Outer Harbour Youth Water Sports Program

What is the Program?

In the Summer of 2012 the OHSF will provide week-long courses to introduce sailing, rowing and windsurfing to youth who would otherwise be unable to afford to participate. These courses will build on the successful programs rowing and sailing offered the last two summers.

The Courses

The courses are offered for free to eligible 13 to 17 year olds. There will be:

• Sailing: four one-week sessions in August from 10am to 4pm.
• Rowing: two one-week sessions in July from 10am to 1pm.
• Windsurfing: three one week sessions in July and August from 9:30am to 4pm.

Each week-long course offers the participants the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the sport taught by skilled instructors in an enjoyable way and in beautiful, natural surroundings on the Toronto waterfront.

Each course is free for the participants and all equipment for the sport will be provided. On completion of the week the participants should gain the first level of competence in the sport and a certificate to take home. Participants will wear a personal floatation device at all times on the water and coach/safety boats will accompany participants.

As well as on the water instruction there will be some on land training. Use may also be made of the beach facilities at Cherry Beach and/or Ward's Island for picnics, beach volleyball and optional swimming in the lifeguarded area. The sports are weather dependant and if the wind is not cooperative more time will be spent on land. If it rains, the sports will continue if other conditions are suitable.

Location

The Outer Harbour clubs are located on Regatta Road, just east of Cherry Beach. Arrangements will be made to provide bicycle or van transport to the clubs or TTC tickets by most of the agencies involved. For individuals, the Pape bus goes to Cherry Beach in July and August which is about a ten minute walk to the course.

Brochure

The 2012 brochure will be posted February 1, 2012.

Application Form

Youth come to the program through partnering agencies and by applying directly to the OHSF by filling out the on-line application form.

The 2012 application form will be posted February 1, 2012.

Please note that you must know how to swim, enjoy being in and on the water and come from a family that could not otherwise afford lessons in the sport (sailing, rowing or windsurfing) for you. Details on who is eligible are found here. Once you have been accepted a $25 deposit (may be less through some agencies) will be required to hold your place. The deposit will be returned to you if you attend the course or if you give at least ten days notice that you will not be able to attend.

Agencies Working with Youth

We have partnerships with the St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre, St Felix Centre, Pathways for Education, Regesh and the Ralph Thornton Centre. If you are with an agency that works with youth and would like to be involved we would love to hear from you.

Contact Information

For further information about the program or to enquire about registering for 2012 please contact: Mary Neumann at 416-968-1696 or mneumannto@rogers.com.