Learn Valuable Skills At A Sailing Camp
So, what is a sailing camp? A lot of people do not realize that there is more to it than meets the eye. Of course that is where you go when you want to learn how to sail. But do you know that children learn life skills at sailing camps as well? And most children do not just go to a sailing camp once; there are those who go every year.
But before going any further, let us just run through…
The different types of courses at a Sailing Camp
The water babies class
This is a class designed for the younger kids, normally for 7 to 10 year olds. For parents who want to introduce their kids to sailing, this is a perfect way to do it. During this time children will be taught how not to be scared in water, learn a few knots, appreciate nature, and generally to just be comfortable in water.
The beginners class
The beginners’ sailing camp is designed to introduce the basics of sailing to 10 to 14 year olds, although some would admit 8 or 9 year olds who have completed the water babies’ class. There are also beginners’ classes for adults. In the beginners’ class, the students are taught how to sail, tack and jibe and other procedures for water safety and rescue. Students will also have the opportunity to sail with other students under the close supervision of an instructor.
The intermediate class
When a student has completed the beginners’ class in a sailing camp, he or she may move up to the intermediate level. The students in this class are already knowledgeable about basic skills and will now be introduced to sailing in stronger breezes, especially the afternoon winds. The campers will be learning about high wind sailing, tacking and jibing. Students will likewise learn how to handle capsizing, an indispensable part of sailing.
Unlike the beginners’ class, campers in intermediate sailing camp may spend more weeks in order to polish their skill in dealing with stronger winds. This skill is a prerequisite to higher sailing classes.
The advanced class
Just as the name suggests, the advance class are for those who want to pursue more knowledge in sailing as well as to hone their actual sailing skills. Usually, students in this camp are taught how to evaluate risks and safety practices and learn boat maintenance and repair. Aside from that, campers are given more strategies and techniques in order to perfect their sailing skills against strong winds as well as crewing procedures.
The life skills you can learn at a Sailing Camp
So, where do learning life skills fit in at sailing camps?
For starters, sailing is a life skill in itself. It is something that becomes a part of your life and as they say, once a sailor always a sailor.
Learning how to sail means learning water safety and rescue techniques. These two skills are necessary even if one does not get into sailing. It is an important survival skill.
Learning how to sail means learning the different kinds of knots, and their uses too. As we all know, the Boy Scouts also teach this – proof that this is a vital life skill that comes in handy.
Learning how to sail teaches patience and determination. Even little kids can be taught the value of perseverance and focus, a necessity both to sailing as well as for real life success.
Learning how to sail teaches children the value or teamwork and cooperation. Understanding the importance of working together towards achieving a goal does not apply to sailing alone, but also to career enhancement and personal growth. And last but not the least, sailing teaches children to respect nature and to learn to live in harmony with it.
So if you are a family member is thinking about getting into sailing and don’t really know how or where to start, why not enroll in one of the courses at a nearby sailing camp – it may just change your life.