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.
Upcoming Courses (8-11yrs)
LEARN TO SAIL
SEPT & OCT SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Wakatere will run two LTS courses over the school holidays this Spring. Courses will run over five consecutive mornings. The timing is intended to get the best out of this junior age group.
Sailed in Optimists dinghies provided by the club, sailors will learn how the wind works, parts of the boat, and how to set up and control their boat while working as a team and having fun. This is a Yachting New Zealand-certified Level 1 course and will be run by a qualified instructor.
Junior LTS Course 1
DATES: Monday 25th - Friday 29th Sept 2023
TIME: 9am - 12pm for 5 consecutive days
COST: $400 (incl LTS Invitational Membership)
Club Opti dinghy provided
Qualified instructor, YNZ Level 1 course
Spaces available
Junior LTS Course 2
*FULLY BOOKED*
DATES: Monday 2nd - Friday 6th October 2023
TIME: 9am -12pm for 5 consecutive days
COST: $400 (incl LTS Invitational Membership)
Club Opti dinghy provided
Qualified instructor, YNZ Level 1 course
No spaces available
*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
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... an Invitational LTS Membership is already included in the LTS fee.
If you want to continue after your LTS course to the Confidence level, you will need to upgrade to a full membership.
The LTS Invitational membership payment ($100) will be reallocated to the upgrade if upgrading in the same season. This means there will be a $100 discount on a normal full membership.
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 would appreciate parent help each day to bring the equipment up from the beach, hosing down and putting away. Thank you.
WAKA COMPASS INFORMATION
What are all the courses are in the Waka Compass Confidence Programme?
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.
Join us another time?
If now isn't the right time, leave your details with us and we'll let you know when the next course is open for bookings.