Iowa Sailing Club
Teaching Days
Note: Check our calendar for upcoming teaching days and other events.
The UISC hosts special teaching days at the beginning of each sailing season (Spring/Summer/Fall), and then regular teaching days each weekend throughout the sailing season as well as by special arrangement with other club members. The first special teaching day is usually an "open house" membership drive. The public is welcome to drop by and we'll happily take you for a spin around the lake. For the new members and those needing more hours practice time on the water, we schedule "Sailing Lesson" days in the weekends following. These lessons are for members only, and you must register beforehand, so that we can make sure we have enough instructors. During the lesson days, instruction takes place on-land and on-water, with a big emphasis on the latter!
See our club and regatta calenders for information about when the club has scheduled these events. If you plan on being at an open house, it's not required to sign up, but we'd a appreciate a heads up if you can. Having enough instructors makes the world go round. Regarding the lesson days, you must be a member and register ahead of time with the Vice Commodore.
We primarily use FJs as our teaching boat. Out at the lake, you'll be matched up with an instructor, and go through the rigging of the boat and getting the boat in the water. The instructor will take you through each of the maneuvers as many times as you need, and then hand the tiller over to you. You will only be required to perform the tasks with which you feel comfortable. You will soon realize the worst thing that can happen is that you capsize, and this just means swimming around for a little while. The boats are very easy to right, so you never have to worry about getting into trouble.
Depending on the number of students or guests at the open house, you will sail with the instructor for about 45 minutes, and then return to shore.
It is possible for you to take and pass the LWH test on the second or third day of a teaching lesson, if you attend most of each day, all days. Then, you are more than welcome to return the following teaching day to help teach others and at the same time get in additional sailing hours. Teaching is the best way to hone your own sailing skills, so it's very much encouraged! If you're uncomfortable with your knots after you have passed your LWH test, that's okay. Just have someone refresh your memory quickly, and then teach a clinic. I guarantee you'll never forget them again!
Notes to remember:
- We provide rides from the Iowa Memorial Union - Post on the listserv indicating you needing a ride to the lake, and we will arrange to pick you and others at the IMU (south doors). Someone will get you home.
- Bring a change of clothes - you'll get wet at the lake, and it's nice to drive home dry!
- Dress warmer than you might think you have to - it's slightly colder on the water than on land.
- Bring a lunch - we have a refrigerator and pop for $0.50.
- Come prepared to have fun and learn to sail!