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Which Is The Best Type Of Lifejacket For Kids?

Which Is The Best Type Of Lifejacket For Kids?

One of the most frequently asked questions about getting started in watersports is - how do I choose the best lifejacket for my child? With safety at the forefront of…

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Hugo Boss Stuntman Alex Thomson On Teaching His Kids To Sail

Hugo Boss Stuntman Alex Thomson On Teaching His Kids To Sail

Alex Thomson is one of Britain’s most successful and well-known sailors. Now, over a year since stepping back from offshore racing to spend more time with his watersports-mad family, I…

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Sailing fun ⛵️🩵 Over the last few weeks, ou

Sailing fun ⛵️🩵 Over the last few weeks, our local Oppie Club has been busy back in action... And this year, Boy Afloat is catching his big sister!

No longer content just playing on the shore during these sessions (though he still loves to do that too), this season he has been helping launch and recover the dinghies for the older kids, and has even convinced Hubby to take him for a spin in his own Oppie - AND let him steer!

He is really still a bit young to join in the session properly (he's 5). @burghfieldsailingclub_ Oppie Club is aimed at sailors aged 6 and above, who have ideally completed their @royalyachtingassociation Stage 1 certificate and therefore know the basics (Girl Afloat did hers last year with @andrewsimpsoncentres , read more here
https://afloatwiththekids.com/learning-to-sail-what-to-expect-on-an-rya-youth-sailing-scheme-stage-one-course/) ..... buuuut at the same time we really want to encourage new skills and independence and we were delighted when he asked! 😎

At 6ft3 an Optimist dinghy is no easy environment for Hubby, (the boats are specially designed for kids and just 8ft long), but he has been doing his best to cram in the front and give instruction.

Well done all!

#AfloatWithTheKids #learntosail #startsailing #dinghysailing #sailing #juniorsailing #balticlifejackets #twobarefeet #sailinglife #rya #DiscoverSailing #sailingadventures #iocauk

Would you rather… 🤔🌊 Paddleboard to a dese

Would you rather... 🤔🌊 Paddleboard to a desert island, or walk?!

Little Eye off the tip of the Wirral peninsula is one of those awesome little islands that you can walk to at low tide, but at high tide is only accessible by boat/board. We can officially say we have tried now both ways of getting there, and no surprise... paddleboarding wins! For speed and of course, fun 😁

This little islet one of three in the Hilbre Island chain, situated just off West Kirby beach, and makes an exciting and easy destination to explore with kids. The super soft white sands and rocky outcrops are great fun for young kids to explore, however you get there!

Launching is super easy from the slipway at Wirral Watersports Centre, where there is also parking, loos, and ice cream.

❗️ Always check advice from the lovely local RNLI before setting off and make sure you check the tides first

(Also, yes, Hubby did realise he'd set off without a buoyancy aid and duly came back for it!)

#AfloatWithTheKids #paddleboardingadventures #paddleboardingfun #RNLI #northsandspaddleboards #paddleboarding #westkirbytoday #lovepaddling #westkirby #westkirbybeach #westkirbytoday #leisurepeninsula #wirralmums @rnli_lifeguards_nw

Happy half term 🙌🌊 Small splashes lead to bi

Happy half term 🙌🌊 Small splashes lead to big adventures...

🩵 That's always our philosophy when it comes to getting #AfloatWithTheKids

Whether boats or boards, close to shore or further out, for us, it's all about making the most of the moments to explore, develop skills and independence - and most of all, have fun!

📸 From last weekend at our local lake, when Girl Afloat set out for a solo kayak. She loved the freedom of paddling herself and navigating her 'own' way around the lake (even though I was never far behind! 🤫)

Wherever your half term adventures take you, don't forget to share and tag us in your pics!

#familyadventures #outdoorsfamily #outdoorkids #waterconfidence #kidsoutdoors #kayaking #shepaddles #ThisGirlCan #gopaddling #lovepaddling #GoPaddling #kayak #learntokayak #kayakingadventures

Why fun by the water is important for kids 🩵🌊 ...and how we have made it work

If, like us, you would like your kids to develop a love of watersports that will last a lifetime, then it's all about taking things at their pace. And of course, about having FUN! That's why we think spending time playing by the water is just as important as spending time on the water 😊

➡️ Read more on this and check out our other top tips for introducing kids to paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking and more at www.AfloatWithTheKids.com

#afloatwiththekids #outdoorsadventure #outdoorkids #outdoorsfamily #beachlife #kidsoutdoors #sailingkids #familyadventures #waterconfidence #familytime

What a super day! 😎🌊 A few pics from our awe

What a super day! 😎🌊 A few pics from our awesome watersports Open Day held this weekend...

