Still time to Push the Boat Out in Leicester!

Syston SC (Roundhill Sailing Association), on Fosse Pool, welcomes anyone to 'have a go' on Sunday (20 May) from 9am-5.30pm, while Leicester Windsurfing and Stand Up Paddle Club, on Kinglears Lake in Watermead Country Park, open their doors on the same day from 12pm-4pm. All kit and safety equipment is provided so bring a pair of old trainers you don't mind getting wet and your sense of adventure and fun.

Thrussington teen, John Tailby, got into sailing at Syston four years ago after being inspired seeing the boats out on the water. Since then the 16-year-old student has thrown himself into club life, both on the water and off it. John believes you won't regret giving sailing a go.

He said: "Once I'd tried it I wanted to continue purely because I loved being out on the water! Getting involved in sailing has given me a hobby I really love and I've met some really great people through it. It's such a versatile activity, you can race or just go out for an afternoon cruise. Syston SC has been a great start for me and has introduced me to racing. If I'd never given sailing a go I'd really be missing out now!"

New research commissioned by boating's national governing body, the RYA, shows a quarter of people have never tried an outdoor pursuit, yet two in four want to be more active and nearly a third want to get more fresh air*.

Meanwhile as part of their 2015 Getting Active Outdoors campaign, Sport England found people enjoy outdoor pursuits for many reasons, including spending time with family, having fun with friends, being closer to nature, taking advantage of the fresh air and relaxing and getting away from modern life. Some 40% of people said they would prefer to do their exercise outdoors.

Refreshments will be available at all the Push The Boat Out events, with a host of shoreside activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy too. Find all the details for your nearest Push The Boat Out venue at www.rya.org.uk/ptbo

Almost 400 venues across the UK are inviting people to Push The Boat Out in May. Over 22,000 people regularly go along to their local sailing club every month across the Midlands, sailing small sailboats or windsurfing.