Where is Everyone?

docks emptyThursday was hoppin’ at TISC with seven summer classes, two bus loads of GLIDE kids in watercraft of all types and the Etchells we donated to Stockton Sailing Club being readied for transport.  When I arrived Friday it was empty, quiet.

No kids on the docks and no boats in Clipper Cove. This is the first summer I’ve been at TISC during the week, and  am not yet fully “with the program”. The empty J/24 trailers should have been the tip-off.  Sure enough – Fun Friday meant instructors and students were out for an adventure sail to Angel Island.beach emptyJs gone  By noon the noise level was back up, kids all over, water toys being readied for beach time and all seemed as it should be on a gorgeous blue-sky day in Clipper Cove.

 

 

The kids, and their instructors, work hard during the week.  Fridays provide an opportunity to switch gears. relax a little and further cement the confidence students have built up during the week.  Many come to Clipper Cove tentative and apprehensive about water and boats.  After developing a comfort level during the week Friday’s play time is used to give them added confidence.

Below are a few pictures from last two fun Fridays.  Skits on the dock provide a chance for students to communicate with each other as they plan out their time in front of other students.  Pirate themes seem to be “in”. planning the skit

Pirates of Clipper CoveDelivery may go smoothly or not, however kids benefit from a captive audience while self-confidence is reinforced.

singing skit

friday audience

Time on the beach is another activity where students communicate with each other, take turns on water toys and further build confidence on and around the water. 

the beach

water toysbeach fun

confidence

S’mores are alway a hit of course.smores

Returning to the dock represents last ride of the week.  Time to enjoy last views of Clipper Cove from the deck of a trusty J/24.  returning from the beach

back on the dock

Safety around the water is always first priority at Treasure Island Sailing Center. This poster was provided by Cal Boating during Safe Boating Week earlier this year.

life jackets

Regards from On The Cove, Dave G

In the wake:We teach TISC students life lesson to help them set goals, build self-confidence, communicate, and work with others as leaders and team-mates. There are many other reasons to sail. A fellow TISC BOD member recently passed along this blog: 5 Reasons Your Kids Should Sail. While it may be a bit dated, its “right on the mark” in my opinion. I can’t resist sharing reason 5 – Shipshape habits.