Thanks to @burghfieldsailingclub_ and Andrew Simpson Centres Reading we had heaps of fun trying out
🩵 kayaking
🩵 paddleboarding
🩵 dinghy sailing

It's always great fun to try new boats and boards, and we loved meeting other families who were just starting out on their watersports journey.

There are plenty of other #rya #discoversailing Open Days being held across the country this month! A brilliant way to get afloat with the kids, usually for free!

Check out https://www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/discover-sailing to find out more!

#outdoorsadventure #sailinglife #outdoorsfamily #dinghysailing #startsailing #outdoorkids #learntosail #kayaking #afloatwiththekids

Club Open Days 👍🌊 Don't miss chances to try

Club Open Days 👍🌊 Don't miss chances to try out watersports at your local centre...

It's a big thumbs up here as we're super excited to be headed to @burghfieldsailingclub_ @andrewsimpsoncentres Open Day today.

We're hoping to try out lots of different watersports, including #paddleboarding #sailing #kayaking #windsurfing #wingfoiling

Open days like these are a great opportunity to find out what your local club or centre has to offer in the way of family watersports, often it's completely free!

Right now there are plenty of opportunities across the country. Find out more at https://www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/discover-sailing

#AfloatWithTheKids #discoversailing #rya #learntosail #gopaddling #familytime

Looking to try some watersports with the family th

Looking to try some watersports with the family this summer? 🤔🌊 Follow us for tips and inspiration...

Summer is coming and we will soon be back afloat 😎⛵️🛶 (exciting!)

We just LOVE spending time on (and by) the water - now we are super excited to share that with our two young kids. We know that small splashes lead to big adventures!

And we especially love watersports for the fact that the whole family can get afloat and enjoy those adventures together 😊💙

What adventures will 2024 bring?! Follow to find out!

➡️ For more on getting started in watersports, check out www.AfloatWithTheKids.com

#dinghysailing #outdoorsfamily #kayaking #outdoorkids #familysport #paddleboardingadventures #startsailing #sailingadventures #paddleboardfun #learntosail #outdoorsadventure #beachlife #sailing #sailinglife #outdoormumsuk #bodyboarding #paddleboarding

Wet hair? Don't care! Happy International Women's

Wet hair? Don't care! Happy International Women's Day 🌊🎉 To all the fabulous women who get out there and give it a go... thank you.

Thank you for inspiring and showing what's possible 🤩

From female friends who have pushed their own comfort zones to try watersports for the first time ever, to women at the top end of competitive watersports breaking the status quo, thank you for showing the way for the next generation.

I know one little girl who is already truly inspired 🥰

#afloatwiththekids #outdoormums #familywatersports #thisgirlcansail #ThisGirlCan #shepaddles #magentaproject #internationalwomensday #britishsailingteam

Show-tastic! 🤩👌 We're still buzzing from a b

Show-tastic! 🤩👌 We're still buzzing from a brilliant visit to the @ryadinghyshow last weekend... 👇

We love the fun vibe that this show is renowned for, and this year that was ramped to the max. It was the perfect way to start the season - checking out the latest boats and kit, expert talks, hanging out with friends, and get inspiration for the season ahead.

And our list of watersports to try this summer has definitely got longer. After having fun on the simulators, we've been pestered non-stop since to try...

🌟 Winging
🌟 Windsurfing
🌟 Trapezing

...And Boy Afloat wants to follow in his big sister's footsteps and try helming his own dinghy by himself now too! (He's still only 4 so we may need a few stalling tactics on that one...)

Oh, and their other top question - when is the Olympics starting?! After seeing the likes of @mcintyreeilidh and @FynnSterritt speaking at the show, they're already fired up to support the @britishsailing at the Games this summer 🙌

Our verdict? A fab, fun-filled family day packed with plenty to inspire 😊

Now, time to work out how to tick off some things off those wish lists...!?!

#afloatwiththekids #dinghysailing #sailing #windsurfing #juniorsailing #ryadinghyandwatersportsshow #dinghy #kidsoutdoors #rya #youthsailing #wingfoiling #DAWS24

What a show! 👏🌊 We LOVED visiting the RYA Di

What a show! 👏🌊 We LOVED visiting the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show this weekend! Here are just a few of our highlights...

