[saltydawg]

What a rush! This week my family dug up (quite literally) my little minifish sailboat that I first sailed and learned on when I was about 10 years old. We cleaned her up and took my son and niece out on Lake Michigan and BAM! I am happy to report my niece is hooked! First lap -- wobbly and unsure. Second lap - calm and observant. Third lap - curious and excited. Fourth lap - hey aunty show ME how to drive this thing! Fifth lap with tiller in her 9 year old hand -- she is HOOKED!
I have some pics on my blog linked below!

If you have a kid in your life, take them sailing on a little boat and trust them to take over. It's a great way to get the next generation started...

Zach Aboard: My First

 

[SecondWindNC]

Somebody's gotta teach 'em!

Washington, NC just this year started a "sailing club" teaching 10-18 year-olds how to sail during two-week sessions using Vanguard 420s. They're getting more and more response, and it's great to see them tacking around out there off of the waterfront. The kids seem to love it.

 

[bubb2]

I could not agree more.

Teaching a kid to sail is lessons that will carry them far in life. Sailing is not about the biggest or strongest. It is more about finesse than force. It teaches confidence in ones own abilities to try something new and be successful in the endeavor.

Oh, Ya! We are talking about sailing. Teach a kid to sail and it will also make you feel real good about yourself.

 

[saltydawg]

I could not agree more.

Teaching a kid to sail is lessons that will carry them far in life. Sailing is not about the biggest or strongest. It is more about finesse than force. It teaches confidence in ones own abilities to try something new and be successful in the endeavor.

Oooo, I love this! I remember teaching kids with special needs and learning disorders to sail when I was in my early 20's. Kids with serious ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, etc etc. It was the first time in a formal learning setting that these kids were able to succeed. And it was amazing and heart warming and empowering.

If you are an adult without kids of your own and you have a boat -- find some kids -- ANY kids -- and teach them to sail!

 

[Hoofangler]

My 15 year old and I went out on our new to us Columbia last weekend for a daysail. Sailed around the buoys, practiced some techniques, bar -b-q ed some brats, and laughed (alot).
When we were tying up to the mooring at days end he said "Hey Dad, that was the most fun I can remember having in a long time."
If I'd known that I would ever here that about doing something with the "old guy" I'd have bought a boat 10 years ago ! I did mention that he's 15, right?

Mike

S/V Mandala Columbia 8.3
Lake Champlain

 

[saltydawg]

What a great story about your 15 year old! Next step, sit down and watch the DVD Morning Light with him about the group of teens who did the TransPac race. Then have him read Dove, then... oh yes, let the brainwashing begin!

 

[TSOJOURNER]

I took my 12-yr-old granddaughter sailing Saturday. My wife hates to sail, but now that the grands are getting older, she encourages me to go sailing. Now she and I are talking about finding a used sunfish-type boat for granddaughter, and her brother and sister, for Xmas.

 

[rickysail]

That's fantastic Kids love having first hand experience, i've found it the best way to get them involved and interested in things, that way they can learn by "doing" and not simply boring everyday "listening" ! Glad to hear she's on her way to follow in your footsteps

 

[Yamsailor]

These are all GREAT stories. We need to get as many young people as we can out on the water, it will help our communities!