Little Buccaneers: Three Days of Sailing, Kayak and SUP for 6–8s in Christchurch

CHRISTCHURCH SAILING FIELD GUIDE

Little Buccaneers: Three Days of Sailing, Kayak and SUP for 6–8s in Christchurch

A compact, instructor‑led three‑day water‑sports programme for 6–8 year‑olds covering sailing, kayaking and stand‑up paddleboarding; this guide explains how the sessions run, safety expectations and what’s provided.

Little Buccaneers: Three Days of Sailing, Kayak and SUP for 6–8s in Christchurch.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Christchurch
Operator
ShoreSports
Category
Sailing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Off the shores of Christchurch in Virginia, UK, ShoreSports runs a three‑day, one‑hour‑per‑day multi‑activity course for 6–8 year‑olds that rotates sailing, kayaking and stand‑up paddleboarding. Sessions are led by qualified instructors, all equipment and wetsuits are supplied, and the emphasis for this age group is on safe fun over formal instruction.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ACTIVITIES

Three distinct water sports across three days

The programme aims to give each child a different experience every day—sailing, kayaking and SUP—so the week feels varied and playful while introducing basic skills in each discipline.

THE INSTRUCTORS

Qualified instructors, safety first

Sessions are run by qualified staff who prioritise safe, fun time on the water so that learning is secondary to an enjoyable, confidence‑building experience.

THE FORMAT

Short, focused sessions designed for young attention spans

Courses run over three consecutive days with one‑hour sessions each day, a format intended to keep activities lively and age‑appropriate.

What the day feels like

What a week on the water feels like

Each morning (or midday slot, depending on the date) your child spends a single focused hour on the water with an instructor and their peer group. The pace is playful: instructors rotate activities so day one might be sailing, day two kayaking and day three stand‑up paddleboarding, with equipment and wet suits provided and an eye on safety and fun throughout.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this programme suits — and who it doesn’t

1
Active FamiliesIdeal for families seeking a short, supervised introduction to multiple paddle and sailing activities for children aged 6–8 who are comfortable in the water.
2
Confident Young SwimmersWell matched to children who already feel confident in the water and enjoy short, sociable sessions led by instructors.
3
Non‑Swimmers / Very Cautious ChildrenNot suitable — participation requires children to be confident in the water and comfortable with basic on‑water activity.
4
Younger End of the RangeChildren under eight are included but require more instructor support, which is reflected in how the sessions are run and in course pricing considerations.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to bring

Organisers supply all activity equipment and wetsuits; parents should check session times but specific personal kit lists are not required beyond suitable underclothes for wearing beneath a wetsuit.

Equipment provided

All necessary equipment for sailing, kayaking and SUPing is supplied by the operator, including wetsuits where needed.

Session ethos

Sessions are structured around fun and safe play on the water with instructors managing ratios and supervision.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the course and each session?

The course runs over three days with one‑hour sessions each day.

What age is this for?

This programme is for children aged 6–8 years.

Do children need to be able to swim?

All children must be confident in the water to join.

Is equipment provided?

Yes — all equipment and wetsuits needed for the sessions are provided by the operator.

What does the course cost?

The course fee is £80 per child for the three sessions.

Who runs the sessions and how are they run?

Sessions are led by qualified instructors who prioritise safety and fun; activities are kept age‑appropriate with an emphasis on enjoyment over formal skill training.