June 25, 2024
Lauren Burke Meyer
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Contributor
When you’re surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and more than 400 miles of shoreline, getting your kids out on the water isn’t difficult. With Annapolis being the “Sailing Capital of the World,” it’s no wonder you can find loads of opportunities for kids to try their hand at the popular pastime. Here’s a round-up of five fun ways to get kids out on the water this summer – with sailing options and beyond!
Combing price and quality, Eastport Yacht Club, provides a top-notch option for kids looking to learn to sail. EYC Summer Sailing Camp deigns programs focusing on safety, high-quality boats and equipment, and a 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio.
According to EYC, “We do not just teach skills, our students learn to LOVE the water, boating, sailing, and become good stewards of the Bay.”
They offer a range of camps and levels (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced) through August. Full-day camp sessions are 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Their Opti Camps have a Tots level for ages 6-8, geared toward young children who are comfortable on the water. This class is only offered in the evening this year, from 5:20 PM to 7:30 PM. Interestingly, EYC has a Keelboat Camps with a family option.
Their programs are open to members and non-members, juniors, and adults. Registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis with limited class sizes. EYC gives camp discounts to members. So if you’ve waffled about joining, now’s the time to take the plunge!
317 First Street, Annapolis, MD 21403
Severn Sailing Association (SSA) offers diverse programs for sailors ages 5 through high school, including classes, clinics, and a regatta schedule. Besides learning to sail, they teach youth safe boat handling, seamanship, and sportsmanship.
You need to sign your sailor up for a Junior Club Membership for $49, which allows them to participate in Junior programs. JCMs are valid annually from 11/1 to 10/31.
Their Harbor Rookies program – geared toward ages 5-7 and from 9 AM to 12 PM – only has one week left, August 5-9. Luckily, most weeks for older camps are still available, starting with June 17-21. Get all the details here.
311 First St, Annapolis, MD 21403
If you ask me, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the greatest forms of exercise. It requires balance and provides a full-body workout while taking in your peaceful surroundings. Capital SUP has always been my go-to spot for all my SUP needs.
Their award-winning 2024 Summer Camp aka “Grom Camp” for ages 7-13, is at Quiet Waters Park. Kids spend four days learning how to paddle, enjoying “Party Barge” Races, an on-water trampoline, SUP fitness and games, oyster education, and nature walks.
For the first time, Capital SUP offers Teen Week Summer Camp at Nautilus Point for ages 12-15. The new camp brings a challenging aspect of paddle boarding for more advanced paddlers. Campers can fine tune their paddle skills, try a SUP race board, do SUP Yoga, and go on paddle adventures.
Key notes:
See the full schedule and sign up.
You can also check out rentals for a family trip, leaving from Eastport – Nautilus Point, Quiet Waters Park, or The Point restaurant in Arnold. Starts at $25 per hour for 1-2 hour rentals, including single and double kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards, and canoes.
Arrrrr you ready for some summer family fun on the water? Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake cruise down Ego Alley. Expect face painting, dress-up, a search for sunken treasure, and a live water cannon battle! Kick back and enjoy a cruise out on the bay as the crew entertains your child for 90 minutes on the Sea Gypsy.
311 Third Street Annapolis, MD 21403
When Jerry Wood started the Annapolis Sailing School back in 1959, it was the first sailing school for adults in the country. And while it's still great for adults, it's great for kids, too. Especially in the summer. Annapolis Sailing School offers half-day and full-day camps for kids and even family lessons. The club even developed its own sailboat for training, the Rainbow 24. And once you've mastered sailing, Annapolis Sailing School offers ways to stay involved like its popular KeelBoat Club!
7001 Bembe Beach Road, Annapolis, MD 21403.
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