For our new column, Ask an Educator, we turn to educators, whether teachers, tutors, or principals, to answer frequently asked questions from parents. To send in your question, email jessicasuotmaa@beijing-kids.com.
This week, our question is:
“Why should children learn how to sail? What other skills can they develop?”
Answering for us is Georgina Willis, Chief Instructor at Beijing Sailing Centre (BSC) who has been sailing ever since she was 7 years old.
Sailing is a fantastic sport which helps develop important skills for any age group. I got into sailing as a child, continued in my teenage years, and it boosted my confidence massively by encouraging me to help other children learn as well! The boost in confidence really helps kids meet new people and make new friends as sailing is a physical sport that requires interaction. As a sport, sailing has its own community and a friendly atmosphere due to other sailors always being around to offer help and advice when needed.
Sailing is a skill in itself, but as you learn and improve in sailing, it does teach you many other skills, such as team leadership, as when you’re in charge of your own boat, you need to ensure that everyone on board is correctly completing their respective jobs. They will also learn communication while working with others on board the boat. Clear communication ensures that the boat sails as efficiently as possible, and also allows for gaining water confidence by spending loads of time on and in the water.
Sailing is a growing sport which is already popular worldwide, with many more learning the sport each year. It’s a great way to travel and see the world while learning about new cultures. There’s no downside to learning how to sail, as it can be a hobby, a relaxing time away from school, or even a future career!
Photo: courtesy of Beijing Sailing Centre
