UKSA is a leading Watersports centre based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Every year we welcome 200 schools and groups on a residential or non-residential basis. From day visits to 3- or 5-day residential trips there is something for all. Fun-packed Watersports and team building programmes offer the perfect options for year 6 transition breaks, year 7 and 8 team building visits or career insights for 14-17 year olds. With everything you need onsite, UKSA offers fun, safe, and engaging experiences ensuring everyone has a great time.

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UKSA

UKSA ensure programmes are tailored to your aspirations and young peoples needs. We welcome students with additional needs and use the water as a catalyst for positive outcomes. Learn to sail, kayak, windsurf or paddleboard. Or choose raft building and on-the-water team building activities. Evening activities can include swimming, archery, crabbing, park games and indoor football. Extend your trip with visits to some of the islands famous attractions like Dinosaur Isle or Osborne House

With 35 years of experience, UKSA is a maritime youth charity with a vision to inspire and support young people to broaden their horizons through life enhancing water-based adventures, education, and pathways for training for careers at sea. All trips are bespoke with visits designed to be stress free. Our instructors are fully qualified and work on a ratio of 1:6 for on-the-water activities. Teachers and group leaders do not need any previous watersports experience as our instructors take care of all activities afloat.

The wider benefits of participation in watersports are widely recognised and include inspiration, enjoyment, teamwork, boosting self-confidence and self-reliance, as well as the making and sealing of friendships. Our bespoke courses are designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and learn skills for life in an aspirational and safe environment. We define skills for life as being the six steps to success. We measure young people’s perception of their communication, decision making, participation, self-belief, determination, and resilience at the beginning of their visit, and again at the end of their stay. We share the outcomes achieved and insights gathered with schools to measure the impact of the experience on students’ personal development.

Onsite facilities include:

• Dormitory style accommodation blocks
• Dining room and in-house catering serving freshly cooked meals
• Indoor heated swimming pool
• Full-sized sports hall
• Drying room for wet kit
• Changing rooms and toilets
• Wi-Fi
• Bar
• Dedicated young person’s chillout area
• Study areas and classrooms

UKSA is easily accessible from Southampton ferry terminals. We are a ten minute walk from the heart of Cowes where the foot passenger terminal is location, or a short hop across the river to the car ferry terminal. Many groups enjoy getting a boat directly to our pontoons, which we can arrange. We offer complimentary teacher familiarisation weekends with no obligation to book – it’s an opportunity for you to look around our base and discuss what we can offer your school. Contact our dedicated Schools and Groups team to find out more 01983 203045 / schools@uksa.org.

Contact the Educational Visits UK team to help plan your next school trip.