A wetsuit is like a snug onesie with long arms and legs that zips up at the back. It’s made from neoprene, a warm, rubbery material with tiny bubbles that help keep you warm and provide extra buoyancy (so you float better). Just remember, a wetsuit won’t keep you dry!
Everything you need to know about your visit
No problem! You don’t need to be able to swim to take part in activities at UKSA. You’ll be wearing a wetsuit and a buoyancy aid, which will help you float. We start the trip with fun team games in the water to help build your confidence.
For water activities, you’ll wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, and helmet – all provided by us. We’ll make sure everything fits and you feel comfortable before heading out on the water. You’ll also need a pair of wetsuit shoes or old trainers (nothing fancy, they’ll get wet!) and under your wetsuit, you’ll wear a swimming costume, and possibly shorts and a t-shirt.
A buoyancy aid helps you float – it ‘aids your buoyancy’! It’s similar to a life jacket but more comfortable to wear. It looks like a padded vest with foam panels on the front and back. You pull it on over your head and wear it on top of your wetsuit.
Yes, you’ll sleep in a bunk bed in a room with your friends. Your teachers will decide who shares rooms, and they usually try to keep friends together. Girls and boys have separate bedrooms and bathrooms.
It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous about trying something new, like sleeping away from home or going sailing. Your teachers and friends will be there to support you, and all our friendly instructors will make sure you feel safe and have fun. If you’re unsure about anything, just ask!
You’ll be active all day, so you’ll need good food to keep your energy up. There’s a choice of meals, and you can always go back for seconds if you’re hungry. We’ll check with your adults about any allergies or foods you don’t like, so there’s always something for you to enjoy.
Sometimes, but your wetsuit will help keep you warm, and you’ll be moving around a lot. If you do feel cold, just let an instructor or teacher know. The Isle of Wight is the sunniest place in the UK, so in the summer, you’ll need sun cream and a hat!
Kayaking is great fun! Unlike canoes where you sit inside, in a kayak you sit on top. You’ll paddle with a friend, working together to steer and move in the right direction – it’s a brilliant way to test your teamwork skills.
A dinghy is a small sailing boat with a single sail – no paddles needed! You’ll learn how to steer and control the sail to make the dinghy go where you want. You’ll be part of a crew with one or two friends, working together to sail the boat.
No, you’ll never be made to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about trying something new, but often those things turn out to be the most fun! Talk to your teachers or instructors about any worries you have, and maybe watch your friends having fun before giving it a go.
Absolutely! We welcome everyone at UKSA and want every young person to have an amazing experience.
Paddleboarding, also known as SUP (short for stand-up paddleboarding), is all about moving your board around on the water using a paddle. But don’t worry – you don’t have to stand up if you don’t want to! We also have a giant paddleboard that can fit lots of people for extra fun.
A keel boat is a bigger sailing boat that you’ll sail with up to five friends and an instructor. It has two sails and a small engine, and you’ll get a chance to take turns steering the boat.
There’s no need to worry. Just speak to a teacher or one of our friendly watersports instructors – they’re happy to help and will make sure you feel comfortable.
We recommend leaving expensive or valuable items at home, as things can easily get lost or damaged. Mobile phones, even waterproof ones, are not allowed on the water.
Nope! There are no sharks at UKSA. If you’re really lucky, you might spot a fish, a seal, or even a dolphin, but they usually hide from all the splashing and laughter during school trips.