Boating is a great fun activity, and one that anyone can learn. There are many types of boating for you to get involved in, here are just a few to think about…

Dinghy sailing is great way to get started. Dinghies are small sailing boats that come in all shapes and sizes. You can sail one on your own, with another person, or even with your whole family.

Windsurfing can be done off the beach, on a lake and lots of other places. It’s pretty simple to learn, although you might get quite wet while learning! But don’t worry, you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Yachts are great for hanging out with your family, whether you’re on holiday or just for the weekend. They come in all shapes and sizes, just have a look in your local marina to see just how big some are!

Personal Watercraft (or jet skis are you might know them) are great fun. As long as you’re with an adult, you can whizz around and have fun all day long. Chances are you’ve seen some when you’ve been at the coast or on holiday – next time it could be you!

Inland waterways allow you and your family to travel around on canals, rivers and estuaries, seeing both towns and countryside as you go. Before trains, this is how heavy goods were sent around the country, but now it’s just for fun.

RIBs and sportsboats are powered by a motor, so can go very fast. For now, you will have to be a passenger, but when you get older you can have lots of fun exploring with your friends in one of these.

Motor cruisers let you get out on the water with your family, with all the comforts of home. You’re able to sleep , cook and eat onboard, which means you can travel to much more distant places.

Start learning

Getting out on the water for the first time is easy. We have hundreds of RYA Training Centres across the country that offer courses for people as young as 8, so why don’t you get your parents to take you along so you can find out more?

You could also get involved with OnBoard, the RYA's programme to introduce sailing and windsurfing to young people. Whether you fancy a quiet time sailing or a major buzz windsurfing, OB could be just for you, as it gets you out on the water, teaches you new skills and lets you have great fun too!

Have fun!