My lady and I love playing and travelling with our seal babies, but, every now and again, we’d like some time to ourselves to vacation around the island. From what I gather, this is not just a seal dilemma, it may plague you as well! I have a solution: why not enroll your kiddos in sailing lessons? Doing so allows them to explore the island while learning a fun and interesting skill. Not to mention, you and your spouse can have a few hours every day to enjoy the island kid-free. Now that’s what I call “killing two fish with one stone!”….or whatever you humans say.
If this sounds interesting to you, check out the Kauai Sailing Youth Summer Program. This program is offered by the Kauai Sailing Association – a non-profit aimed at educating people of all ages about the sport of sailing and marine culture exploration. The association is organized exclusively around charitable and educational aims. Through the Kauai Sailing Youth Summer Program, expert, U.S. certified sailors dedicate their time to teaching youth ages 7-16 how to sail. The “camp” runs daily Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm and accommodates for young sailors of any ability or experience. The camp starts with a swimming test to ensure the safety of those participating (the test consists of treading water for 3 minutes and swimming 25 yards without a life preserver). Swimmers who pass are invited to participate in the beginner classes. Those who have had previous sailing experience are welcome to enroll in the intermediate camp or, if they have completed the intermediate camp, they may assist in teaching the beginner classes.
Before you know it, your kids will be expert sailors leaving you on the shore to watch all the fun. If you’d like to join the experience yourself, you can! Adults are also welcome. “Learn to Sail” classes are offered every weekend – $300/adult for a 4 week course. Call the Kauai Sailing Association ((808) 346-6051) to inquire regarding shorter courses.
Classes are offered in the safety and beauty of Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue. So relax! Enjoy your vacation knowing that your kids are well taken care of learning a new skill they can take home with them. Not to mention – you and your sweetheart can have a restful and romantic vacation while still bringing the kids. Sounds perfect to me.
Cost: $200/student (scholarships awarded through the Kauai Sailing Association)
Interested in enrolling? Call Shale Ame at (808) 346-6051
Schedule: (via kauai.com)
All summer camps will run Monday through Friday, 10 am – 4 pm
June 9th-13th – INTERMEDIATE sailing camp
June 16th-20th – BEGINNER sailing camp
July 7th-11th – INTERMEDIATE sailing camp
(coinciding with Junior Sailing Olympics on Oahu July 10th and 11th, optional attendance)
July 21st-25th – BEGINNER sailing camp