Grupo Mayan Resorts: Teach your Kids to Sail
March 23rd, 2009
Sailing, say the Grupo Mayan pros, can be a great family water sport. Our water sports pros say that nothing is better than a great day on the water. Sailing allows you to enjoy your time on the water without a motor; the force of the wind will move your boat.
If you plan to make sailing a family activity it is important to teach your kids rules about boating safety. The Grupo Mayan water sport pros urge all parents to make sure their kids are familiar and comfortable in the water before going on a sailing holiday.
In order for your child to be safe around water he should know how to swim. Most towns and cities have recreation centers that offer swimming classes for children. It will be easy for your kids to learn the basics of swimming in one of these classes. It is recommended that kids be able to swim a certain distance without the aid of a floatation device before they are allowed on a boat.
Everyone on board a sailboat should have a life preserver say the Grupo Mayan pros. All life preservers must be certified by the Coast Guard. Different countries and states have different boating laws and regulations concerning life preservers but the Grupo Mayan pros urge parents to provide life preservers for all children and for all adults.
It is not enough that the life preservers are on the boat, although that is usually the law. The Grupo Mayan water sports pros tell parents to make sure their kids are wearing a life vest the entire time they are on the sailboat.
The Grupo Mayan water sports experts also urge you to make learning to sail fun for your kids. Kids enjoy being on a boat and they love to steer the boat. With adult guidance children can begin to learn to steer the boat. While an adult is at the helm a child can use the tiller to steer the boat. This is best accomplished on smooth and calm waters say the Grupo Mayan pros.
When you begin to teach your kids about sailing it is easiest to start with the basic sailing terminology and maneuvers. Things that kids can do hands-on will be picked up faster than things they cannot practice. The Grupo Mayan water sports pros urge parents to teach their children to sail on a small boat and on a calm day. Also, give your child time to explore the boat before getting to serious.
Beginning instruction can include the following:
- Teach your child how to tell which way the wind is blowing and why he needs to know, (why is the wind necessary to sail?).
- Teach your child sailing terminology. If you yell out to “come about” if your child has never heard the term before he will not be of much help. It may take a while for children to pick up on some of the odd terminology used in sailing.