UKSA’s Test the Water programme, designed to get as many Isle of Wight Year 6 pupils out on the water as possible, has been hailed a resounding success with over 3,240 students having attended the free programme over the last 3 years.
During the 2016-17 academic year, UKSA welcomed a whopping 1,164 students to their waterfront base in Cowes where they enjoyed a half-day of activities on the water. The activities included sailing rafts, learning how to build a boat and sailing around obstacles. The opportunity offered the youngsters not only the chance to get out on the water, but to learn new skills and help to build their confidence.
UKSA CEO Ben Willows said:
“Despite living on an Island, there are many young people who will not have the chance to experience the challenge and fun of watersports. Test the Water gives every child the chance to experience the thrill of being out on the water. It’s been great to see the smiles on their faces at the end of the day!”
Fran Newton from Yarmouth C of E Primary School said:
“All the children that attended the session thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was a great opportunity for all to try something new and for those who might not always achieve so well in academic studies, to experience success. It was noticeable that those who were a little nervous at the beginning came back with smiles on their faces and were sorry they had to come back to shore!”
Children from the school said:
“The sailing was a whole new experience for us. We liked how adventurous and exciting the sailing was. It gave some of us more confidence to be in and on the sea. The staff were so friendly it felt like we were hanging out with our friends.”
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Over the last 3 years Test the Water has been funded by Red Funnel, WightAID, NatWest and the Daisie Rich Trust as well as individual supporters. Fundraising activities are now taking place to ensure that more Year 6 students can take part in this programme from September 2017. Barton Manor are hosting a wine tasting event which has sold out and Esplanade Garage are running a Charity Gala in September.
UKSA are also offering children from the age of 8-15 the chance to take part in 5-day summer camps built around an action-packed programme of water-based activities, including dinghy sailing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and raft-building. Discounted rates are available for Island residents.
For more information on Test The Water and the summer camps then visit www.uksa.org or call 01983 294941. For enquires and tickets to Esplanade Garage’s Charity Gala on the 30th September call 01983 535612.
