OutThere Sailing
A beginner teens course in our nationally recognised learn-to-sail pathway.
Course Overview
OutThere Sailing is the perfect way for teens and young adults to experience a variety of on-water adventures in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. This program offers hands-on experience across multiple water sports including sailing, powerboating, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
No prior experience is required — just bring your sense of adventure!
Course Outcomes
Sailing
- Launch and retrieve a boat safely
- Tack and gybe with confidence
- Understand points of sail and sail upwind
- Recover from a capsize
- Rig and de-rig a sailing boat
Powerboating
- Learn safe powerboat practices and equipment use
- Perform basic driving and boat control techniques
- Complete a man-overboard recovery
Windsurfing
- Rig and set up a windsurfer
- Learn balance and correct stance on the board
- Perform basic tacks and gybes
- Understand sail positions for different points of sail
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Practice balance and stance techniques
- Learn basic paddling and turning manoeuvres
What to Bring
If Available
Location
Before your sail
Getting ready for day one.
Please arrive 15 minutes early on day 1 to meet the instructors, sign in and get comfortable. On following days, just arrive shortly before the program start time.
Pack these
- Water
- Hat
- Snack
- Towel
- Wet clothes
- Spare clothes
- Shoes
If available
- Spray jacket
- Wetsuit
- Water shoes
Our instructors will welcome you, run through a safety briefing, and fit you with a lifejacket. You’ll learn the basics on shore before heading out to try some simple sailing skills. Sessions are step-by-step, fun and supportive — no experience needed. By the end of the day you’ll feel more confident and ready for the adventure ahead.
During your sail
What a session on the water looks like.
Sailing continues in light rain and fresh breezes, but safety always comes first. If conditions aren’t suitable we switch to engaging shore-based activities — rigging, knots and games — until they improve, and we have jackets available in colder weather. Lightning means no on-water activity until the sky is clear.
We pause mid-session for a water & snack break, so please pack your own food and a full drink bottle.
Absolutely. Ask your instructor where the best vantage point is for the day — it can vary depending on the session plan, wind and tide.
Yes. Drop off, enjoy your day, and return in time for on-time pick-up.
After your sail
Wrapping up and what comes next.
Most of our sailing locations have hot showers open to participants, along with change-room facilities.
For safety, all participants under 18 must be signed out with the instructor at the end of each session. If someone else is collecting your child, or they’re walking home, please let the instructor know at drop-off.
Chat with your instructor on the final day about the best follow-on course for your ability — they’ll point you to the right next step.
General questions
Confidence, skills and gear.
Definitely. Our programs start from absolute-beginner level and build your skills step-by-step.
- Ages 7–12Tackers 1 · entry level
- Ages 12–17OutThere Sailing
- AdultsStart Sailing
Already sailed before? Let us know and we’ll place you at the right level. You can also browse all courses.
Yes. All of our instructors hold current Australian Sailing certificates, First Aid, and Working With Children checks.
Basic water confidence helps, but everyone wears an AS-approved lifejacket at all times on the water.
Instructors usually coach from a powered safety RIB so you get plenty of hands-on time at the helm — but they can jump aboard if you need extra support.
Not at all. We provide boats, sails and lifejackets. Just follow the “What should I bring” list above.
Our dinghies are light and forgiving. If you can move around reasonably well and sit or kneel for short periods, you’ll be fine. Let us know about any specific concerns and we’ll adapt activities to suit.