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| Get On Board with the RYA |
As summer approaches it’s never been easier to get out on the water and try boating. A great activity for all the family, the variety of boats available can match every age, ability and level of fitness. So whether you fancy windsurfing, dinghy sailing, or powerboating, you can get started the right way with RYA training.
THE RYA
The essence of RYA training is to provide sensibly-paced, flexible learning throughout your boating career, from raw novice to accomplished expert. The emphasis is on getting you going, safely and in control, as quickly as possible.
Where to start
You will find sailing clubs and boating facilities on many lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and rivers as well as in coastal areas. Many sailing clubs offer tuition and if you like the idea of sailing in a club environment, this can be an excellent place to learn. Alternatively, you can choose a course at a professional centre in the UK or overseas. RYA Training Centres with a Sailability Foundation Award (there are 200 in the UK) cater for people with physical and sensory disabilities, providing integrated training and suitable facilities for all. Courses are not delivered directly by the RYA, but by independent centres that meet the demanding criteria required for RYA recognition. You can usually find a centre reasonably close to where you live or work. The RYA’s longer courses are designed as modules and many centres offer a choice between taking your course over a period of time or as a single, intensive package.
Which course?
 The beginner courses will introduce you to the basics and get you familiar with the boat, all under the watchful eye of an RYA qualified instructor in safe surroundings. The RYA offers the Youth Sailing Scheme for kids as young as six, the Youth Windsurfing Scheme, and for those that would prefer something with a throttle, Powerboat Level 1 is now taught to kids from the age of eight. But whichever discipline you take up, the basic level courses for adults and kids will cover similar topics geared by an introduction to the sport covering the minimum knowledge required to get afloat under supervision.
Sailing
Learning to sail in a dinghy is a great way to start sailing. Dinghies have simple equipment, are easy to prepare for sailing and are light to handle. They respond quickly to your movements so it’s easy to see the effect of your actions and to feel the reaction from the boat. Dinghies used for teaching will be stable whilst rewarding and challenging to sail.
Youth Sailing Scheme – Stage 1, and National Sailing Scheme – Start Sailing cover the same topics. Both are designed for beginners and are normally taken over 2 days but can be spilt up into a series of evenings and weekends.
Powerboating
The RYA National Powerboat Scheme covers small, open powerboats. Level 1 provides a practical introduction to boat handling skills and consists of 3 sections from launching and recovery to basic navigation and water awareness.
 Windsurfing
The Youth Windsurfing Scheme starts with Youth 1 which gets you out on the water and windsurfing around – turning, steering and enjoying the sport. Team15 is a nationwide network of clubs where the coolest windsurfers aged 15 and under get together every week, learn new skills and have a great time.
For more information on any of the courses or to find your nearest club check out the RYA website www.rya.org.uk or call RYA Training on 0845 345 0384.
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