Waka Adults
About Waka Adults
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Waka Adults is our adult learn-to-sail program for those with a sense of adventure. Sail in pairs, meet new people, and enjoy time on the water.
Wakatere offers courses using club-owned RS Quest & RS Feva dinghies, which accommodate either 2, or 3 to 4 people. Learn both helm and crew positions, with coaches able to pair sailing partners.
LEVEL 1 | for beginners |
LEVEL 2 | to build confidence & skills |
LEVEL 3 | intro to racing |
Upcoming Courses (18yrs +)
SUMMER 2025
We have 3 courses on offer for the ADULT group to either take the first steps to learn to sail or the next steps to build skills and confidence this summer. Level 2 and Level 3 will run as separate courses for 2025.
ADULT LTS LEVEL 1 - Mar/Apr 2025
The LEVEL 1 course is for complete beginners to learn the fundamental basics of sailing like rigging, tacking, points of sail, launching and landing and how to stay safe - essential skills to progress from.
This course will run over 5 Saturday mornings using the club's two-person RS Feva and 4-person RS Quest. You will learn both helm & crew positions in a fun & social environment. More details below.
Course details
ADULT LTS LEVEL 1
DATES: 8th Mar-5th April 2025 (5 consecutive Saturdays)
SAVE DATE: 12th April
TIME: 9am - 12pm each day
COST: $400 (Includes LTS Invit Membership)
Boats provided (RS Feva & RS Quest)
YNZ qualified coaches
*Refer to the FAQ below for what to bring
ADULT LTS LEVEL 2 - Mar/Apr 2025
The LEVEL 2 course builds on fundamental skills and confidence while learning to keep the boat balanced and going faster. It will introduce new techniques and foster greater independence.
The course will run over 5 Saturday afternoons using the Club's 4-person RS Quest and 2-person RS Feva fleet. Level 2 sailors must have completed Level 1. More details below
LEVEL 2
Course detailsÂ
ADULT LTS Level 2
DATES: 8th March-5th April 2025 (5 consecutive Saturdays)
SAVE DATE: 12th April
TIME: 1pm - 4pm each day
COST: $400 (Includes LTS Invit Membership)
Boats provided (RS Feva & RS Quest)
YNZ qualified coaches
If transitioning from L1, a new LTS membership is required for L2. This requirement does not apply to full members.
*Refer to the FAQ below for what to bring
ADULT LTS LEVEL 3 - Feb/Mar 2025
The LEVEL 3 course will take your skills to the next level for improved boat control, and enhanced speed. It will cover race techniques, tactics and the use of spinnakers sailing the Club's RS Quest & RS Fevas.
The course will run over 5 Friday evenings. To enrol as a Level 3 sailor, you must have completed Level 2 or be able to demonstrate capable skills in sailing. More details below.
LEVEL 3
Course detailsÂ
ADULT LTS Level 3 only
DATES: Friday 28th February, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th March 2025. SAVE DATE 4th April
TIME: 4 - 7pm each day
COST: $400 (Includes LTS Invit Membership)
Boats provided (RS Feva & RS Quest)
YNZ qualified coaches
If transitioning from L2, a new LTS membership is required for L3. This requirement does not apply to full members.
*Refer to the FAQ below for what to bring
FAQ
Who should sign up for a course?Â
To sail in Adult LTS, you must be:
able to swim 50 metres unaided wearing a PFD (personal floating device) and sailing gear
of reasonable fitness
18yrs and over
have English language proficiency
Level 1 or Level 2 or 3?Â
Level 1 is designed for complete beginners and covers basics about how to control the boat & sails and how to stay safe on the water.
Level 2 builds skills like keeping the boat balanced and how to go faster, as well as an introduction to racing. Sailors are encouraged to attend social sailing on Thursdays and Green fleet club racing on Sunday afternoons to reinforce their learnings.
Level 3 continues building skills for improved boat control, and enhanced speed. It will cover race techniques, tactics and the use of spinnakers sailing the Club's RS Quest & RS Fevas.
Sailors must complete Level 1 before starting Level 2 and Level 2 before starting Level 3.
If you have recent sailing experience, contact our coaching team at Wakatere to assess where your skills are at.
Do I need to be a member?Â
Yes, membership is required for each course.
A Learn to Sail Invitational membership ($100) is included in the total course fee. This is a temporary membership to cover the period of the LTS course and is offered for each L1 & L2 & L3 course.
Ready for another Adult LTS?
If transitioning from L1 a new LTS membership is required for L2. If transitioning from L2, a new LTS membership is required for L3. This does not apply to full members.
Ready for Club Racing or Social Sailing?
If you want to continue to club racing, or social sailing after your LTS course has finished you can upgrade to a full membership (Senior). The LTS Membership ($100) will be credited to a full membership if upgrading in the same season. It can't be applied to a second LTS Invitational membership. See membership
Email wakatere@gmail.com to organise the upgrade
What will I need for the course?Â
Note that some of the gear listed below is optional and depends on the weather and how much sailors feel the cold. For instance, a wetsuit can provide warmth, or alternatively, thermals and a rain jacket can be used instead.
Wetsuit
Lifejacket (if required, club PFD vests provided)
Polyprop top/rash vest top or similar (thermals)
Togs
Light wind jacket or spray top (goes over the top to keep the wind out)
Beach shoes or old sneakers (please make sure they do not have a slippery bottom)
Warm beanie
Sun cap
Sunscreen
Towel
Change of clothes for after sailing including a jumper
Water bottle
Snacks or use the cafe next door
Meeting pointÂ
Sailors should gather at the back of the Wakatere clubrooms. This is our compound area for boat storage and sailing gear.
Head to the training room with the glass doors. Your coach will meet you there. You can leave your belongings in the training room and use the club changing rooms to get ready.
I have a question about the course...
Contact: coaching@wakatere.org.nz
Social Sailing & Green Fleet
Level 2 & Level 3 sailors with full membership are encouraged to attend club Social Sailing on Thursday afternoons & club racing on Sunday afternoons to reinforce their learnings. Full members can charter Fevas per the club calendar.
More about booking a Feva below
Whatsapp groupÂ
Upon completing L2 or L3, you are welcome to join a members' WhatsApp group. This is a great place to keep in touch, discuss sailing plans, and find partners for sharing Feva charters for Thursday social sailing or Sunday racing. Please note that full membership is required to participate in the chat.
Email coaching@wakatere.org.nz and please add the subject line: Adult Sailing Whatsapp
Join us another time!
If you're keen on a course at another time, register your interest and we will be in touch when future course dates are confirmed.
Booking a Feva
Wakatere with a full membership can charter RS Fevas to join Social Sailing on Thursdays or Sunday afternoon club racing. (Sept-May per the club calendar)
Minimum Adult LTS Level 2 skills are required. Both helm & crew must be full members.
Members must sign into our booking platform -
Sign in to HELLO CLUB
Go to the Hello Club CALENDAR
Find the right date and sign up
Pay via the booking
All bookings are subject to the final approval of the Head Coach. Further T&Cs can be found in the booking details. Charter fees do not include any coaching or race entry fee.
Club Fevas are not available for casual sailing outside of coach-supported club activities.
