Waka Confidence

About Waka Confidence

Waka Confidence is Wakatere's beginner junior sailing programme for the 8-11yr age group. Sailed in Optimist dinghies, kids are given the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of sailing while in a safe and social environment.

Sailors are paired up initially, but as they progress, they become more independent and confident.

This programme is designed to balance learning with fun & games while introducing kids and families to Wakatere and what we are all about.

Boats are provided by the club for Confidence 1. Optimist boat ownership is encouraged for the next level Confidence 2, and is required beyond that in Green Fleet.

What are all the courses in the Waka Confidence Programme?

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Step 1

JUNIOR LEARN TO SAIL

LTS is an introduction to sailing for beginners run during school holidays or term time. Sailed in Optimists provided by the club, sailors will learn the basics of how the wind works, parts of the boat, and how to set up and control their boat while working as a team. This is a YNZ certified Level 1 course and a step up from NZ school Waterwise.

Step 2

CONFIDENCE 1

Confidence 1 builds on skills learned in Learn to Sail and teaches sailors more techniques and knowledge. Held on Tues (4-7pm) or Saturday (9-12pm) during the school term, sailors and families are introduced to life at the club. Club Optimist dinghies are provided.

Step 3

CONFIDENCE 2

Sailors learn how to get their boats going a bit faster, and are able to go sailing in more conditions. C2 is held on Wednesday (4-7pm) or Saturday (1-4pm) during the school term. Use your own Opti or Club Optimist dinghies are available.

UPCOMING COURSES (8-11yrs)

Our next Junior Learn to Sail course for 2024 will be in the Sept/Oct school holidays. Register your interest online here and we'll let you know when the booking is open

JUNIOR LEARN TO SAIL (8-11yrs)

LEARN TO SAIL

JUNIOR LTS - Sept/Oct 2024

Dates tbc (several courses)
TIME: either morning or afternoon for 5 consecutive days.
COST: tbc
Club Opti provided
YNZ LTS Level 1
Qualified coaches
Certificate course

About

Junior Learn to Sail is an introduction to sailing for 8-11yrs.

The holiday courses are run as a block course over 5 consecutive mornings. Sailed in Optimist dinghies provided by the club, sailors will learn the fundamentals of sailing in a safe and social environment.

Courses at Wakatere are led by qualified Learn to Sail instructors and follow the Yachting New Zealand Learn to Sail curriculum.

A LTS course is required before moving on to other club coaching programmes such as C1 and C2.

*Refer to the LTS Notes below for what to bring

LEARN TO SAIL INFORMATION

Who should sign up for a LTS course?

To sail in Junior LTS, you must be:

8yrs old at the start of the course
able to swim 50 metres unaided wearing a PFD (personal floating device) and sailing gear
English language proficiency required

On the boats sailed:

we give 8-11yrs as a general guide, but the weight range for an Optimist dinghy is about 30-55kgs

What will my sailor need?

Wetsuit
Lifejacket (the club has some available to borrow)
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 similar (please make sure they do not have a slippery bottom)
Warm beanie
Sun hat (cap)
Sunscreen
Towel
Change of clothes for after sailing including a jumper
Water bottle
Snacks or bring some cash for the cafe next door

Do I need to be a member?

Yes, you need to be a member to join a LTS course but... a LTS Invitational Membership is already included in the LTS fee.

This is a temporary membership to cover the period of your course.

If you want to continue sailing after your LTS course has finished you can upgrade. The LTS Membership ($100) will be credited to a full membership if upgrading in the same season.

The annual club season is 1 Sept - 31 Aug. Refer to Membership

Contact wakatere@gmail.com to have the upgrade sorted for you when the time is right.

Parent help?

Whilst we have all the instructors and student help we need on the water, we appreciate parent help each day to bring the equipment up from the beach, hosing down and putting away

Join us another time?

If you are not available for any of the dates on offer, please leave your details with us and we'll let you know when the next courses are scheduled

CONFIDENCE 1 and CONFIDENCE 2

RESUMING IN SPRING TERM 4 2024

When you have completed a Learn to Sail course you are ready to move on to Confidence Level 1. Then the next step after Confidence 1 is Confidence 2.

To book Confidence courses: Members must log in and go to the club's Hello Club calendar. Find the first date of your course on the calendar and book once.

Any questions about which level is right for your sailor, contact our head coach wakatere.coaching@gmail.com

CONFIDENCE 1