Which camp is the best fit for my child? Here is a visual breakdown of all camps based on age, skillset, and eligibility requirements.
** If campers age out of Intermediate they can move on to Advanced. Campers of average height tend to grow out of the Intermediate boats around age 13, at which point the Advanced boats become more of an appropriate size.
All detailed camp descriptions are on our Youth Programs page, but if you still want more information about what camp is the best fit for your child, this guide should answer your questions.
Looking for a fun, safe, multi-watersports camp where kids 9 and up can stand up paddleboard, and kayak sail? >> SUP + Kayak + Sail Camp is a great option. This camp is offered at Cherry Creek.
Boulder ONLY: Is your child 9+ and would like to also try windsurfing in addition to standing up paddleboarding and kayaking? >> Windsurf + SUP + Kayak Camp is perfect!
Is your child 5 or 6 years old? >> Little Puffs Camp is for you! Little Puffs camp is a smaller class (8 kids), and taught at a slower pace. This camp is very game and activity-based to keep this age group engaged. We include of snack and bathroom breaks for this age group.
If your child is a first-time sailor, OR only has 1 week of experience AND 7 years old or older then one of our Learn to Sail Camps is the perfect fit. We have 3 age groups of Learn to Sail Camp: Younger Learn to Sail Camp for 7-9-year-olds, Older Learn to Sail Camp for 10+-year-olds, and Teens Only Learn to Sail Camp for 13+-year-olds. Each age group will be sailing in age-appropriate boats with one other camper. This camp provides age-appropriate independence and pacing. In your 2nd week of Learn to Sail Camp challenges are differentiated to meet the skillset of the sailor and additional sails are utilized for the older or teen-based camps. If Younger Learn to Sail Camp is followed up by Older Learn to Sail Camp (when age-appropriate) then that’s even more ideal since campers will graduate to a larger boat with 2 sails. Two weeks of any beginner-level course (or a mixture thereof) is required for safety purposes before moving on to the Intermediate level (where campers learn to sail completely solo).
Has your child already had 2 weeks of Learn to Sail (or Buddy-Based Sailing camp in 2020-2021) with us OR are they coming from somewhere else where they have previously sailed in a boat by themself? >> Intermediate Sailing Camp is the best fit. We have 2 intermediate levels (the second level for returning intermediate sailors). 2 weeks of Intermediate camp are required to move on to Advanced. If your child is 14+ go ahead and call us (303.757.7718), we may recommend another camp based on the size of the equipment and your child’s previous experience.
Has your child had 1 week of Intermediate Sailing Camp? >> Sign them up for their second week of Intermediate 1 Sailing Camp or Intermediate 2 Sailing Camp (or a second Intermediate 1) to solidify their solo sailing skills and really prepare them before safely moving on to the next level. Larger Tera pro rigs are used for returning campers.
If your child has previously taken 2 weeks of Intermediate Camp OR they have already mastered sailing solo AND they are 10-15, they are a perfect fit for Intro to Advanced Sailing Camp. Campers at this level are ready to take on the requirements needed of more challenging double-handed sailing. Sailors will sail with a partner in an RS Feva while strengthening the skills needed for efficient teamwork on a 2-person sailboat. Sailors will even begin to learn the fundamentals of flying a 3rd sail (spinnaker) to optimize wind, practice advanced boat handling, and prepare for Expert level classes. Campers only need 1 week of this camp before moving on to Advanced Double-Handed. Intro to Advanced is highly recommended for 10-15 year olds. 16+ year olds can skip Intro to Advanced and go directly to Advanced Double-Handed Sailing Camp.
If your child has previously taken 2 weeks of Intermediate Camp OR they have experience sailing a c420 sailboat (pictured below) AND they are 12 or older, they are a perfect fit for Advanced Double-Handed Sailing Camp. This camp sails with 2 campers per boat and focus on the challenges of sailing a larger boat. Taking at least one week of Advanced Camp is required before moving to the Expert camp level.
Expert Solo Sailing Camp is for Advanced Camp graduates OR those who have experience sailing a Laser sailboat (pictured below). PLEASE NOTE: campers MUST be 12 or older AND weigh at least 110lbs, due to the sheer size needed to control a Laser Sailboat. For anyone who is 12+ but not yet 110lbs, the Expert Spinnaker Sailing Camp is the perfect fit. This camp will focus on sailing c420s with a 3rd sail (or spinnaker).
Please see the boats pictured below for your reference:
