Something for Everyone

Children at this age may need some extra help with feeling comfortable in the water and enjoying our coastal environment. This class gets them in the water and aboard different types of boats and floats, in a safe and fun environment. Water and dock safety, paddling, and fishing are a few of the areas they will experience, some of them for the first time! Let us help you introduce them to the wonderful world of watersports!

Suitable For:

Ages 5 – 7

Class Schedule

June 5 – June 9
June 12 – June 16
June 19 – June 23
June 26 – June 30
July 10 – July 14
July 17 – July 21
July 24 – July 28
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 1 – 4 p.m. Daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $180

Students new to watersports may not be very sure of what type of activity they would like to try. So, we have created a class that spends each day with a different sport – Boating Safety, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Exploring Marine Life, and Kayaking are all part of the week! We will introduce students to a variety of activities and help them decide on what interests them the most!

Suitable For:

Ages 8 – 12

Class Schedule

June 5 – June 9
June 12 – June 16
June 19 – June 23
June 26 – June 30
July 10 – July 14
July 17 – July 21
July 24 – July 28
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 1 – 4 p.m. Daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $190

A Vanguard Pram is an excellent teaching boat for young sailors and this class gives every student the opportunity to experience how to maneuver a sailboat. The prams are primarily operated in Frenchman Creek, where two instructors will assist in their learning process and facilitate the growth of inexperienced sailors or more advanced sailors.

Suitable For:

Ages 6 – 8

Class Schedule

June 5 – June 9
June 12 – June 16
June 19 – June 23
June 26 – June 30
July 10 – July 14
July 17 – July 21
July 24 – July 28
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 1 – 4 p.m. Daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $180

Let us introduce your child to the wonders of the Bay Area! Students learn about plants, animals, and ecosystems that are found in their own backyards! Each day focuses on a new topic, including marine mammals, marine birds, invertebrates, fish, and marine conservation. Students will explore the different environments on campus, search for dolphins and manatees in the waters adjacent to Eckerd College, identify creatures they see and/or catch in their nets, get acquainted with critters in our touch tank and learn specifics in the classroom through discussions, presentations, and crafts.

Suitable For:

Ages 5 – 7

Class Schedule

June 5 – June 9
June 12 – June 16
June 19 – June 23
June 26 – June 30
July 10 – July 14
July 17 – July 21
July 24 – July 28
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 1 – 4 p.m. Daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $195

Eckerd College’s proximity to the open waters of Boca Ciega Bay and Tampa Bay allows us to give children the opportunity to collect marine life and then learn about them up close. Students gather information about plants, animals, and ecosystems by exploring different Bay environments via van transport to different beach locations in the local area, collecting live samples to bring back to the dock. By working with a variety of equipment, students are able to observe the samples collected during the week.

Suitable For:

Ages 8 – 12

Class Schedule

June 5 – June 9
June 12 – June 16
June 19 – June 23
June 26 – June 30
July 10 – July 14
July 17 – July 21
July 24 – July 28
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 1 – 4 p.m. Daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $195

Windsurfing combines the fun of sailing and surfing to form a unique sport! Students stand on the surf type board, move the entire sail, and catch the wind to propel themselves across the water. Given the right wind conditions, windsurfers can get moving incredibly quickly! In this class, we alternate teaching the basics on a land simulator and using those new skills on the water. This class will be a hit whether they’ve never tried windsurfing before or they’ve mastered the basics and want to improve!

Suitable For:

Ages 9 -17

Class Schedule

June 5 – June 9
June 12 – June 16
June 19 – June 23
June 26 – June 30
July 10 – July 14
July 17 – July 21
July 24 – July 28
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 1 – 4 p.m. Daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $200

There are multiple ways to enjoy saltwater fishing and children in this beginning level class will be introduced to many of them. Students will fish from powerboats, kayaks and from our campus’ fishing piers and seawalls. They will be taught how to identify different types of fish, how and where to catch them, and what types of bait and tackle to use. All equipment and bait is provided, but all fish caught will be released. The goal is not to bring home dinner, but to enjoy the sport!

Suitable For:

Ages 8 – 14

Class Schedule

June 5 – June 9
June 12 – June 16
June 19 – June 23
June 26 – June 30
July 10 – July 14
July 17 – July 21
July 24 – July 28
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 1 – 4 p.m. Daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $200

In this class taught by USA Waterski certified instructors, students can experience the basics of wakeboarding, water skiing, and kneeboarding on Boca Ciega Bay, adjacent to the Eckerd College campus. Participants are encouraged to try all three sports, but instructors let them choose their equipment each time. Your child will love the excitement of these fast and fun watersports!

Suitable For:

Ages 9 – 17

Class Schedule

June 5 – June 9
June 12 – June 16
June 19 – June 23
June 26 – June 30
July 10 – July 14
July 17 – July 21
July 24 – July 28
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 1 – 4 p.m. Daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $295

Paddleboards, kayaks and canoes are more popular now than ever! Students new to paddlesports or looking to further develop their existing skills on these boats will be immersed in instruction provided by staff well-versed in national standards (NOWS Program). In this class we start on land with weather checks and boat and safety gear preparation. Next come maneuvers and stroke refinement within the boundaries of Frenchman’s Creek, and then we depart for paddle adventures, relays, and games in the protected waters of Boca Ciega Bay. Capsizing and self-rescue complete the lessons and work to create confident paddlesports enthusiasts!!

Suitable For:

Ages 9 – 15

Class Schedule

June 5 – June 9
June 12 – June 16
June 19 – June 23
June 26 – June 30
July 10 – July 14
July 17 – July 21
July 24 – July 28
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 1 – 4 p.m. Daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $190