10 Reasons Why Sailing and Adventuring with Kids Can Foster Important Life Skills
This week we are joined by Kim Anderson to talk all about sailing the world with kids! Kim has had some amazing experiences sailing throughout her life, and she has so much to share!
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Here are 10 reasons why sailing the world with kids is a fun and amazing experience.
1. You get to take your home with you
Constant traveling can be difficult, especially when you want to take your belongings. Also, kids crave consistency. Sailing allows you to have a home, but not have to stay put.
2. Team building
Living together on a boat as a family is a great opportunity for team building and family bonding. Everyone has a role to play on the ship. You are literally crossing oceans! It’s nothing but the waves, wind, and the people you’re traveling with.
3. Develop a love for the world
When you are sailing, you are moving with the water. You get to watch the sun and moon rise on the water. You become very aware of the world and its beauty. You and your kids also develop a better understanding of the importance of taking care of the planet.
4. The world becomes your vessel of learning
As a sailor, traveling becomes your source of learning. With kids, you can base school curriculums around your travels. Kids are sponges, so they will soak in everything that they learn from different people and cultures.
5. Learn life skills and responsibilities
As previously discussed, everyone has a role to fill on the boat. As kids learn about how to safely sail, they are able to take more responsibility and care for the boat and the people on it. For example, you learn what certain sounds and weather patterns mean, and then take action to do what needs to be done. This also teaches your kids that they DO have something to contribute, which builds confidence.
6. Safety
Many people would ask, “Is sailing safe for kids?”. If you know what you’re doing, it is very safe. There are ways to strap kids in. Sailing journeys can be adjusted to be kid friendly. Long voyages might be difficult with little kids, but you can choose areas where you can island hop or make quicker trips.
7. Create a community of friends around the world
Within the sailing community, you get to know other families and individuals who are also sailing the world. Your kids will build friendships with people who they never would have had the opportunity to meet at home.
8. Podcasts & blogs
There are so many blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts that provide more insight into sailing the world with kids. If you’re trying to decide if sailing is for your family, look into it! There are so many families who have made it work and love it!
9. Start small, start local
If sailing is something that you and your kids are interested in, don’t feel like you have to sail the world right away! Start with smaller journeys and stay local to nearby areas. Even if you’re landlocked, try out sailing in lakes.
10. As your kids grow, your boat can too!
As your kids get older and bigger, you have more crew members! This allows you to have a bigger boat and go on bigger adventures. So start small, and grow with your kids!
How to get started
Obviously, you’re going to need to learn how to sail before you embark on a sailing adventure.
There are sailing clubs that you can join to learn!
You can also charter a 40 or 50-foot sailboat with a captain to teach you how to sail.
Some coastal areas offer sailing classes.
If you find someone who has a vessel and needs a crew, you could join their journey.
Where to find Kim:
Podcast: Design Her Travel