10 year old wants sailing lessons LBI

[nalin65]

North end of the island. My 10 year old son has asked to learn to sail this summer. If he loves it, might get him a small boat in August. Need recommendations on where to send him for sailing lessons/camp preferably on the north end of LBI nj.
thanks!

[sailingdog]

Have you called these guys: Barnegat Bay Sailing School, 100 Harbor Inn Rd. Bayville (732) 269-1351

[nalin65]

Yes, but they arent on the island and it would take about 40 minutes to drive there. They are across the bay and dont have a facility near our house.

[JohnRPollard]

I can't offer any suggestions, as I'm not familiar with the offerings on Long Beach Island. All I'll say is that a good, reputable sailing school may be worth a little extra drive-time.

By the way, that is great that your little one wants to take some sailing lessons. It is an awesome way to pass a chunk of summer vacation.

One thing we looked for, was programs that offered 1/2 day lessons, instead of all-day. Even with a lunch break, all-day can be a long stretch on the water for youngsters. You want them to enjoy it -- not feel like it's a marathon. If they only offer "all-day" schools, make sure they take a good long lunch break in the shade, where they play some other games (frisbee, ping-pong, whatever) to mix it up a bit.

Hopefully someone in your vicinity will chime in with more recommendations. Welcome to Sailnet, and very best of luck to you and your son!!

[Tempest]

Try Contacting these folks...they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

LBIYRA

[SailingStNick]

I'm new to sailing, but not to kids. I assisted in teaching youth sailing classes last summer. A yacht club with three hour sessions by age group is ideal for that age. I agree with JohnRPollard that the lessons only need be half-day. The classes were two weeks in length. We used Sunfish.

My ten-year-old ate it up and is ready to get back out there. I bought a Hobie Cat for the family to play on this summer, so we'll all learn more in the coming sailing season.

[ottos]

NJ Sailing School is located in Point Pleasant. I don't know any more about them.

Nelsons Sailing Center is located in Island Heights, and they do have kids programs.

Good luck! I wish I had learned at that age.

.

[jlenox]

Check out Nelsons sailing center in Island Heights. They offer a sailing camp Kids can sail ! Children's sailing instruction at the Jersey Shore. they run a nice program for kids.

[djdeakyne]

Harvey Cedars Marina. Private lessons using the Hobie Wave, Hobie Bravo, and Laser Pico. Ages 6 and up.

[TQA]

Start him off in an Optimist

Surf City Yacht Club has a program and they can provide the Opie if you are a year one beginner. If he likes it and gets into racing then there are huge Opie fleets everywhere.