Waka Confidence
About Waka Confidence
Waka Confidence is Wakatere's beginner junior sailing programme for the 7-11 year 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 from Waka Fun > Confidence 1 > Confidence 2. For all three stages, boats are supplied by the club.
UPCOMING COURSE (7-11yrs)
New January Holiday Programme at Wakatere
WAKA FUN Ages 7–11
Wakatere is excited to launch a 4-day holiday programme in January 2026, designed for 7-11-year-olds who are ready to explore the world of sailing in a safe, fun, and educational environment - without the classroom.
Sorry, you’ve just missed the boat for January - both Waka Fun courses are now fully booked. Please leave your details HERE so we can keep you in the loop for next time.
COURSE 1: Mon 19th-Thur 22 Jan 2026, FULLY BOOKED
COURSE 2: Tues 27-Fri 30 Jan 2026. FULLY BOOKED
TIME: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm for 4 consecutive days
This fun-filled introductory course is designed to build confidence on the water through a dynamic mix of on-water adventures and engaging shore-based activities - perfect for all weather conditions. No experience needed - just a sense of adventure!
COURSE DETAILS
COURSE 1: Mon 20th- Thur 23 Jan 2026 FULLY BOOKED
COURSE 2: Tues 27 - Fri 30 Jan 2026 FULLY BOOKED
TIME: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
COST: $445 (incl LTS Invit Membership)
Each course is 4 consecutive days
Club boats & activities provided
Qualified coaches
BYO lunch, snacks & drinks
Refer to the LTS Information for what my sailor will need to bring
WAKA FUN INFO
Who should sign up for a WAKA FUN course?Â
To sail in Waka Fun, you must be:
7yrs 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?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; alternatively, thermals and a rain jacket can be used instead.
Club PFDs (personal flotation devices/buoyancy vests) and helmets are available if required.
Wetsuit
PFD vest (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
Water bottle
Snacks or bring some cash for the cafe next door, or for outings if advised
Do I need to be a member?Â
Yes, you need to be a member to join a LTS or Waka Fun course but... an Invitational Membership is already included in the total course fee. It covers you for the full duration of your course.
If you want to continue sailing after your LTS or Waka Fun course has finished, you can upgrade. The Invitational 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?Â
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
CONFIDENCE 1 and CONFIDENCE 2 - TERM 1 2026
Weekly coaching Feb-April
Term 1 2026 dates and cost tbc. Thanks for your patience
C1 course details tbcÂ
TERM 1 2026
C1 Saturday
Time: 9am -12pm
Dates: tbc
Cost: tbc
Club Opti provided
Qualified coaches
Full membership required
Waka Junior Fun or equivalent LTS must be completed before joining C1
TO SIGN UP: Log in to the member's platform when the booking is open
C2 course details tbc
TERM 1 2026
Confidence 2
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Dates: tbc
Cost: tbc
Club Opti provided
Qualified coaches
Full membership required
A term of C1 must be completed before joining C2
TO SIGN UP: Log in to the member's platform when the booking is open
What are all the courses in the Waka Confidence Programme?
Step 1
WAKA FUN
WAKA FUN is an introduction to sailing for beginners run during school holidays. This fun-filled course is designed to build confidence on the water through a dynamic mix of on-water adventures and engaging shore-based activities - perfect for all weather conditions.
The perfect stepping stone to our more structured Wakatere Confidence term-time programme. No experience needed - just a sense of adventure.
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) during the term time. This is a great opportunity to continue to build skills and boost confidence. Club Optimist dinghies are provided.
Join us another time?
Missed one of the recent WAKA FUN courses or just a bit too young? Share your details with Wakatere Boating Club, and we'll be in touch about upcoming courses.
Unsure of your sailor’s level? Email us at coaching@wakatere.org.nz
Location: Wakatere Boating Club, Old Lake Rd, Narrow Neck Beach, Devonport, Auckland.
Postal Address: Wakatere Boating Club, Box 32-288 Devonport, Auckland 0744