🌟 Racing model boats on the indoor pool
🌟 Trying out the winging and windsurfing simulators
🌟 Spotting the Optimist stand 💙⛵️
🌟 Treasure hunting
🌟 Practising trapeze skills on the rig
🌟 Listening to the expert talks and seeing real-life Olympians on stage
🌟 Meeting up with friends
🌟 Shopping for new kit
🌟 ...and so much more (more pics to follow soon!)

As ever, the show had the best vibe and was the perfect kick start to the season 👍⛵️ And we're pretty sure it was one of the busiest ever - certainly one of the best!

#AfloatWithTheKids #daws24 #RYA #ryadinghyshow #dinghyshow #Dinghy #sailing #familywatersports #winging #foiling #windsurfing #inyourelement #lovesailing

Heading to the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show thi

Heading to the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show this weekend?! 🙌 ⛵️ Give us a thumbs up!

🌟 If you've not been before, you're in for a treat. It's a truly fantastic family day out, packed with boats and boards and plenty of interactive exhibits, and added bonus, kids go FREE!

💙 I've been visiting this show since I was a kid, now we go every year with our two kids and they absolutely can't wait to go again this year..... Not sure if they are more excited about doing the treasure hunt, meeting real life Olympians, racing model boats, trying out the simulators and VR sets, seeing how many boats they can count, or simply meeting up with their friends!

👋 See you there?? Do say hi if you see us, or why not tag us in your photos #AfloatWithTheKids

RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show @ryadinghyshow @farnborough_int Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre Royal Yachting Association @royalyachtingassociation
#dinghy #dinghysailing #ryadinghyandwatersportsshow #sailingkids #paddleboarding #windsurfing #sailing #sup #dinghyshow #youthsailing #sailing #juniorsailing #boat #outdoorsfamily #kidsoutdoors #rya #sailitliveitloveit #trysomethingnew #daws24

Planning a trip to BoatLife 2024 this weekend? 🛥⚓️ Here's our sneak preview of what to expect ☝️.... and our top tips for visiting 👇

🌊 Try stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking for free! Head straight to the pool to sign up for your time slot when you arrive. Everything is provided and no previous experience needed (age 6+)

👟 There are simply loads of boats you can climb aboard to explore. Just be prepared to take your shoes off - wear your posh socks!

🏖 The Beach zone is the place to chill out, enjoy a G&T or an ice cream, plus there are loads of fun kids activities here - a top spot to head to if you have small people in tow

❓️ Questions? Ask away! Everyone we chatted to was super friendly and knowledgeable

🅿️ Dont forget to pre-book your parking to save £

#afloatwiththekids #boatlife2024 #watersports #familywatersports #familyactivities #boats #standuppaddleboarding #SUP #kayak #trysomethingnew #kidsoutdoors #boatshow

What a day! 🙌🌊 We've had so much fun today a

What a day! 🙌🌊 We've had so much fun today at BoatLife 2024 @boatlifeevents @necbirmingham

We've been real-life paddleboarding, played on the 'beach', chambered over canal boats, climbed on board motor cruisers, spied transatlantic rowing boats, recc'd RIBs and rescue boats, entered competitions, checked out the latest kit... and so much more!

What a brilliant day out - the kids have had an absolute blast 😊🌊

#AfloatWithTheKids #boatlife24 #SUP #outdoorsfamily #trysomethingnew #watersports #kayaking #outdoorkids #kidsoutdoors #paddleboardingfun

Hey, we're back 🤗 … or at least we will be so

Hey, we're back 🤗 ... or at least we will be soon! Life and winter (mostly winter 🙄) mean we haven't posted much recently. But we're now counting down the weeks to spring and can't wait to get back on the water for some sailing, some SUP-ing and... well, let's see what other adventures we can have afloat with the kids! Watch this space! ⛵️🌊 ⏳️

🌟 In the meantime, take a look at www.AfloatWithTheKids.com for advice and inspo 🌟

#dinghy #dinghysailing #sailing #paddleboardingadventures #SUP #lovesailing #outdoorsfamily #familyadventures #bodyboarding #paddleboarding #familysport #paddleboardingfun #daws24 #ryadinghyandwatersportsshow #boatlife24 #AfloatWithTheKids

Challenge! ⛵️⏳️ Can you name all the parts

Challenge! ⛵️⏳️ Can you name all the parts of a sailing dinghy rig - in less than 10 seconds?!

Girl Afloat was super excited to try the challenge on her Optimist... What do you think? Did she miss any out?!

Why not challenge your kids to this fun game - make sure to let us know how they get on 😊 Have fun!

