| Finding the right boating school for your particular | | | | spent in the classroom is to review techniques |
| needs can be a challenging experience. In this | | | | and principals that you will apply later on the |
| article we will try to help you focus on what to | | | | water, then the actual hands on experience helps |
| look for in a boating school to ensure it meets | | | | to ingrain that training in your mind so you can |
| your expectations and that when you graduate | | | | recall and use it later on your own. Our advice is |
| you have the skills you were looking for. There | | | | to not even consider a program that does not |
| are many different types of programs available, | | | | provide on-the-water experience. |
| there is one for every budget, skill level and type | | | | After you have completed the first two steps |
| of boating you can imagine. | | | | you will want to consider some other factors. Is |
| The first step in selecting a boating school is to | | | | the boating school you have chosen accredited by |
| decide what type of boating you would like to do; | | | | a national body such as the American Sailing |
| for example if you decide you would like to learn | | | | Association (ASA) or US Power Squadron? ASA |
| how to go white water kayaking, that is a very | | | | graduates that have reached a certain level can |
| different school and curriculum then if you wanted | | | | qualify to charter a sailing vessel in exotic locations |
| to sail around the world single-handed. Ensure you | | | | like the Virgin Islands without a captain, often |
| choose a program that teaches what you are | | | | saving significant amounts on the cost of a |
| looking for, read class descriptions and course | | | | charter, and enjoying a trip in privacy with their |
| outlines carefully to make sure the class includes | | | | family. US Power Squadron classes will often |
| what you want to learn. | | | | qualify the student to receive a state issued safe |
| The second step is to evaluate the type of | | | | boating certificate or license, required in some |
| training provided. Most schools will provide both | | | | states. |
| classroom and on-the-water experience. Time | | | | |