When it comes to any type of sport, there are likely to be stereotypes that circulate around. Sailing is, of course, no exception to this and unfortunately, these five sailing stereotypes are often inaccurate and allow people to get the wrong ideas about sailing. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or you are considering getting into it, here are five different stereotypes that you should be aware of…
1. The Cost
Typically, when someone hears the word sailing, they automatically have dollar signs popping up in their mind. It is a sport or hobby that is often regarded as extremely expensive and, therefore, something that only people with plenty of money are able to enjoy. The good news is that it's completely false. Sailing won't break your bank account! If you have no means to buy a boat, then connect with someone who does. People in the sailing community tend to share the wonderful adventure of sailing with those genuinely interested in it. So, be social and start making friends; before you know it, you’ll be gliding right along the waters wondering why you hadn’t done it sooner!
2. You Need to Live on the Ocean
For some reason, sailing is almost always associated with ocean or sea ventures. And although either one provides a fantastic sailing journey, the sport can be done on practically any other body of water. If you live near a lake, river, or even a reservoir, then there is a good chance that you can sail! So, the next time you think the ocean is the only place to go sailing, think again.
3. Elites Only
Just as we mentioned before, sailing does NOT have to be a sport just for the rich and the famous. There are plenty of ways to make it an affordable hobby that you partake in on a regular basis. Many times when people picture sailors, they think of the rich and tanned man with a brass-buttoned jacket and the attitude that says: 'I-have-more-money-than-you-can-even-imagine'. This stereotype should definitely be put to rest.
4. Hard to Learn
The ropes, the sailing jargon, and the gear that comes along with the sailing tend to put hopeful sailors in panic mode; think they’ll never figure all of it out. However, this is very far from the truth. Sailing is an extremely comprehensible sport and something that with practice, you will catch right on too! There are of course many people who go onto advanced training. Also, if you’re interested in beginners training, there are plenty of classes and opportunities that will prove the fact that it's less intimidating than you originally thought.
5. Boring & Unfulfilling
This may be the worst sailing stereotype of them all. The misconception that sailing as a hobby or sport is boring simply does not add up. Sailing gives people an opportunity to not only dive into something new physically, but also the chance to get to see new places, discover new worlds, and meet an entirely new group of people with a shared passion. Sailing can easily become a rewarding and fulfilling way of life.