The Oxford & District School Sailing Association (ODSSA) offers sail training to individual young people, schools and youth groups within Oxfordshire at Farmoor Reservoir.
Sailing
Sailing
What is it?
Sailing is the practice of controlling the movement of a boat (or similar vehicle) by using sails and the force of the wind. It first developed as a practical means of moving around on bodies of water, but as time has progressed, sailing has become a highly popular sport and recreational activity.
What does it involve?
There is a fair amount of physics involved in sailing - an understanding of the forces exerted upon the boat is reasonably essential to learning how to sail successfully! There are many varieties upon the basic sailboat, some of which require a team of people to operate and some which only need one; this all depends on the size and purpose of the vehicle, as some boats are designed for leisure and some for speed and agility!
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Sailing is a great way of having fun on the water, but also has many physical and mental benefits. General cardiovascular health can be improved by regular sailing alongside better muscle strength and endurance, and the mental abilities required to understand the forces in play and keeping track of everything going on can greatly improve concentration.
What equipment do we need?
Taking students sailing will almost always involve travelling to a venue, so the majority of equipment required should be provided for you! You may need to ensure the students are dressed appropriately beforehand - check ahead to see if the provider has any advice.
Who is it suitable for?
Sailing does involve quite a bit of strength and agility, but younger children can start out on specifically designed learning boats to build up their capabilities - sailing should suit people of any age!
Costs?
School groups should generally cost about £10-20 per student to take sailing, but it depends on what sort of experience you wish to book! Check out the providers in your local area to see what they have on offer and their price range.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Younger children should always be carefully supervised when around water/on a boat, and you should ensure they are paying proper attention to the safety procedures!
How do we include?
Depending on the severity of the disability, there should be a way of including everyone in sailing! Boats often require many people all doing different things to operate the boat, and instructors should be trained in including people with less physical ability or learning difficulties in their lessons.
Doing it abroad?
Sailing is popular all over the world, but will be most practiced in countries with large open bodies of natural water, especially the ocean!
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Venues with this Activity
Watersports: Whatever you are looking for and whatever your level of skill, you'll find it at Willen Lake
Brogborough Lake is in the heart of the UK sitting between Milton Keynes and Bedford, bringing watersports to the most land locked locations. When the wind is up, the 220 acres is dedicated to windsurfers, making it one of the largest boat free waters in England.
Situated in the Keynes Country Park (Cotswold Country Park) which is part Of the Cotswold Water Park in Spratsgate Lane near Cirencester, on the Gloucestershire Wiltshire Border, Waterlandprovide general watersports and other outdoor activities for Business, the General Public, Schools and Youth Groups.
Legend Sailing has been operating on Loch Tay since 2001. In 2003 the company relocated to the holiday resort of Loch Tay Highland Lodges. At this time activities were extended to include archery, kayaking and mountain biking. Since then the range of activities has continued to expand.
The centre is superbly appointed, set in a spectacular location offering a broad programme of activities for students and staff at the University of Edinburgh. Firbush is also available to non-University groups and individuals.
Our outdoor adventure activities include kayaking, sea kayaking, sailing, climbing, canoeing, expeditions, gorge walking, navigation, bushcraft skills and team building.
Datchet Water Sailing Club is a modern club set on a large inland reservoir providing a complete package for every type of sailor. It is set with magnificent views overlooking Windsor Castle.
Hill Head Sailing Club was founded in 1930 by Colonel J. S. Alston.
The club is based at Titchfield Haven which was originally the mouth of the Meon river but was blocked off to form the present tidal harbour at the Western end of Hill Head.
Welcome to Tower Wood Outdoor Education Centre which is set in 12 magnificent acres of lawns and woodland, extending from the beautiful Edwardian house down to the eastern shore of Windermere. The site looks across the Lake to the high fells of the Lake District and has an enviable and easily accessible position.
Astbury Mere Country Park is the home of watersports in Congleton. Enjoy instructed sessions in sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and raft building. Whether you are a child or an adult, a beginner or looking to improve your skills we have a course for you. For all instructed sessions advanced booking is essential
There is something for everyone. Pull on your wellies and explore the Manley Mere Adventure Trailor take a stroll around the lake. For all watersports enthusiasts, why not try your hand at a new sport by having a taster lesson or splashing about in a rowing boat or kayak.
Olton Mere Sailing Club offers sailing, walking and fishing in the heart of Solihull. Olton Mere has provided a protected natural haven for wildlife and plants for over two centuries.
We are a friendly watersports centre based in the new facilities at Porth Eirias.
Westbere Sailing Opportunities (WSO) is a registered charity and RYA Sailability Centre of Excellence that was founded by the late David James MBE in 2001, with the sole purpose of giving an experience of sailing to people of all ages with disabilities.
We provide sailing opportunities for disabled people.
When you first step in to a small dinghy or sail away single-handed, it is an emotional experience...
The East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST), provides disabled East Anglians and their carers with regular opportunities to access and enjoy sailing activities whilst promoting enhanced independence, confidence and community involvement.
Waterside Lodge is a modern, purpose built two-story Activity Centre on the Marine Lake, in Southport, Merseyside. The building has all modern services installed and is accessible to disabled users. It is easily reached on Southport Marine Drive, adjacent to the pier and beach.
There are two kitchens, each equipped to commercial standards, for 100 people.
Pooles Wharf, Hotwells Road, Bristol. Opened July 2000 to provide water sports and activities for young people, provides accessible facilities to include disabled young people. Sailing, Canoeing, Caving, Abseiling, and Mountain biking.
Neptune Sailing has been part of Suffolk Water Sports Association and is a Recognised Training Centre for the RYA. It has been working with Neptune Youth Group and those keen to learn to sail in the local community for many years. The Centre has been divested from SWSA to Neptune Sailing Management Committee. It has been awarded charitable status.
Dynamic Adventures has taken over running the lakes at Tilgate Park and is looking to enhance the use of the lake so that the whole community can enjoy this fabulous area. Dynamic Adventures are offering a wide variety of outdoor activities for all to enjoy.
Dover Marine Services Ltd. bring you range of marine based services from; Education with our RYA training team, professional boat charter services covering broadcasting, to piloting across the English Channel.
UKSA is a charity who believe in the power of the sea to make a change. We offer the very best professional maritime training courses alongside youth development programmes to help young people transform their lives for the better.
The Isle of Wight's coolest watersports centre
With over 25 years of practical industry experience and knowledge, Wight Waters can offer you the most professional watersports packages and friendly service on the Isle of Wight.
We are a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Recognised Teaching Establishment and we are also licensed through the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). Both of these bodies inspect our set up annually to check that we are operating safely, our staff are qualified and that we are also offering a high standard of quality instruction...
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