Hey kids, have any plans yet?
What better way to spend those long summer days than at sea... "learning the ropes"? The Santa Barbara Sailing Center is proud to launch its seventeenth year of Youth Sailing and Kayaking Camps. SBSC has taught thousands kids how to sail and kayak since its opening in 1962!

Kid's Sailing Camp

Basic Camp: Ages 7-15
Advanced Camp: Ages 15+

Sessions: Weekly (Monday-Friday)
Times: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Costs: $159.00 per child/per session ($140.00 for SBSC club members)

To ensure a personalized experience, our sailing camp students are placed into groups of 5 per instructor. Each group sets sail on their own 21-foot sailboat with a qualified instructor on board at all times. The 21-foot Victory sailboats are "sloop rigged" keelboats that have been chosen because they are safe, stable, and they don't tip over!

"Safety First" is our motto. With this in mind, we provide each child with a PFD (Personal Flotation Device), which they are required to wear whenever out on the water.

Our sailing camp includes dockside and on the water instruction. Your child will learn basic sailing techniques, nautical terminology, crew overboard rescue maneuvers, basic knots, and rules of the road. To add a little variety, we also include sailing games and other fun activities.

One highlight of the camp includes a 2-hour coastal cruise aboard our 50-foot, sailing catamaran, the DOUBLE DOLPHIN.

This exciting week comes to a close with all the campers participating in a sailing regatta (race) and ceremonial water fight on Friday.

Ask about our Advanced Camp for those children that have done at least two sessions in our regular camp.

Clothing: The best way to prepare for sailing is to dress in layers, that way you are ready for any temperature. Most sailors carry a duffle bag to carry extra gear. A hat, sunglasses with a strap are also a good idea. Tennis shoes with white or gel soles are preferred. If you have deck shoes that's great, please wear them. Absolutely no sandals or thongs will be accepted.

Extras: Sunscreen (at least SPF25), chapstick, towel.

Food: Bring a light snack and water. We suggest that you eat a full lunch at least 30 minutes before the start of camp.

Important: The Sailing Camp starts at 1:00 p.m. sharp, so please be on time. Campers will be ready to be picked up at 5:00 p.m. on shore next to The Gee Dunk Convenience Store. Please, be on time for all drop-offs and pick-ups.

Kid's Kayaking Camp

Basic Camp: Ages 9-15
Advanced Camp: Ages 15+

Sessions: Weekly (Monday-Friday)
Times: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Costs: Only $159.00 per child/per session ($140.00 for SBSC club members)

Kayak camp allows your child to be master of his or her own vessel. With an instructor to student ratio of no more than 6 to 1, your child can experience the joy of kayaking safely within our protected harbor, all the while gaining the skills and confidence to finally venture out to sea.

Ocean Scrambler Kayaks, one of the best in the industry, are durable and extremely easy to maneuver. They are the sit-on-top style of kayak with adjustable backrests to fit all sizes.

Again, "Safety First" is our most important issue. Each child is fitted for a specially designed kayaking vest (Personal Flotation Device-PFD), which must be worn at all times on the water. Helmets are provided when necessary (i.e. during heavy weather, or advanced classes).

Your child will learn how to safely mount and dismount a kayak (dockside and in the water), basic paddling techniques, rules of the road- to be a "courteous kayaker", and how to safely maneuver a kayak in various situations in our harbor and along our coastline.

Ask about our Advanced Camp for those children that are qualified.

Clothing: Wearing a swimsuit or wetsuit would be ideal, be prepared to get wet. Wear a hat, sunglasses with a strap and sandals (Teva type or water shoes).

Extras: Sunscreen (at least SPF25), chapstick, towel and a change of dry clothes.

Food: Eat breakfast. Bring a light snack and water.

Important: The Kayak Camp starts at 8:30 a.m. sharp, so please be on time. Campers will be ready to be picked up at 12:30 p.m. on shore next to The Gee Dunk Convenience Store, unless they are also enrolled in our Sailing camp, which starts at 1:00 p.m. Please be on time for all drop-offs and pick-ups.

Sailing and Kayaking Camp Schedule

Kayak Camp: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sailing Camp: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Both Camps Cost: $159.00 per child/per session ($140.00 for SBSC club members)

*No refunds, however, rescheduling
of sessions is allowed.

Getting Prepared for Camp

Where to go:
The Santa Barbara Sailing Center. Access to our parking lot is through Harbor Way. Make your first left into the main parking lot, and drive towards the Public Boat Launch Ramp (Just past the automatic gate). Park as close as you can to The Gee Dunk Convenience Store. The Sailing Center's ramp is located just in front of the store.

Click here for a more detailed Directions page.

There will not be a swim test for these camps. We are asking that parents acknowledge to SBSC that their child is comfortable being around the ocean, and that they have basic swimming skills. Any child who does not know how to swim, or is nervous around large bodies of water, is advised not to enroll in our camps.

Santa Barbara Sailing Center's Tax Identification Number :
77-0488174

After School Sailing Instruction
September to Mid-June

Hey Kids!! Interested in sailing during the school year? Check out our Year Round Youth Sailing Instruction.

Every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Public: $20, Club Members: $15

In order to reserve a spot in one of these sessions, please call in advance for the day you're interested in.