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Guides to the lake, the courses and the coast, from the team at Wirral Watersports.
Your child’s first time on the water: a parent’s guide
What to expect when your child tries sailing, paddleboarding or kayaking for the first time on West Kirby Marine Lake: ages, kit, safety and holiday camps.
Which RYA sailing course is right for you?
RYA Level 1 Start Sailing, Level 2 Basic Skills, Level 3 Better Sailing and the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme explained, so you can pick the right first course.
West Kirby Marine Lake: a beginner’s guide
Everything you need to know about West Kirby Marine Lake: how it works, why it’s so good for learning, the speed record, and how to get there.
RYA Powerboat Level 1 or Level 2: which do you need?
The difference between RYA Powerboat Level 1 and Level 2, minimum ages, the Safety Boat course, and whether Level 2 counts for an ICC.
Paddleboarding for beginners: what to expect
Your first stand up paddleboard session on West Kirby Marine Lake: what to bring, what happens, and how to go from taster to paddling on your own.
Open-water swimming for pool swimmers
Moving from the pool to open water: how it feels different, what to practise, and why a sheltered marine lake is a good place to start.
How to walk to Hilbre Island safely
The walk to Hilbre Island from West Kirby: the RNLI timing rule, the route via Little Eye and Middle Eye, what to bring, and what to do if you’re cut off.
How to become an RYA dinghy instructor
The steps to becoming an RYA Dinghy Instructor: First Aid, Powerboat Level 2, Safe and Fun, the pre-entry assessment and the five-day instructor course.
First time in a sauna? A simple guide
A first-timer’s guide to using a sauna by the water at West Kirby: what to bring, how long to stay, and simple sauna etiquette.
A day out in West Kirby: lake, island and coast
How to spend a day in West Kirby: get on the marine lake, walk the wall, cross to Hilbre at low tide, then warm up in the sauna.
Be first on the water.
Courses, sessions and memberships go on sale before we open in spring 2027. Sign up and we’ll tell you first.