Sports like Kitesurfing, Windsurfing and SUP are statistically safer than cycling and for those proficient can safely be practiced using social distancing measures.

Why the contribution is important

For those that practice these sports they are immensely positive for physical and mental health and well being and are seen as a 'way of life', often as their sole and main way of exercising due to the investment required. This has to counterbalance the minimal travel required for some to get to a local beach.

by johnbarber75 on May 06, 2020 at 08:31AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 19 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Singlemum May 06, 2020 at 10:02

    My teenage daughter is on the Autism spectrum. She prefers alone time. She enjoys her paddle board, On a paddle board, she feels free and is unlikely to be 5 meters away let alone 2 meters away from from others. I respect that there may be a danger of being in the sea, but has had experience and wears a life jacket. She has more chance of contact with other people walking down the road on the narrow pavements of the town which are less than 2 meters wide..

  • Posted by Vinces May 06, 2020 at 10:11

    Almost zero risk of transmission in solitary watersports, all beaches should be accessible

  • Posted by SylviaL May 06, 2020 at 10:38

    Even canoeing or kayaking on lochs, rivers or canals in very small groups the risks can be minimised. Probably the greatest risk is in car parks if they get too busy.

  • Posted by Suilven May 06, 2020 at 11:15

    If care is taken, there is minimum risk in canoeing which is a solitary sport or with one other. We need to do what ever keeps us sane.

  • Posted by GDR May 06, 2020 at 12:02

    Agree, same with sailing low risk exercise that is easily controlled and isolated on the water

  • Posted by ColinC May 06, 2020 at 12:34

    I think we should be allowed to work on boats, preparing them, and limited boating/ sailing. These are activities easily done on own or within family group. May still need to restrict access to marinas/ ports to stop people travelling big distances if boat is not nearby.

  • Posted by wrg708 May 06, 2020 at 12:58

    Totally agree, it incenses me to see dozens of cyclists, who are a far greater risk to out health services, careering around Scotland. Any water sport, windsurfing and kitesurfing in particular, that does not involve grouping, should be permitted. It maybe necessary to curtail excessive travel by restricting individuals to a 30 mile radius from their homes. Cyclists are currently unrestricted.

  • Posted by James May 06, 2020 at 15:22

    Back when we thought the NHS was going to be overrun with inpatients it was sensible to close off sports that might risk the rescue service. Now that the number of active cases in scotland is less than anticipated and hospitals are actually asking people to come forward because they are under capacity and under usual numbers for the time of year, there really isn't much justification of keeping these sports restricted. If anything you are focusing the problem in high population areas instead of spreading it out.

  • Posted by andywindsurf May 06, 2020 at 17:22

    Typically it's 45min drive for me to get to beach with windsurf gear. I set up my kit distanced from others but we call to each other and look out for each other. Most of us are very experienced and consider most outings very very low risk. (things are somewhat different when we choose to enter 50mph+storms!) I am desperate to windsurf again for the fantastic physical and mental benefits I get. I believe it's absolutely safe for me to practice my activities even within the current COVID advisories. I am disappointed that the public has been led to think it is always an extreme and dangerous sport which is likely to necessitate and endanger rescue services. It is not. I'm hoping for a statement to the public that includes 'safe practising of watersports' windsurfing among them. I fear public anger and actions towards watersports participants if media and opinion consider us irresponsible and endangering others and services.

  • Posted by SergeiKitesurf May 06, 2020 at 23:52

    Absolutely as soon as driving restrictions are lifted

  • Posted by vivmiller May 07, 2020 at 14:05

    Please lift restrictions on paddleboarding or kayaking on canals. No contact with others required.
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