Sailing for Kids
Tackers
Tackers is a fun introductory, games-based sailing program designed for kids aged 7-12 years-old. Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience or club membership to participate.
Delivered by experienced and engaging instructors with all equipment provided
Game-based activities on and off water
Non-competitive and social
Building resilience, independence & confidence
Click on the links below to find a Tackers program near you! |
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|---|---|---|
| Program | Overview | |
| Little Tackers | Fun & Games in the shallows for 4-6 year-olds. | FIND A PROGRAM |
| Tackers Intro | Short introduction to the Tackers program for 7-12 year-olds. | FIND A PROGRAM |
| Tackers 1- Having Fun | Learn the basics of sailing, for 7-12 year-olds. | FIND A PROGRAM |
| Tackers 2 - Tricks & Techniques | Learn tricks and techniques of sailing, for 7-12 year-olds. | FIND A PROGRAM |
| Tackers 3 - Sailing Fast! | Learn more advanced sailing skills, for 7-12 year-olds. | FIND A PROGRAM |
Frequently asked questions
The Tackers Program is delivered in a sequential series of courses or programs.
Tackers Intro is a special experience of Tackers, that allows you to sample the program before you make a decision about enrolling in a Tackers 1 course. It’s not a prerequisite to Tackers 1 but does give kids the chance to get out on the water and see the types of games and activities that Tackers offers.
The Tackers Intro includes a 2.5 hour session with a qualified Instructor and Assistant Instructor and a certificate of achievement and costs around $40-60.
Tackers 1 – Having Fun. Kids sail in pairs in small boats. It’s a great way to meet new friends and kids have the chance to sail with others in their group.
Tackers 2 – Tricks & Techniques. If kids are confident, they can sail a boat on their own with lots of support, supervision and encouragement from the Instructor and Assistant Instructors.
Tackers 3 – Sailing Fast! This is a chance for the kids to sail boats on their own, learning how to make the boat go faster and playing more games, all whilst still under the guidance and supervision of the Instructor and Assistant Instructors.
Each level involves 20 hours of participation structured as a 4-5 day holiday program or as a series of sessions over several weeks either on a Saturday/Sunday or after-school.
In between the Tackers levels some Tacker Centres provide practice sessions where kids can get together and work on improving their sailing skills. This is called ‘Tackers Fleet‘.
The Tackers program is delivered in a specially designed Tackers training boat which is super safe for kids. The boats allow two kids to sail together and as they gain confidence and move up from Tackers 1 to Tackers 2 they are able to sail the boat alone. The boats have built-in buoyancy which means they provide extra stability.
Some ability to swim would be preferable, however they will be wearing lifejackets at all times. In the first session, the instructors supervise the group in a 25m swim with their lifejackets on. Parents/guardians are encouraged to talk to the Tackers Centre Leader or the Tackers Instructor if they have any concerns.
No, there is no special clothing needed. We recommend kids wear clothes and shoes that they don’t mind getting wet and bring a towel and a change of clothes with them. Download the Tackers Checklist of What to Bring.
No, one of the great things about Tackers is you don’t have to be a member of a club to participate. In fact, kids receive an honorary club membership during their participation in the program and some clubs or centres extend this to their families.
Tackers programs are fully supervised by Australian Sailing qualified Instructors and Assistant Instructors employed by the club. They oversee the session planning, delivery, and make sure the kids have fun and develop their skills and confidence in a safe environment. If a parent or guardian would like to be involved in Tackers as a volunteer, there are many off-water roles available. You can talk to the Tackers Centre Leader about what opportunities are available at the centre.
Parents/guardians can:
- Volunteer at the centre for off-water roles like helping out with social activities
- Promote the Tackers program to their friends and family
- Help the Tackers Centre raise funds for new equipment and special events
- Talk through their child’s progress with the Tackers Centre Leader or Instructor
- Support ‘Play by the Rules’ making sport inclusive, safe, and fair
- Encourage and support kids as they learn new skills and meet new friends through Tackers
There are three levels to the Tackers program that kids can progress through. When they finish Tackers 3 – Sailing Fast! they can progress to a program at a sailing club called OutThere Sailing.
OutThere Sailing gives participants the flexibility and variety they want in a fun-focused, non-competitive setting. Clubs can use a wide variety of boats in their program including Keelboats, Dinghies, Stand Up Paddle Boards, Windsurfers and Power Boat adventures, and all are delivered by qualified Australian Sailing Instructors.
Please see https://www.discoversailing.org.au/course/outthere/ for further information.