We welcome kids across the entire economic spectrum of the Treasure Valley

Learn To Sail

Our partnership with the City of Boise Parks and Recreation and U.S. Sailing enables us to offer a professional, world-class youth sailing education program to the kids of the Treasure Valley. Our programs get kids onto the water, away from digital devices, and into sailboats – on the very first day of camp!

Sailing offers a unique outdoor experience compared with traditional team activities. The sport provides opportunities that foster self-reliance, builds decision-making skills, critical thinking, curiosity, confidence and offers a gateway to a lifetime of discovery and adventure.

How to Register for Sailing Classes

Register for Sailing Classes through the Boise City Department of Parks and Recreation

Boise Parks and Recreation summer sailing class registration page
Enter "Sail" in the Search Box

City of Boise Parks and Recreation

All classes and camps are administered by the City of Boise Parks and Recreation. In addition to processing student registration, Boise City has the experience and administrative infrastructure needed to implement a youth education program: advertising, employee background checks, hiring, payroll, insurance and liability coverages, and much more.

We believe everyone should have an opportunity to learn to sail; the City of Boise has scholarship programs available to help reach that goal.  For more information about scholarship opportunities, call City of Boise Parks and Recreation at (208) 608-7680, or visit their scholarship page HERE.

Instructors

SISO instructors have Level 1 Small Boat Sailing Instructor Certification from US Sailing - the governing body of sailing in the United States. Our instructors must complete a rigorous 40-hour course and testing by a US Sailing Instructor Trainer. Our instructors must also take a NASBLA (motorized boat operations) certification course, SafeSport training (creating a safe and supportive environment for all athletes), and CPR and First Aid. After a background check and drug testing, our sailing instructors are hired by the City of Boise.

We have a low student-to-instructor ratio in our sailing classes. Typically, there are two instructors (one on a sailboat, one in a motorized/safety boat for a quick response) and one volunteer. With a class limit of 10 students, this allows for individual attention as needed.

Lucky Peak State Park / Spring Shores

Our on-the-water and land-based teaching activities are conducted at Spring Shores Marina, Lucky Peak State Park located east of Boise. Find out more about where we learn to sail.

What to Expect

  • Participants learn to sail using classroom, land-based, and on-the-water instruction from certified US Sailing Instructors. 
  • Participants will learn sailing terminology and elements, water safety, tacking, gybing, and upwind/downwind sailing techniques. 
  • Safety is paramount in our classes; Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs, or life jackets) and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times while on the docks or in the boats.
  • Participants MUST be able to swim 25 yards in open water while wearing a life jacket. A swim check will be conducted on the first day – for safety, participants unable to complete the 25-yard swim test will not be allowed to continue the program.
  • Come each day ready to participate by dressing for the weather, bringing or wearing a swimsuit, snack, lunch (cooler available), water bottle, sunscreen, and closed-toed shoes that can get wet. For safety NO flip-flops or open-toed sandals allowed.
  • Hat, sunglasses, towel, and change of clothes each day are highly recommended!