- Home
- Kids and families
Kids and families
Shallow, enclosed water, qualified instructors and all the kit. West Kirby Marine Lake is one of the gentlest places to start, and the progress your child makes comes with a certificate.
Camps and courses.
For children who’ve never been on the water, and for young sailors ready for their next stage. Wirral Watersports is an RYA Recognised Training Centre.
Holiday watersports camps
Days on the water in the school holidays: sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and games. Book a day or the whole week.
Ages 8–15 · school holidaysRYA Youth Sailing Stage 1 and 2
Holiday courses through the RYA youth scheme, with a certificate at the end.
Usually from age 8RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 1
First steps on a windsurf board, through the RYA youth scheme.
Juniors · 8–10 hoursRYA Level 1 Start Powerboating
A first go at the helm, with the basics of boat handling and safety.
Age 8+ · 1 daySchool and youth group sessions
Sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking for schools, Scouts, Guides and youth groups, built around your group.
GroupsBirthday parties
A session on the water followed by food. Mixed abilities and first-timers welcome.
PartiesCourse dates and prices go on sale before we open in spring 2027. Opening-news subscribers hear first.
For parents.
- Safe water to learn on
- The lake is enclosed by a sea wall and shallow, with no tide, swell or boat traffic.
- Qualified instructors
- Every session is run by qualified instructors, on the water with the children.
- All kit included
- Wetsuits, buoyancy aids, boats and boards. Bring swimwear, a towel and a packed lunch for camp days.
- Somewhere to wait
- Watch from the wall, or wait upstairs in the restaurant once it opens.
Good to know.
What age can my child start?
Most of our junior courses and camps start from around age 8. Ask us if your child is younger.
Does my child need to swim?
Children wear buoyancy aids on the water at all times. We’ll publish the swimming guidance for each course with the booking details.
Will they get a certificate?
RYA youth courses finish with an RYA certificate and a logbook entry they can take to any RYA centre.
Can siblings of different ages come together?
Yes. Camps are grouped by age and ability, so brothers and sisters can come on the same days.
Hear about holiday dates first.
Camp and course dates go on sale before we open. Sign up and we’ll email you when booking opens.