#AfloatWithTheKids #sailing #dinghysailing #learntosail #discoversailing #RYA #sailingwithkids #sailinginstructor #juniorsailing #youthsailing #iocauk #boat #sailboat #watersports #trysomethingnew #roostersailing #inyourelement #roosterkit

To wake or not to wake?! 💙⛵️ This was one o

To wake or not to wake?! 💙⛵️ This was one of the very first times we took Boy Afloat sailing with us... and this was about the last thing I expected to happen! 😂

Now when I look back, I'm not so surprised - a warm sunny day with a gentle rocking motion, pushing on for nap time... I guess it was sort of inevitable, despite our best efforts at making it an all-out, pirate-hunting, action-packed adventure ⛵️ But that's part of the fun of watersports with kids in tow... you never quite know how the adventure will play out!

In any case, taking things as much as possible at your child’s pace helps 💙

So, did we wake him?! Full story at https://afloatwiththekids.com/first-time-dinghy-sailing/

#AfloatWithTheKids #dinghy #sailing #dinghysailing #sailingwithkids #sailinglife #sailingadventure #familysailingadventure #familysail #trysomethingnew #juniorsailing #sailingkids #outdoormums #sailingmum

What to wear for dinghy sailing? ⛵️🤔 Summer

What to wear for dinghy sailing? ⛵️🤔 Summer may be fading but it's not over yet! Watch our quick guide to the essential items you need and make sure you're getting the most out of your sailing.

To learn more about what to look for when it comes to individual items, click through to read our FULL GUIDE (under our Kit & Clothing section) via link in bio at https://afloatwiththekids.com/what-to-wear-for-dinghy-sailing/

⛵️

#AfloatWithTheKids #dinghysailing #sailing #sailingkids #sailinglife #dinghysailingadventures #learntosail #outdoors #discoversailing #roosterkit #inyourelement #sailingclothing #getonthewater #youthsailing #juniorsailing

Gifted partnership with @rooster_sailing @roosterkit

Come sail with us ⛵️😎 A little snapshot of

Come sail with us ⛵️😎 A little snapshot of summer days on board Squiggles our 2000 class dinghy...

Throwback to one of the first ever times Girl Afloat had go at steering... just look at that concentration on her face! Meanwhile Boy Afloat was quite happy bailing out the water from the bottom of the boat 🙌

🥰 Good vibes as we realise our happy place was also their happy place... 💙 time on the water as a family!

#AfloatWithTheKids #familywatersports #familyadventures #familytime #makingmemories #sailingadventures #sailinglife #dinghysailing #dinghy #boat #sailing #sailingfun

Bart's Bash ⭐️⛵️ Well done to everyone who

Bart's Bash ⭐️⛵️ Well done to everyone who took part in this global race over the weekend!

For several of our Oppie Club sailors it was their very first experience of racing! Even more incredible to think that they were taking part in an event that links sailing communities across the globe.

⭐️ Bart's Bash is a truly unique event which aims to boost participation in sailing and to fundraise for the worthwhile Andrew Simpson Foundation, established in honour of Andrew 'Bart' Simpson, the much-loved Olympic medalist and America's Cup sailor. This year saw the 10th anniversary of the event.

Our intrepid Oppie sailors were among 60 competitors taking part in the race at Burghfield Sailing Club run in partnership with Andrew Simpson Centre Reading. Not only did they complete the course against many older and more experienced sailors, they also enjoyed some specially organised games afterwards featuring a giant SUP 😀

Congratulations to all those who took part 👏 Full results at bartsbash.com

#AfloatWithTheKids #dinghysailing #sailing #startsailing #juniorsailing #sailingfun #discoversailing #sailinglife #lovesailing #sailonbart #trysomethingnew

@burghfieldsailing Burghfield Sailing Club Andrew Simpson Centres Andrew Simpson Foundation : The Sailing Charity @andrewsimpsonfoundation Andrew Simpson Centres @decathlonuk Decathlon UK

Photos thanks to @whatizzywore

Lfejackets & buoyancy aids 🤔✅️ What is a bu

Lfejackets & buoyancy aids 🤔✅️ What is a buoyancy aid? How is it different to a lifejacket? Which do I go for? Why does my kid need to wear one? How do I know what to look for?

So. Many. Questions! 🤯

When getting afloat with the kids, safety will be any parent's top priority 👍 We have certainly made it ours...

Check out our comprehensive guide to lifejackets and buoyancy aids here: https://afloatwiththekids.com/what-is-the-best-lifejacket-for-kids/

#AfloatWithTheKids #balticlifejackets #waterconfidence #watersafety #lifejackets #buoyancyaid #uselessnessworn #RNLI #sailing #dinghysailing #paddleboarding #watersports #boat #kayaking

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