Some youth in Powell River will learn how to sail this summer courtesy of $3,000 in donations to Powell River Yacht Club. The influx of money came as a surprise when Telus matched a gift of $1,500 to the organization from Townsite Brewing’s community growler program.
“This was not generated by any request,” said yacht club commodore Blake Hoffert. “They decided this was a good cause and wanted to help out.”
Youth are the future and the youth sailing program fits well with Telus’ corporate values, according to Telus Sunshine Coast business development manager Antje Unger.
“I hope those kids who get to enjoy those lessons will have a great time learning about the sport in their own community,” said Unger. “We’re very happy to have been able to support the program for kids who might not be able to attend a lesson like that, or take a course on their own.”
Working with Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services Society (CYFSS), 14 youth will be enrolled in lessons.
“We’re thrilled about the opportunity for Powell River’s youth to benefit from this great program and excited to see summer unfold for some great kids,” said CYFSS executive director Heather Gordon.
The yacht club also runs learn-to-sail lessons for youth seperate from CYFSS. Both programs are about getting youth into the water to reduce their fear of it, according to small boats program coordinator Jenine Kyle, whose son Ben is the lead instructor.
“Most of the kids who come are scared of the water to begin with,” said Jenine, “so it’s about making them feel comfortable.”
A big part of being comfortable, especially for parents, is the safety element stressed within the program, said Jenine. Every safety concern is covered, from sunscreen to qualified and experienced instructors, she added.
Ben said the best part about his role as a teacher is seeing something click within a student; that lightbulb moment when they finally understand.
“When they don’t get something, or they’re scared, and when you see that change it builds so much self-confidence in them,” said Ben. “A lot of the teaching is just basically getting rid of fear.”
Any challenge that has held back a young person can be turned into a life lesson when they learn to sail, according to Ben. They gain a sense of self-worth and achievement through learning and the freedom they find on the water, he added.
“What is holding most of the kids back from learning is they’re scared of doing it,” he said. “They’re scared to have control over something and when you give them that it actually builds confidence in them and their abilities to do things.”
Ben said students are nervous initially, and the first day is spent learning to rig a boat. By the time they finish the program, they can rig the boat, go out on the water and do their own thing, including capsizing their boat, he said.
“Tipping the boat is hilarious because everybody thinks it’s so scary but then at the end it’s the most fun thing about the course,” he said. “It’s all they want to do. Everybody loves capsizing the boat.”
With the CYFSS program and public sailing lessons, more people are learning how to sail.
“Powell River is an ideal community where sailing is in our front yard,” he said. “A lot of children weren’t given the advantage of enjoying where we are.”
Powell River Yacht Club is also accepting registrations for its regular summer sailing lessons for anyone from age eight to adult.
For information, go to powellriveryachtclub.ca.
