Fun, fun, fun

Published 16:46 on 11 Apr 2026

This week Shotwick Lake Sailing instructor Jude ran two junior fun days for the over 8s. Getting wet and having fun in equal measure was all part of the plan and a total of 10 youngsters turned up over the two days. Jude was supported by experienced instructors Beth and Karen. 

Jude explained what was involved: 

The sessions were fantastic and we even had blue skies too! We covered lots of activities such as knot tying, buoyage and parts of a boat. The youngsters were very competitive and we have a new club record of 5 minutes hiking out. We also ran some team building games - the ever decreasing circle was a fun challenge, ending up with one foot each in the circle and the group hanging on to each other for dear life.

The biggest hit was the challenge to fill a bucket with water using only sponges. The prize being to tip the full bucket over my head! All the exercise and mental challenge resulted in a hungry bunch of juniors, so marshmallows cooked on a fire and made into smores went down well, as did the hot chocolate, biscuits and lollies.

Add all that to a jetty jump and the best dressed duck competition and all of a sudden each day was over.

Keep an eye out for future fun day dates - drop-and-go days for any club junior members aged 8 or over.

In the meantime next Saturday afternoon (18th April) sees the second accompanied sailing session for juniors of all ages and experience. It is an opportunity to sail, paddleboard, kayak, windsurf, with a safety boat standing by. It is also a chance for parents/grandparents to sail with their juniors, possibly for the first time, gaining confidence in a safe environment. Note each junior must be accompanied by a responsible adult (also a club member) to participate.

Club Commodore Jeremy Cooper commented: It is fantastic to see these new junior initiatives being rolled out at Shotwick. Watersports are a great activity for people of all ages and our growing number of family and junior members are critical to the future success of our club.

For more information on all junior activities join the club Junior Sailing WhatsApp group.

Photo: Jon Davies

Last updated 17:11 on 11 April 2026