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.

This programme is designed to balance learning with fun & games while introducing kids and families to Wakatere and what we are all about. 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?

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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 2

CONFIDENCE 1

Confidence 1 builds on skills learned in Learn to Sail and teaches sailors more techniques and knowledge. Held on Saturday mornings (9-12pm) or Wednesday (4-7pm) during the term time, sailors and families are introduced to life at the club. Club Optimist dinghies are provided.

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 COURSES (8-11yrs)

TERM 1 2025

Wakatere will run CONFIDENCE 1 and CONFIDENCE 2 for Term 1 2025. The next Junior Learn to Sail will be in April 2025, dates tbc

Unsure about your sailor's level? Contact us at coaching@wakatere.org.nz

CONFIDENCE TERM 1 2025 - select your preferred day of the week

C1 Wednesday or C1 Saturday
C2 Thursday or C2 Saturday

C1 WEDNESDAY OR SATURDAY

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 THURSDAY OR SATURDAY

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!

JUNIOR LEARN TO SAIL 2025

The next Junior LTS course will be run during the April school holidays. The dates are to be confirmed. Please register your interest below

Join us another time?

If you were not available for any of the recent Learn to Sail dates, a bit too young, or just missed out, please leave your details with us and we'll let you know when the next courses are scheduled

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.

Wetsuit
Lifejacket (the club has some available 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