Age: 8‐12, Weight range: 60 to 130lbs
Prerequisite: Ability to swim, pass swim check and capsize drill. No sailing experience necessary.
Limit: 12 students per session.
Schedule: See “Schedule” for dates & times
No. of class days: 5
Fee: $325
Cancellation policy is as follows:
- Before 30 days – Full Refund, minus a $20 processing fee
- Before 15 days – 50% Refund
- 15 days or less NO refunds
Description: Open to sailors with little or no previous sailing experience. Through fun and games, basic sailing skills and safety will be taught, enabling a child to feel confident sailing an 8-foot Optimist dinghy (designed for small children and very stable in all wind conditions). Instruction will include capsize recovery, rigging, terminology, knot tying, tacking, jibing, and safety, with an overall emphasis on FUN and becoming comfortable on the water. New sailors will have opportunities to sail with a buddy, giving them a chance to share the fun and meet new friends. Classes are held within the confines of the Hood River Marina unless conditions allow a river sail. Students will practice capsizing and swimming while wearing life jackets. Most students take this course at least twice before moving up to Intermediate.