Why sailing is a great sport for your children

Keeping your kids active and outdoors in this technology focussed world can be a minefield however keeping your children in sport from a young age is important.

“A person’s attitude to sport is often shaped by their experiences as a child”  

Sport England, Towards an Active Nation 

Participating in sailing and watersports builds self-confidence, develops essential life skills and enhances young people’s wellbeing. Every young person deserves to feel confident, be healthy, and know their worth. Sailing gives them the opportunity to find freedom and independence.

When they’re out on the water, in control of a whole sailing dinghy completely on their own, we see them thrive instantly. There’s no access to digital equipment or outside distractions so sailing has to engage them entirely. This is why children take to sailing so easily and once they get the hang of the initial skills they’re addicted.

From a parents point of view, sailing can be a great way to build new friendship groups (both between the children and the parents), create bonding moments as a family and gives yourself the excuse for lovely holidays at places by the water! Once a member of the family gets into sailing there is also the opportunity to join a local sailing club. Clubs have a great social feel and you will meet other members who are passionate about sailing. 

But don’t just take it from us, have a look at this great review of the ASC taken from our Facebook:

“My daughter just completed her sailing course at ASW through school – what an incredible time! Thank you so much to the instructor team for not only teaching her how to sail but also for building her confidence in herself so much! She’s truly got the bug now, thanks to you guys.”

So really, giving sailing a go could be a complete new avenue into staying active as a family. It’s simple to start, all you need to do is head to the “Our Centres” section of our website, find your local centre and give them a call. From here we will be able to set out the pathway to getting your children sailing regularly.

by Savannah Gordon, Digital Officer for the Andrew Simpson Foundation and Andrew Simpson Centres 

Savannah spent her formative years around the water and has been passionate about sailing ever since she started crewing a dinghy in Poole Harbour.