Get OnBoard

Start your adventure on the water

OnBoard has introduced over 1.3 million children to sailing and windsurfing

OnBoard helped 82% of children and young people feel better able to work as a team

81% of children and young people felt more confident in themselves with OnBoard

What is RYA OnBoard?

OnBoard is the RYA's sailing and windsurfing programme exclusively for young people. Offering you the opportunity to explore the water through your local club or centre in a fun and safe environment.

Open to all children, OnBoard is a beginner programme that gets people on the water for their first time. Whether you’d like to learn how to sail or windsurf, no experience or equipment required to get started, just bring yourself!

With plenty of fresh air, splashes, and fun, OnBoard will keep you active and build your confidence in a safe and supportive environment.

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Orson's first OnBoard session

Your questions answered

OnBoard is suitable for anyone aged 8-18. Most children start from around age 8, but many centres welcome younger children for taster sessions.

An OnBoard session often costs less than a family day out and many clubs also offer short taster sessions. Longterm costs vary between training centres, but affordable options for entry level memberships and junior courses are widely available.

Learning to sail usually takes place between spring and autumn. A typical starter session is around 1 – 3 hours including getting ready on land.

However, some sailing courses like RYA Youth Stage 1 usually run over two days.

Sailing can be challenging at first, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Sessions are tailored for complete beginners and use specially designed children’s boats that are safe, stable, and easy to handle.

The programme is progressive, so you can start as a complete novice at stage 1 and work your way up through the RYA Youth Schemes.

Most beginner sessions include all sailing equipment you need, such as boats, buoyancy aids, and wetsuits. You’ll usually just need to bring a towel, a change of clothes, and shoes that can get wet.

Simply bring yourself, training centres will be able to provide the equipment needed for your session. However, depending on your session type, the RYA has some helpful advice on what to wear to your session.