OXENFORD SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Kids Learn to Sail — Level 1: Wind, Water and Play on Oxenford’s Shore
A seven‑session beginner sailing course run by Southport Yacht Club that teaches children aged 7–12 the basics through on‑ and off‑water games, with safety and affordability front of mind.
Kids Learn to Sail — Level 1: Wind, Water and Play on Oxenford’s Shore.
This introductory course invites children to learn sailing fundamentals through fun, structured games both on shore and afloat. Designed for safety and enjoyment, the program focuses on play-based skill building for water‑confident kids aged 7–12 and even runs a bring‑a‑friend‑for‑free initiative to lower barriers to trying the sport.
Highlights
Course Highlights
Sailing fundamentals taught through play
Level 1 concentrates on the core skills every young sailor needs—boat handling, safety awareness and confidence building—delivered through games and short on‑water practice designed for 7–12 year‑olds.
Seven short morning sessions
The course runs as seven 3‑hour sessions in term blocks, held mornings from 8:30am–11:30am so learning is concentrated and manageable for younger attention spans.
Accessible and safety‑focused
The program is funded and supported by the Associates, includes a bring‑a‑friend‑for‑free offer, and recommends helmets—available at a heavily subsidised price through the club—to keep kids safer on the water.
What the day feels like
What a typical session feels like
Sessions move between short, energetic onshore games that teach rules and teamwork and supervised on‑water drills that introduce basic boat handling. The pace is playful and deliberate: skills are introduced in small steps and repeated across the seven sessions so children build competence and confidence.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course fits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Morning tea; hat; clothes or swimmers that can get wet; sunscreen; water bottle; weather jacket or wetsuit; water shoes or crocs (no thongs or slides); towel; warm change of clothes; rain coat if needed.
Helmets are strongly recommended. Zhik Kollition helmets are available at a heavily subsidised price through Academy Reception thanks to club support.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages can join Kids Learn to Sail - Level 1?
The course is designed for children aged 7–12.
How long is the course and when are sessions held?
The course runs across seven sessions, each 3 hours long, typically scheduled 8:30am–11:30am.
Where do participants meet for the course?
Meetings are held at the Oxenford Watersports Centre, Southport Yacht Club.
Can my child bring a friend?
Yes — the program runs a bring‑a‑friend‑for‑free initiative to make trying sailing more accessible.
Is special gear required?
Participants should bring basic items like morning tea, hat, swimmers, towel and water shoes; helmets are recommended and available subsidised through the club.