Waka Adults
About Waka Adults
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Waka Adults is Wakatere’s adult learn-to-sail programme designed for those with a sense of adventure and a love of the water. Whether you're brand new to sailing or returning after a break, this is your chance to sail, meet new people, and build confidence on the water.
What to Expect:
Sail club‑owned RS Quest and RS Feva dinghies: Stable, versatile boats perfect for learning and progressing.
Learn both helm and crew roles: Hands‑on coaching to help you understand how the boat works, how to steer, trim, balance, and work as a team.
Build core sailing skills: Rigging, launching, tacking, gybing, capsize recovery, boat handling, and on‑water decision‑making.
Understand the environment: Wind awareness, safety basics, and how to read the conditions.
Progress at your pace: Supportive coaches who adapt sessions to your confidence level and goals.
Come for the skills, stay for the community. Waka Adults is more than a course -it’s a gateway to new friendships, fresh challenges, and unforgettable moments on the water.
Bookings are now open for late Spring 2026 (18yrs+)
5 consecutive Saturdays starting in November.
Don't miss the boat!
ADULT LTS LEVEL 1
Nov/Dec 2026
The LEVEL 1 course is for complete beginners to learn the fundamental basics of sailing, like rigging, tacking, points of sail, launching and landing and how to stay safe - essential skills to build confidence in any class of boat
COURSE DETAILS
ADULT LTS LEVEL 1
DATES: Nov 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, Dec 5th. Save date Dec 12th.
TIME: 9am - 12pm each day
COST: $400 (Includes LTS Invit Membership)
Boats provided (RS Feva & RS Quest)
YNZ qualified coaches
*Refer to the FAQ below for what to bring
ADULT LTS LEVEL 2&3
Nov/Dec 2026
LEVEL 2 & 3 sail together in a dynamic group setting, with coaching customised to experience & goals. The course builds on core techniques while introducing new skills to help you sail faster, smarter, and with greater independence.
LEVEL 2 & 3
COURSE DETAILS
ADULT LTS Level 2 &3
DATES: Nov 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, Dec 5th. Save date Dec 12th.
TIME: 1pm - 4pm each day
COST: $400 (Includes LTS Invit Membership)
Boats provided (RS Feva & RS Quest)
YNZ qualified coaches
If transitioning from L1, a new LTS membership is required for L2 and L3. This requirement does not apply to full members.
*Refer to the FAQ below for what to bring
FAQ
Who should sign up for a course?Â
To sail in Adult LTS, you must be:
able to swim 50 metres unaided wearing a PFD (personal floating device) and sailing gear
of reasonable fitness
18yrs and over
have English language proficiency
Level 1 or Level 2 or 3?Â
Level 1 is designed for complete beginners and covers basics about how to control the boat & sails, and how to stay safe on the water.
Level 2 builds skills like keeping the boat balanced and how to go faster, as well as an introduction to racing. Sailors are encouraged to attend social sailing on Thursdays and Green fleet club racing on Sunday afternoons to reinforce what they have learned.
Level 3 continues building skills for improved boat control, and enhanced speed. It will cover race techniques, tactics and the use of spinnakers sailing the Club's RS Quest & RS Fevas.
Sailors must complete Level 1 before starting Level 2 and Level 2 before starting Level 3.
If you have recent sailing experience, contact our coaching team at Wakatere to assess where your skills are at.
What will I need for the course?Â
Note that some of the gear listed below is optional and depends on the weather and how much sailors feel the cold. For instance, a wetsuit can provide warmth, or alternatively, thermals and a rain jacket can be used instead.
Wetsuit
Lifejacket (if required, club PFD vests provided)
Polyprop top/rash vest top or similar (thermals)
Togs
Light wind jacket or spray top (goes over the top to keep the wind out)
Beach shoes or old sneakers (please make sure they do not have a slippery bottom)
Warm beanie
Sun cap
Sunscreen
Towel
Change of clothes for after sailing including a jumper
Water bottle
Snacks or use the cafe next door
Do I need to be a member?
Yes, membership is required for each course.
A Learn to Sail Invitational membership ($50) is included in the total course fee. This is a temporary membership to cover the period of the LTS course and is offered for each L1 & L2 & L3 course.
Ready for another Adult LTS?
If transitioning from L1 a new LTS membership is required for L2. If transitioning from L2, a new LTS membership is required for L3. This does not apply to full members.
Ready for Club Racing or Social Sailing?
If you want to continue to club racing or social sailing after your LTS course has finished, you can upgrade to a full membership (Senior). The LTS Membership ($50) will be credited to a full membership if upgrading in the same season. It can't be applied to a second LTS Invitational membership. See membership
Email wakatere@gmail.com to organise the upgrade
Meeting pointÂ
Sailors should gather at the back of the Wakatere clubrooms. This is our compound area for boat storage and sailing gear.
Head to the training room with the glass doors. Your coach will meet you there. You can leave your belongings in the training room and use the club changing rooms to get ready.
I have a question about the course
Contact: wakatere@gmail.com
Social Sailing & Green Fleet
Level 2 & Level 3 sailors with full membership are encouraged to attend club Social Sailing on Thursday afternoons, & club racing on Sunday afternoons to reinforce their learnings. Full members can charter Fevas per the club calendar.
More about booking a Feva below
Join us another time!
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST, and we’ll be in touch as soon as dates are locked in for the next course in 2027.
About Wakatere Boating Club
Since 1926, Wakatere has grown into a thriving multi‑class dinghy & foiling community. We welcome all ages with learn‑to‑sail pathways and support anyone wanting confidence, skills, friendly competition and great days on the water.
Location: Wakatere Boating Club, Old Lake Rd, Narrow Neck Beach, Devonport, Auckland.
Postal Address: Wakatere Boating Club, Box 32-288 Devonport, Auckland 0744
