Sailing & Paddling Programs

W&WLC follows cold water safety recommendations made by the USCG and the National Center for Cold Water Safety. Thermal gear (Neoprene, wetsuits, sailing or kayaking boots) is recommended for water temperatures below 75F, and is required for water temperatures below 70F. These temperatures occur mid October through late April along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Summer Sail Camps

Sail Camp at the Wind and Water Learning CenterFirst Full Week of June through Last Week of July

Resident Rate: $175/week    Non-Resident Rate: $200/week (Rates subject to change.)

US Sailing Certified Level 1 Small Boat Instructors guide campers during week-long Sail Camps in June and July using Optimist Prams and Sunfish sailboats. Our Sail Camps are intended to introduce newer sailors to the sport or help older campers brush up on the skills they learned last summer in a safe and fun environment. Water safety and good sportsmanship are essential in all of our Sail Camp activities! All campers will need to be able to swim without fear of the water. We will play sailing games, learn knots, and practice the basics of sailing (capsize recovery, points of sail, rigging, how to notice weather and wind direction, sailing terminology, sail trim, and how to skipper and crew a dinghy). These camps fill up fast, so be on the lookout for registration to open in March. 

Sail Camp registration is through the platform ActiveNet. You will need the following info to register your camper. BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE ALL OF THIS INFO AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION:

  • Any allergies and/or medical conditions
  • Camper’s approximate height and weight
  • Camper’s T-shirt size
  • Camper's swimming ability
  • A list (if applicable) of people and their contact info that you authorize to pick up your child from camp

Once registration opens, click on the links below to sign up. 

Age grouping: 

  • Sandpipers (6-8 years old = rising 1st - 3rd graders) 
  • Pelicans (9-11 years old= rising 4th - 6th graders)
  • Ospreys (12-14 years old= rising 7th-9th graders)
  • High School Sail Week (15 -17 years old = rising Sophomores - Seniors).

2026 Dates: 

Each week has a morning session from 9 a.m. to noon, and an afternoon session from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Registration opens for the general public on March 5th at 9 a.m.

Grades: 6th - 12th grades with a minimum 4 students and a maximum 10 students

Fall 2026 semester: 5 week series from Sept 2nd - October 1st

10 Total sessions:  Five 3 hour classroom sessions (Wednesdays, 1pm-4pm) + Five 3 hour sailing lessons (Thursdays, 9am-12pm)

Cost per student: $250 

Registration link: 2026 Registration Coming Soon!

Course Description: This course will utilize US Sailing’s REACH curriculum to provide hands-on, inquiry-based learning to teach science, technology, engineering and math concepts as they pertain to the sport of sailing. This curriculum was a joint venture of US Sailing and several sailing education centers across the United States. It was produced under a grant from the John B. and Nelly Llanos Kilroy Foundation. There are both classroom components and on-water modules each week. Multi-modal instruction is led in the W&WLC classroom and on the water of Wolf Bay. Students will learn about STEM topics in the classroom, and learn to sail and utilize the STEM concepts on the water during sailing days. Students will learn to sail in Optis or Sunfish sailboats, depending on student height, weight, physical capabilities, and daily wind conditions. 

Grades: 6th - 12th grades with a minimum 4 students and a maximum 10 students

Spring 2027 semester: 6 week series from April 1st to May 6th

6 Total sessions: Six classroom /on the water hybrid series = 18 hours of instruction - Thursdays, 9 am-12pm

Cost per student: $150  

Registration link: 2027 Registration Coming Soon!

Course Description: The PS2 Kayak curriculum emphasizes safety and an array of skill development. This curriculum was a joint venture of the ACA and the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR). It was produced under a grant from the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The course is focused on 20 learning objectives that are essential for students to paddle safely in a flat water, near-shore environment. There are both classroom components and on-water modules each week. Multi-modal instruction is led in the W&WLC classroom and on the water of Wolf Bay. Students will learn in sit-on-top kayaks or decked sea kayaks, depending on student height, weight, physical capabilities, and water comfort level.

Small Group and Private Sailing / Kayaking Lessons

March through May | September through November

Resident Rate: $60/person      Non-Resident Rate: $75/person 

Scheduling is based on Instructor’s availability and scheduled WWLC programming. All gear (except thermal gear/footwear) is provided. Lessons can be booked for up to four participants for ages 8 years and older. Minors under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian; minors between ages 16-18 are eligible to take lessons in groups of 2 - 4 participants. 

 Sailing: We teach beginner and intermediate sailing skills in our Sunfish fleet using the US Sailing curriculum. All participants will be required to learn capsize recovery and demonstrate the skill during their first lesson. Learning topics include: on the water safety, weather and wind awareness, knots and rigging, capsize recovery, steering, sail trim and speed control, upwind and downwind sailing, points of sail, getting out of irons, right of way for sailors, and any other requested basics of sailing that can be accommodated by the WWLC at that time. Lessons are taught by a US Sailing Small Boat Level 1 Instructor.

