Kids & Youth Programs
From learn to sail programs to performance racing curriculums, there is something for everyone.
Important
Information
New to sailing camp? Please review the below information prior to making your booking.
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Program descriptions can be found below
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Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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View our Master Calendar for Kids & Youth Courses to help you plan your 2024 season!
Sailing Camp Options
Camps are offered as week long camps or 2DS.
Week Long Sailing Camps
Summer Long
2 Days of Sailing per Week (2DS)
5 day camps running Monday to Friday all summer. Ideal for kids who are interested in progressing in the sport of sailing.
Ideal for local kids who take part in summer long 2-day per week bike camps. Learn the basics of sailing from our team of certified instructors.
Age 5-7yrs WetFeet
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Tues/Thurs 2DS-5-weeks (July) 10 sessions total
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Tues/Thurs 2DS-4 weeks (August) 8 sessions total
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Tues/Thurs 2DS-9 weeks (July+August)18 sessions total
Age 8-12yrs Optimist 1
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Mon/Wed 2DS-5-weeks (July) 10 sessions total
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Mon/Wed 2DS-4 weeks (August) 8 sessions total
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Mon/Wed 2DS-9 weeks (July+ August) 18 sessions total
Which boat is right for you?
Program Descriptions
Optimist Sailing Camps
Wetfeet
Learn to sail for ages 5-7
The Wetfeet program is aimed at young children who want to learn about sailing and water safety. The goal of this program is to get children comfortable around boats and on the water and prepare them for the Optimist 1 program. Although participants will learn basic sailing skills, participants are not expected to be able to sail on their own at the completion of this course. They will usually sail accompanied by an instructor or volunteer. The curriculum includes exploring Alta Lake and its surrounding parks. On any given day, half of the day will be focused on water activities, and the other half will involve water games, Opti-tow adventures with focus on learning steering and balance, excursions in one of our inflatable safety boats and arts and crafts with a marine focus on boat parts and water safety.
Opti 1
Learn to sail for ages 8-12
The Optimist 1 course is designed for beginner sailors that have never sailed before. Certified Sail Canada instructors will teach participants basic sailing skills in a fun and safe environment. The course covers water safety, rigging, knots, seamanship and basic sailing maneuvers. Participants practice teamwork and leadership skills as they learn to skipper and crew the boat.Participants may obtain Sail Canada certification (CANSail 1) if all skills are demonstrated during the course and the CANSail 1 checklist is completed. Please note it may take longer then one week to complete the checklist.Ratio: 6 participants to 1 instructor.
Opti 2
Intermediate sailing for ages 8-12
Prerequisite: Optimist 1
This Optimist 2 program is a more advanced course for those who have completed the Optimist 1 curriculum. The emphasis is on developing boat handling skills, independence and safety. Once completed, students should be able to sail their own boat with confidence. Participants may obtain CANSail 2 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course.Ratio: 6 participants to 1 instructor.
Opti 3
Intermediate sailing for ages 8-13
Prerequisite: Optimist 2
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The Optimist 3 program is a more advanced course for those who have completed the Optimist 2 curriculum. The emphasis is on more advanced skills with focus on sailing faster and more efficiently. The rules of the water, safety and basic racing skills and strategies are part of this course. This course will follow the CANSail 3 curriculum.Participants may obtain CANSail 3 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course. This course has more content than CANSail 1 and 2 courses and will generally require 2 weeks to complete the curriculum.
Opti 4
Advanced learn to race sailing for ages 8-13
Prerequisite: Optimist 3
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The emphasis of the Optimist 4 program is on developing racing skills while sailing faster and more efficiently. Racing rules, tactics & strategies are part of this course. Participants may obtain CANSail 4 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course. This course has more content than CANSail 1 and 2 courses and will generally require 2 weeks to complete the curriculum.
Opti 5
Advanced racing program for ages 8 - 13
Prerequisite: Optimist 4
This is the most advanced course we offer for those who have completed Optimist 4. The emphasis is on advanced boat handling, racing skills, tactics and strategies. This course follows the CANSail 5 curriculum.Participants may obtain CANSail 5 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course. This course has more content than CANSail 1 and 2 courses and will generally require 2-3 weeks to complete the curriculum.
Pirate Sailboat Programs
Pirate Basic
Learn to sail sailing ages 13-18
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This Pirate Basic course is designed for teens that have never sailed before. The focus on is on learning basic sailing skills in a fun and safe environment. The course covers water safety, rigging, knots, seamanship and basic sailing maneuvers. Learning how to skipper and crew the boat builds teamwork and leadership skills. The Pirate dinghy is the boat used for the 13-18-year-olds and is usually sailed by 2 individuals for this course.Participants may obtain Sail Canada certification (CANSail 1) if all skills are demonstrated during the course.
Pirate Intermediate
Intermediate sailing for ages 13-18
Prerequisite: Pirate Basic
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This Pirate Intermediate program is a more advanced course for those who have completed the Pirate Basic curriculum. The emphasis is on developing boat handling skills, independence and safety. Once completed, students should be able to sail with confidence with increased independence. Participants may obtain CANSail 2 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course.
Pirate Performance
Advanced sailing and basic racing skills for ages 13-18
Prerequisite: Pirate Intermediate
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This Pirate Performance program is a course for those who have completed the Pirate Advanced curriculum and who like to sail a double-handed boat. The emphasis is on basic racing skills with focus on sailing faster and more efficiently. The use of a Spinnaker may be introduced. Participants may obtain CANSail 3 certification if all skills are demonstrated during the course.
Laser Sailing Camps
Laser Performance
Laser Sailing for ages 13-18
Pre-Requisite: CanSail 3
(Optimist 3 or Pirate Performance course)
The Laser Sailboat is a high-performance dinghy sailed all over the world. The Laser can be used we 3 different sail sizes. The Laser 4.7 now called ILCA 4, The Laser Radial or ILCA 6 is used as the women’s Olympic class and the Laser Standard or ILCA 7 is used as the men’s Olympic class.The Laser sailboat is more demanding physically. The primary focus of this clinic will be mostly boat handling. Tacks, gybes, mark roundings, hiking, etc. You must be capable of sailing a dinghy on your own for this course. Some basic racing strategies and concepts will be also covered. For the best experience the participants should weight a minimum 120lbs or 55kg to sail a Laser and be in good physical condition.