Number of U.S. Sports Enthusiasts

May 24, 2007 12:50 PM

How would I locate the U.S. "market" numbers on people could consider themselves sports enthusiasts - i.e., "how many swimmers are there"? How many backpackers? How many triatheletes? How many kayakers? I know someone has done this research. I'm looking for Adventure sports in particular.
posted by wavejumper to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (5 answers total)

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association puts out some great research, but it costs money to get them. You might be able to search Google for news articles that have quoted some of these reports.
posted by redarmycomrade at 1:08 PM on May 24, 2007

Check out American Sports Data, Inc. for their research on sports participation and fitness research. There might be abstracts available, but most of their "meaty" reports require a fee.
posted by ericb at 1:09 PM on May 24, 2007

Maybe Wall Street analyst reports or annual reports on publicly traded outdoor companies (Jarden or K2) would have some info.
posted by Frank Grimes at 1:49 PM on May 24, 2007

To an extent, google-fu can be your friend. I googled "percent americans adventure sports" and got this, and some of the stuff will be helpful, and even free. Reliable? Use your judgement.
posted by rtha at 2:06 PM on May 24, 2007

Magazine aimed at the enthusiasts would gladly provide those stats to potential advertisers.
posted by smackfu at 7:44 AM on May 26, 2007