Women's Sailing Workshop

 Kayaking: We teach beginner kayaking skills in sit-in touring style and sit-on kayaks following ACA course guidelines. Learning topics include: on the water safety, trip planning and float plans, capsize recovery, paddle strokes, right of way for kayakers, gear selection, transporting kayaks, and any other requested basics of kayaking that can be accommodated by the WWLC at that time. Lessons are taught by an ACA Level 2 Coastal Kayak Instructor.

Kayaks

Women's Sailing Workshop Series

August through October

$260 / participant

A sailing workshop series taught by women, for women. Come learn sailing basics without intimidation! Ladies 18 years and older will sail in our Sunfish fleet. This series will consist of 12 hours of instruction led over the course of multiple days. Minimum of two participants for the series to run capped at six participants. 


Dates:

  • Aug 15th-16th, 9am-4pm
  • Sept 12th-13th, 9am-4pm
  • Oct 3rd-4th, 9am-4pm

ACA Kayak Courses

Skill-based workshops are taught by ACA Coastal Kayak Level II Instructors. Instructor Certification courses are taught by ACA Instructor Trainers. These courses are open to the public and can also be led as private classes upon request throughout the year for small groups (5 students or fewer). Classes open to the public need a minimum of 4 participants to run, and are capped at 10 participants. Dates and registration are announced throughout the year. Costs vary by course. 

ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Workshops

  • Taught by ACA L3 Coastal Kayak Instructor Trainer
  • Participants can bring their own kayaks and gear, or rent kayaks at a rate of $25/day while taking this course
  • $175 per person per day (workshops will run with a minimum of 4 participants, and a maximum of 10 participants)
  • The minimum age to participate is 16 years old
  • For more information, call 251-424-5909 or email pellison@orangebeachal.gov.

Dates TBD

Introduction to Paddling

Develop skills in safe, responsible, and enjoyable kayaking in sit-on-top kayaks. We take a hands-on, in-the-water approach to teaching efficient paddle strokes, best trip planning practices, and safety skills. This course is all about getting you comfortable on calm, back bay waters and teaching people who are brand new to paddle sports. A formal ACA skills assessment or a private course session for this class can be arranged. Please contact Pearson Ellison at pellison@orangebeachal.gov to schedule this. Once dates are determined, links will be added below to register.

  • $125 includes kayak/gear rental plus instruction

Flatwater Kayak Rescue & Safety

Develop skills in safe, responsible, and enjoyable kayaking in sit-on-top kayaks. We take a hands-on, in-the-water approach to teaching efficient paddle strokes, assisted and self-rescue using little or no equipment, best trip planning practices, and safety skills. This is a great course for those who want to be better prepared to handle themselves on the water, or to help others in their kayaking group. A formal ACA skills assessment or a private course session for this class can be arranged. Please contact Pearson Ellison at pellison@orangebeachal.gov to schedule this. Once dates are determined, links will be added below to register.

  • $125 includes kayak/gear rental plus instruction

Coastal Kayaking Skills

Develop skills in safe, responsible, and enjoyable kayaking on the following crafts: traditional decked sea kayaks, inflatables, and sit-on tops. The use of spray-skirts is not part of this course. This is a great course to take in preparation of open water kayaking and multi-day paddle trips. We take a hands-on, in-the-water approach to teaching efficient paddle strokes, assisted and self-rescue, best trip planning practices, and safety skills. A formal ACA skills assessment or a private course session for this class can be arranged.  Please contact Pearson Ellison at pellison@orangebeachal.gov to schedule this. Once dates are determined, links will be added below to register.

  • $125 includes kayak/gear rental plus instruction

Essentials of Kayak Touring

This course is for kayakers who wish to further develop and refine their skills of safe, responsible, and enjoyable kayaking in traditional decked sea kayaks. The use of spray skirts is an optional part of this course.  Class emphasis is on safety and best judgment on the water, as well as rescue techniques that can be performed with minimal equipment. This class is for those who are preparing for longer mileage on the water, or for those who are starting to lead groups of people in paddlecrafts. A formal ACA skills assessment or a private course session for this class can be arranged.  Please contact Pearson Ellison at pellison@orangebeachal.gov to schedule this. Once dates are determined, links will be added below to register.

  • $125 includes kayak/gear rental plus instruction

Paddle & Paint Kayak Excursions

Offered Wednesdays in August and can be booked privately for groups (Call if you need to request a student pricing for a field trip) 

2026 Dates: August 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

Registration coming soon!

$55/ participant 

On this 2.5 hour excursion, participants will learn multiple paddle strokes, making them a more efficient kayaker. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice basic watercolor techniques while creating their own work of art as they float in back-bay waters. "Unplug," take in a scenic sunset, and enjoy a peaceful paddle in Wolf Bay. Excursions need a minimum of 2 participants to run.

 Email pellison@orangebeachal.gov or call 251-424-5909 for more information.