UNH Youth Programs

Contact diana.weidenbacker@unh.edu with any questions about sessions and prerequisites. 

Class Type: Introduction to Boating

• Guppy (Ages 5-7 ½)

Guppy is a class tailored specifically for our youngest participants, fostering comfort and familiarity with boats. This unique session incorporates exciting pond science activities and introduces young adventurers to the world of watercraft, featuring mini sit-upon kayaks, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and sailing. The emphasis is on enjoyable learning. There is a swim check requirement while wearing personal flotation devices (PFD).

Class Type: Youth Sailing Beginner - Intermediate

• Seamen (Ages 7 ½ – 11)

Ideal for beginners aged 7 ½ to 11, the Seamen class introduces fundamental skills for small sailboats. Participants delve into rigging, de-rigging, boat and equipment care, capsize recovery, wind understanding, and basic maneuvers using Bugs. This class serves as a foundational experience, with many participants continuing until they master essential skills.

• Mates (Ages 12-18)

The Mates class introduces dinghy sailing or skill refinement from previous experience. Utilizing FJ Boats, participants focus on rigging, de-rigging, boat and equipment care, capsize recovery, and mastering tack and gybe maneuvers. Progressing through double-handed boats and advanced skills, participants often spend several weeks in this class before progressing to the Skippers class.

Class Type: Youth Sailing Advanced

• Ensigns (Ages 7 ½–11; Prerequisite: Seamen class or equivalent)

Designed for those who have completed the Seaman class or its equivalent, Ensigns builds on the basics, emphasizing finer points of boat handling and sail theory. Students sail Bugs with race sails, delving into advanced boat handling and preparation. Prerequisite: Seaman class or equivalent.

• Mariners (Ages 8-11; Prerequisite: Ensign class or its equivalent)

Building competence and confidence, the Mariners program introduces both small and larger boats. Aimed at those interested in advanced boat handling and potential racing, students sail RS Teras, Bugs, Sunfish, and other boats.

• Skippers (Ages 12-18; Prerequisite: Mates class or its equivalent)

Covering advanced boat handling, tuning, and sail trim, Skippers classes use FJ’s and 420’s, introducing bigger boats. Ideal for those interested in developing advanced skills or learning to race, students use FJ’s, Sunfish, Blue Jays, and other boats.

Class Type: Sailing - Racing

• Mendums Seacoast Sailing Team (MSST) 

Junior Racing Team (Ages 12-18; Prerequisite: Skippers class or its equivalent) Tailored for experienced sailors, the Junior Racing Team focuses on developing and refining racing skills. Participants learn advanced techniques, kinetics, racing tactics, boat maintenance and strategy in both fleet and team racing. Weekly event travel is part of this class, with advanced sailors attending additional regattas. Boats used include single, double, and triple-handed vessels. This one-week session is for Laser and Club 420 racers. Consideration for students from the Mariner class are on a case-by-case basis.

Class Type: Kayaking Only (Ages 8 – 18)

Our Kayaking program introduces and refines paddling skills in kayaks. Participants learn correct strokes, rescue techniques, wet exits, and re-entry. The program includes games and lake exploration, fostering a well-rounded kayaking experience. Additionally, kayakers in this program have the opportunity to mentor Guppy students with their mini-kayaks.

Class Type: Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Only (Ages 8-18)

Designed to introduce and enhance paddling skills on stand-up paddleboards, this class covers correct strokes, rescue techniques (both self and others), and includes games and lake exploration. Participants in the SUP program also mentor the Guppy students, showcasing their paddleboarding skills.