The OnBoard scheme was originally set up by the RYA, with the official aim of introducing half a million children to sailing and windsurfing within a ten-year period. At Low Wood Bay Watersports we have been a part of the scheme and running our OnBoard sailing evenings for the last four years.
We started by offering six children from The Lakes School a ‘learn to sail’ course over six Wednesday evenings. On completion of the course the young people were then eligible to join the official OnBoard club on Friday evenings. Right from the start the scheme was a great success to the point where we have many more youths wanting to sail than boats to put them in!
Another successful OnBoard season draws to a close at Low Wood Watersports Centre
"I think sailing at Low Wood is fun - we really enjoy ourselves. Sometime we get the responsibility of handling the boat on our own which I really like". Louis
Sailing and windsurfing provide a wide range of educational, personal and health benefits. Not only do the young people gain knowledge of fitness and health, but it develops their personal and social communications skills. They learn to apply specific skills and tactics and manage risk and have an adventure within a safe environment. All this, and barrels of fun that they enjoy individually and as a group!
Gary Lanigan who runs the Low Wood Watersports OnBoard scheme said, "It is priviledge to take the young people on the water and watch them develop new skills that will remain with them for the rest of their life."
The OnBoard crew enjoying the freedom of Lake Windermere
"I really like sailing at the Low Wood - its fun and I have learnt how to sail a Pico on my own. It's great because we get to capsize safely! We get to have fun with lots of new people". Luca
