On the Water
From first paddle to Olympic medal — discover sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and water sports for young people across the UK.
Your On the Water Journey
British Canoeing and Royal Yachting Association provide pathways from first sessions to international competition.
Water Discovery
Ages 5-8
Introduction to water safety, swimming confidence, and first paddle sports at a local canoe or sailing club.
Sailing - RYA Stage 2 Sailing - Youth
Better
on-the-waterSailing - RYA Stage 1 Sailing - Youth
Better
on-the-waterFoundation Water Skills
Ages 8-12
RYA Start Sailing or BC Paddle Start awards. Building core boat handling and paddling technique.
Sailing Week for Improvers
ClubHub UK
on-the-waterJunior Competition
Ages 12-15
Club racing, regional regattas, and BC/RYA junior events in chosen discipline.
Sailing Week for Improvers
ClubHub UK
on-the-waterYouth Development
Ages 15-17
National youth championships, talent identification, and intensive coaching programmes.
Elite Pathway
Ages 17-21
GB Canoeing/Sailing academies, World Junior Championships, Olympic pathway.
Where On the Water Can Take You
The skills developed transfer to many careers in and around the field.
Sailing Instructor
Teaching sailing and water sports
Key Skills
Typical Route
RYA Dinghy Instructor → Senior Instructor → Advanced Instructor
Professional Sailor
Racing professionally or working on superyachts
Key Skills
Typical Route
Club racing → National → Professional circuits/yacht crew
Marine Biologist
Studying marine life and ecosystems
Key Skills
Typical Route
Marine Biology degree → Research assistant → Scientist
Watersports Centre Manager
Running watersports facilities
Range: £23.8k - £44.2k
Source: ONS ASHE 2024
Key Skills
Typical Route
Instructor → Senior instructor → Centre manager
Salary data from Office for National Statistics, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2024
On the Water Heroes
These stars started at local clubs just like yours. Their journeys show what's possible.
Ben Ainslie
Sailing
Most decorated Olympic sailor in history — four gold medals
“My parents took me sailing in Cornwall at 8. The sea grabbed me and never let go.”
Ethan Hayter
Cycling/Water
Olympic medallist
“Thames youth clubs gave me my sporting foundation.”
Mallory Franklin
Canoe Slalom
Olympic silver medallist, World Champion
“The Canoe Club on my doorstep changed my life. Local water clubs create champions.”
Eilidh McIntyre
Sailing
Olympic gold medallist 470 class
“Scotland's lochs and coastline are a wonderful training ground. Get on the water young.”
Featured On the Water Providers
These organisations offer structured programmes for young people across the UK.
Better
8397 programmes
Better is the UK's largest charitable social enterprise for leisure, operating over 200 leisure centres, libraries, and children's centres. Activities include swimming lessons, gymnastics, tennis, dance, martial arts, climbing, football, multi-sports, holiday clubs, and more for all ages.
View provider page →Sample Programmes
Watersports Multi Activities - Multi Sports Activities Holiday Club
Watersports Multi Activities - Multi Sports Activities Holiday Club
Watersports Multi Activities - Multi Sports Activities Holiday Club
ClubHub UK
2625 programmes
ClubHub UK is a directory of children's activities, classes and clubs across the UK. Founded in 2016, it helps millions of parents discover trusted activities for their children.
View provider page →Sample Programmes
Sailing Week for Improvers
📍 PO18 8TE
Ages 9–14
Find On the Water Near You
Search by location, age, or programme type to find clubs and courses in your area.