Waka Confidence
About Waka Confidence
Waka Confidence is Wakatere's beginner junior sailing programme for the 8-11yr age group. Sailed in Optimist dinghies, kids learn the fundamentals of sailing in a safe and social environment.
Learning to sail will teach kids skills for life - skills like self-confidence, spatial awareness, sense of direction, weather knowledge, and responsibility. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, have fun, and forge new friendships.
Waka Confidence has 3 levels to progress through with holiday courses & clinics and term courses in the warmer months. Boats are provided by the club for Learn to Sail and Confidence 1 & 2 courses. Optimist boat ownership is encouraged beyond that.
What are all the courses in the Waka Confidence Programme?
Step 1
JUNIOR LEARN TO SAIL
LTS is an introduction to sailing for beginners run during school holidays or term time. Sailed in Optimists provided by the club, sailors will learn the basics of how the wind works, parts of the boat, and how to set up and control their boat while working as a team. This is a YNZ certified Level 1 course and a step up from NZ school Waterwise.
Step 3
CONFIDENCE 2
Sailors learn how to get their boats going a bit faster, and can go sailing in a wider range of conditions. C2 is held on Saturday afternoons (1-4pm) or Thursday (4-7pm) during the term time. This is a great opportunity to continue to build skills and boost confidence. Club Optimist dinghies are provided.
UPCOMING COURSE (8-11yrs)
Junior Learn to Sail - April 2025
The next Junior LTS course is set for the school holidays. Tuesday 22nd April - Friday 25th April 9am - 1pm each day. Book early to secure your place!
Course details
DATES: Tues 22nd - Fri 25th April 2025
TIME: 9am-1pm each day
COST: $400 (incl LTS Invit Membership)
Club Opti provided
YNZ LTS Level 1
Qualified coaches
Certificate course
*Refer to the LTS Information Notes for what to bring
LEARN TO SAIL INFORMATION
Who should sign up for a LTS course?
To sail in Junior LTS, you must be:
8yrs old at the start of the course
able to swim 50 metres unaided wearing a PFD (personal floating device) and sailing gear
English language proficiency required
As a general guideline, the recommended weight range for an Optimist dinghy is approximately 30-55 kg
What will my sailor need?
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, alternatively, thermals and a rain jacket can be used instead.
Club pdf buoyancy vests and helmets are available if required.
Wetsuit
Lifejacket (the club has some to borrow)
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 similar (please make sure they do not have a slippery bottom)
Warm beanie
Sun hat (cap)
Sunscreen
Towel
Change of clothes for after sailing including a jumper
Water bottle
Snacks or bring some cash for the cafe next door
Do I need to be a member?
Yes, you need to be a member to join a LTS course but... a LTS Invitational Membership is already included in the LTS fee.
This is a temporary membership to cover the period of your course.
If you want to continue sailing after your LTS course has finished you can upgrade. The LTS Membership ($100) will be credited to a full membership if upgrading in the same season.
The annual club season is 1 Sept - 31 Aug. Refer to Membership
Contact wakatere@gmail.com to have the upgrade sorted for you when the time is right.
Parent help?
Whilst we have all the instructors and student help we need on the water, we appreciate parent help each day to bring the equipment up from the beach, hosing down and putting away
Meeting point
Sailors and parents 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.
Contact
For any questions about the courses at Wakatere, contact coaching@wakatere.org.nz
For any questions about membership, contact wakatere@gmail.com
TERM 1 2025 UNDERWAY
CONFIDENCE 1 and CONFIDENCE 2 for Term 1 2025
Choose your preferred sailing day: C1 on Wednesday or Saturday, and C2 on Thursday or Saturday. Unsure of your sailor’s level? Email us at coaching@wakatere.org.nz
C1 course details
CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DAY
C1 Wednesday Course
Time: 4pm-7pm
Dates: Wednesday 12th February, 19th, 26th; March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th; April 2nd
C1 Saturday Course
Time: 9am-12pm every Saturday
Dates: February 15th, 22nd, March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, April 5th.
Cost: $370
Club Opti provided
Qualified coaches
Full membership required
Junior LTS must be completed before joining C1
TO SIGN UP: Login to the member's platform, find the first date of your course and sign up once!
C2 course details
CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DAY
Confidence 2 Thursday Course
Time: 4-7pm each Thursday
Dates: February 13th, 20th, 27th; March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th; April 3rd.
Confidence 2 Saturday Course
Time: 1 pm - 4pm each Saturday
Dates: February 15th, 22nd, March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, April 5th.
Cost: $370
Club Opti provided
Qualified coaches
Full membership required
A term of C1 must be completed before joining C2.
TO SIGN UP: Login to the member's platform, find the next date of your course and sign up once!
Join us another time?
Missed recent Learn to Sail dates or too young? Share your details with Wakatere Boating Club at Narrow Neck Beach in Auckland and we'll be in touch about upcoming courses.
