Westminster Boating Base's Youth Programme Age 10-23yrs is a fantastic opportunity for young people in London to learn the exhilarating sports of sailing and kayaking. Whether they're complete beginners or have some experience under their belt, the club offers a range of courses to suit everyone's needs.
As a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Centre and British Canoeing (BC) Delivery Partner, Westminster Boating Base is committed to providing top-quality instruction and experiences to its members. Through these water sports activities, the club aims to support personal and social development in young people, helping them grow as individuals.
The weekly session schedule for 2023 is now available for youth members to explore. It's important to note that no prior booking is required, but youth membership is necessary to take part. Sessions operate on a first-come-first-served basis, so it's essential for participants to arrive on time for the start of each session. Latecomers may unfortunately be turned away.
Sailing sessions take place on Mondays, offering a variety of activities. On selected dates, there will be the thrilling Overbury Trophy sail racing, exclusively for experienced sailors. These competitions will be held on Monday evenings from 5:45 pm to 9:00 pm. The first race of the year is scheduled for April 3rd, 2023. On other Mondays, recreational sailing will take place, allowing members of all abilities to enjoy a leisurely time on the water.
Wednesdays are dedicated to youth sail tuition, catering to participants of various skill levels. It's a great opportunity for young sailors to enhance their abilities and gain confidence on the water. On Sundays, experienced youth sailors with RYA Level 2 or Stage 3 qualifications can take part in sailing sessions specially designed for them. You can find the specific dates for Sunday sailing in the activities schedule. It's important to note that evening sailing will conclude on September 30th.
For those interested in kayaking, sessions are held on Wednesdays. Youth members of all skill levels can join in and receive professional tuition to improve their kayaking abilities. On Sundays, experienced youth kayakers with the BC Discover qualification can partake in dedicated kayaking sessions. The availability for Sunday kayaking can be found in the activities schedule. Evening kayaking will wrap up on October 31st.
In addition to these regular sessions, Westminster Boating Base also offers exciting summer holiday activities. These activities are open to experienced kayakers as well as youth members of the club. It's a wonderful way to make the most of the break and continue developing skills on the water.
To make all of this accessible, youth membership at Westminster Boating Base is reasonably priced at £15.00 per year for individuals aged 10–23 years. The club aims to ensure that cost doesn't become a barrier, regardless of someone's social or financial background. Donations are also welcomed at any time to further support the club's mission. The membership year runs from April 1st to March 31st of the following year.
Youth membership grants access to all sessions, and there is no additional charge per session. However, it's worth noting that school holiday activities and away-trips may have separate booking fees. British Canoeing certificates are available for a small cost to individuals who wish to obtain them. Additionally, youth membership also opens up opportunities to participate in various away-trips, school holiday courses, and special events, which may incur additional costs.
To sign up, parents are required to register their child's details. If there's more than one child in the family, each child should have a separate account to allow for booking activities individually.
Participants should come prepared for watersports and the possibility of getting wet. It's vital to arrive on time as late arrivals may unfortunately be turned away.
Lastly, Westminster Boating Base offers the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards. These awards are available to young people aged 11-25 and are chosen through a ballot system. Winners receive a framed certificate, a Jack Petchey Young Achiever badge, and £300 to spend on improving the centre. The award money can be used for additional activities or acquiring new equipment, but not for core/running costs.
Join Westminster Boating Base's Youth Programme and embark on an exciting journey of sailing and kayaking! Experience the thrill of the water, learn new skills, and make lifelong memories. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!
