Beginner Windsurfing & Sailing

Beginner Windsurfing and Sailing Camp

In this hands-on week of camp, kids and teens (ages 9-15) are grouped into small teams and introduced to the fundamentals of these challenging, and cerebrally-stimulating watersports.

As activities that can be performed over a lifetime, both produce a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in kids. And, to ensure campers get the most out of these activities, Shoreline’s experienced and well-qualified instructors provide a supportive learning environment covering water safety, board and boat handling basics, rigging and de-rigging as well as knot tying.

At the start of their week-long session, windsurfers practice first on a land simulator in order to understand wind direction and board handling before heading out on their own.

Subsequently, additional topics (that also delve into sailing) are covered, including jibing, tacking, upwind sailing, helmsmanship, docking, and setting a basic sailing course. Then daily, on-the-water sailing exercises progressively develop each essential skill.

With regard to sailing specifically, campers alternate skipper and crew duties with their sailing partners to learn both positions. Finally, at the end of session, to give each camper an objective idea of their progress, an individualized skills assessment is issued.

You’ll learn the following skills:

• Safety – Life Jackets, Buddy system, Dock Etiquette, Tying Knots
• Fundamentals – Nomenclature, Wind Direction, Sail Theory, Rigging & Derigging
• Basic Rig Handling – Sail Carrying, Balancing, Self Rescue
• Boat Orientation – Crew Responsibilities, Basic Steering, Tacking, Jibing, Sail Trim
• Capsizing, Cleating, Docking, Man Overboard, Course Selection, and more...

To Keep in Mind: Campers should be comfortable swimming and treading water, be able to submerge their heads under water, behave prudently if a capsize occurs, and be in adequate physical shape to engage in the Camp’s activities. If in doubt, please contact your doctor. In addition Campers and/or parents must notify a staff member regarding any medical condition of which the instructor should be made aware. Although you may provide your own, Shoreline does provide PFDs (life vests) and wetsuits.

A lunch catered by the American Bistro is included with this camp. Lunch selections vary by day and include a vegetarian option each day.

Important: On the first day of camp, please arrive 15-20 minutes before the start time to register and sign-in.

Please Note: Also, parents, no pets, including dogs, may enter the park, even if they are inside a vehicle when dropping off and picking up campers.