Photograph of  four people in a Wayfarer sailing boat on Lake Windermere

Courses

Low Wood Watersports Centre is an excellent location to take a watersports course, with modern equipment, enthusiastic instructors and a stunning location.

We are able to run a range of Royal Yachting Association, British Canoe Union and British Water Ski courses, all of which meet the appropriate national governing body syllabus and are delivered by qualified, experienced instructors. Certificates are awarded on successful completion of all requirements of the award.

Course fees include all instruction, a packed lunch, use of personal protective clothing and safety equipment, and logbooks where appropriate. All courses fees are non-residential.

You will get the most out of your course if you have a reasonable level of general fitness and you should be confident in water. If you require any advice regarding course suitability, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If the dates for the course you want to do aren’t suitable for you then contact us as we may be able to run an additional course. If there is a group of you then we may be able to run a course on the date of your choice; our minimum number is typically just 3 or 4 people. We also offer private tuition for most of our activities.

Other than our youth courses, which are for those aged 8 to 14 inclusive, our courses are for those aged 14 years and over. The minimum age for powerboat courses is 16 years.

How to Book: once you have selected your course, contact the centre to check availability and to make a provisional booking. We will hold the booking for ten days, during which time you must return the booking form which we will send you along with full payment by cheque, credit or debit card.

Dinghy Sailing Courses

RYA Level 1: Start Sailing

These first two days afloat will teach you the essentials of rigging, launching and handling your boat in light winds, as well as the background knowledge necessary to keep yourself safe.

Pre-course experience: none required.

RYA Level 1: Start Sailing
Dates Duration of course Price
24 - 25 June 2 Days £195
21 - 22 August 2 Days £195

RYA Level 2: Basic Skills

This course develops your skills to enable you to sail independently in light winds. Over two days you will cover boat handling, seamanship, capsize recovery and sailing theory.

Pre-course experience: able to sail to the Level 1 standard

RYA Level 2: Basic Skills
Dates Duration of course Price
24 - 25 May 2 Days £195
5 - 6 July 2 Days £195
6 - 7 October 2 Days £195
1 - 2 Nov 2 Days £195

RYA Level 1: Start Sailing & 2: Basic Skills 2

This five day course combines both the Level 1 and Level 2 courses to give you an excellent introduction to dinghy sailing, taking you from complete beginner to an independent light wind sailor.

Pre-course experience: none required.

RYA Level 1: Start Sailing & 2: Basic Skills 2
Dates Duration of course Price
28 July - 1 Aug' 5 Days £400
8 - 12 Sept' 5 Days £400

RYA Seamanship Skills

Over two days this course will teach you how to handle your boat in moderate conditions and how to solve problems afloat, including reducing sail, recovering man overboard and anchoring.

Pre-course experience: confident sailing in force 2-3 winds

RYA Seamanship Skills
Dates Duration of course Price
7 -8 June 2 Days £195
20 - 21 Sept' 2 Days £195
22 - 23 Nov' 2 Days £195

RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Stages 1 – 3

Our fun-filled youth sailing courses are a brilliant way to start sailing or to improve your skills. For 8 to 14 year olds inclusive.

Pre-course experience: none required.

RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Stages 1 – 3
Dates Duration of course Price
29 - 30 May 2 Days £175
4 - 5 Aug' 2 Days £175
7 - 8 Aug' 2 Days £175
29 - 30 Oct' 2 Days £175

RYA Dinghy Instructor

Over five days an RYA coach/assessor will teach you the techniques of teaching beginners and improvers to sail, along with moderation by a second coach/assessor on the final day. Course fee includes a copy of the Youth Sailing Scheme logbook (G11), National Sailing Scheme logbook (G4) and Dinghy Coaching Handbook (G14).

Pre-course experience: you must meet the RYA eligibility criteria for this course.

RYA Dinghy Instructor
Dates Duration of course Price
Further dates to be confirmed in September/October11 – 12 October 5 Days £call

Powerboat Courses

RYA Level 2

This two day course provides you with the knowledge you require to become a safe and competent powerboat driver.

Pre-course experience: none required.

RYA Level 2
Dates Duration of course Price
11 - 12 Oct' 2 Days £215

Direct Assessment: if you are already at the standard required for the RYA Level 2 we can carry out a two hour direct assessment which includes a practical and written test. £98

RYA Safety Boat

This course is designed for those who provide safety cover at sailing clubs or teaching establishments. This two day course covers the techniques required to deal with a variety of capsized and disabled craft.

Pre-course experience: you must hold the Level 2 award.

RYA Safety Boat
Dates Duration of course Price
11 - 12 Oct' 2 Days £215

BWS Ski Boat Drivers Award

This British Water Ski course provides you with the skills required to handle a powerboat safely and competently tow recreational waterskiiers. You are required to be or become a member of British Water Ski.

Pre-course experience: none required

BWS Ski Boat Drivers Award
Dates Duration of course Price
25 – 26 October 2 Days £225

Direct Assessment: if you are already at the standard required for the BWS Ski Boat Drivers Award we can carry out a two hour direct assessment which includes a practical and written test. £108

BCU Canoe & Kayak Courses

BCU One Star

Over two days you will be introduced to a variety of craft and develop the basic skills required to manoeuvre your boat both solo and as a doubles crew.

Pre-course experience: none required

BCU One Star
Dates Duration of course Price
21 - 22 June 2 Days £195
12 - 13 August 2 Days £195
13 - 14 Sept' 2 Days £195

BCU Two Star

This two day course covers a range of flat water techniques in both kayaks and canoes, developing an understanding of the interaction between the paddle, boat and water.

Pre-course experience: you should hold the 1 Star award

BCU Two Star
Dates Duration of course Price
14 - 15 July 2 Days £195
19 - 20 August 2 Days £195
11 - 12 October 2 Days £195

BCU Paddlepower Scheme

Whether it is your first time afloat or you’re looking to develop your skills, the new Paddlepower scheme is an excellent way to learn how to paddle a canoe and kayak. For 8 to 14 year olds inclusive.

Pre-course experience: none required

BCU Paddlepower Scheme
Dates Duration of course Price
4 - 5 August 2 Days £175
7 - 8 August 2 Days £175
28 - 29 August 2 Days £175
27 - 28 October 2 Days £175

Shorebased Courses

RYA First Aid

This course provides a basic working knowledge of first aid with a particular emphasis on first aid in the watersports environment. Syllabus meets HSE and MCA requirements.

Pre-course experience: none required

RYA First Aid
Dates Duration of course Price
18 October 1 Day £75
6 December 1 Day £75