

At the CSU Channel Islands Youth Watersports Camp, we pride ourselves in providing first-class programs that take full advantage of all the amenities of the beautiful Channel Islands Harbor. Our camp offers courses for all skill levels, whether you’re a true beginner or have engaged in watersports activities for years, you can find fun, excitement and a challenge on the water. With a safety first attitude, our professional instructors, who hold the proper certifications, allow all students the opportunity to learn in a fun and safe environment. Whether it is windsurfing, kayaking or sailing, our camp is intended to teach the skills necessary for handling and maneuvering these vessels safely while teaching proper etiquette and seamanship that is useful in all types of boating.
Participants will select one specialized instructional activity (Introduction to Sailing, Performance Sailing, Introduction to Kayaking, Performance Kayaking or Introduction to Windsurfing) for the week. They will receive instruction in this activity each day from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Each day will be filled with hands-on instruction, water- and land-based games, water safety, and environmental education. Please note that if the minimum enrollment for an activity is not met, the camper’s alternate activity may be assigned by the instructor on the first day of camp. We will provide a waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis for activities that are full for that particular week.
On Fridays from 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM, parents and family members are invited to join and participate in their camper’s experience. This is a great opportunity for your child to show off his/her new skills and for you to meet the instructors. Parents and family members interested in the Family Day at the Docks must register on the first day of camp. CAUTION to all parents and family members – please come prepared to get wet and have a great time!
The CSU Channel Islands Youth Watersports sailing program is one of the most comprehensive sailing instructional programs in Southern California. The temperate water of the Channel Islands combined with a consistent summer breeze is the ideal location to learn the fundamentals of sailing in a safe and controlled environment. With our program continually evolving, our professional and friendly staff allows us to offer the best youth sailing instruction available. The sailing staff for the CSUCI Waterfront Program are experienced, year-round instructors who hold US Sailing certifications.
Small Boat Sailing Instructor
Small Boat Sailing Level 1 instructors know how to teach in dinghies, multi-hull, and small day-sailing keel boats both on the boat and from a separate safety boat. Good sailing and powerboat handling skills require:
Introduction to Sailing
This course is designed for youth who have little to no sailing experience or for those who have moderate sailing experience and can use a refresher course. This course offers 28 hours of instruction in basic sailing theory and boat handling. Courses are composed of on-land sessions followed by on-the-water practice sessions in Capri 16.5 sailboats and Laser Picos. These safe and stable sailboats are the perfect platform to have your child sailing confidently with one or two other participants.
Performance Sailing
This course is intended as a follow-up to our Introduction to Sailing course or for the camper with a good background in sailing (consent of instructor required). The 28 hours of instruction builds sailing fundamentals and expands on sail and boat trim, racing and tactics. By the end of the course students will have sailed in the Capri 16.5, Laser Picos and the Collegiate FJ.
What better way to get on the water and experience the wonderful sights of the Channel Islands Harbor than by joining our kayaking program? This introductory program takes place at the harbor and focuses on the fundamentals of kayaking. The kayaks are safe, light, extremely comfortable and will allow each camper to relax and have a great time.
Introduction to Kayaking
This course is designed for youth with little to no kayaking experience. We will teach basic fundamentals including boat handling, body positioning, strokes, recoveries, water safety and equipment care. Participants will tour the Channel Islands Harbor and surrounding coasts (as weather permits), allowing campers to see the various types of marine life in this beautiful aquatic environment.
Performance Kayaking
This class will break down the fundamental strokes to become more efficient while introducing more advanced strokes and braces. Participants will develop their strokes, endurance, rescues, towing and navigation on open water (as weather permits). This course is a great step for anyone wishing to develop their skills past the introductory level. Performance Kayaking promotes confidence in the ever-changing conditions of the ocean with wind, swell and waves while enjoying the beautiful coast of Southern California.
Windsurfing Program ***NEW THIS SUMMER***
Windsurfing is a fantastic sport and children of all ages have the opportunity to master it! Other than just being a great way to get out on the water and explore, windsurfing is a challenging sport that strengthens your upper and lower body. With progressive lesson planning, our well-trained staff will have you riding like a pro in no time.
Introduction to Windsurfing
Welcome to the world of windsurfing! This week-long session covers the basics of windsurfing, such as sailing theory, proper stance, sail handling, tacking and beach starts. Based upon the student’s progression, advanced techniques such as water starts and jibing will be introduced. Our certified instructors understand it all starts with the basics and will help introduce these theories according to your child’s personal needs. At the end of the session your child will have learned the fundamentals and have taken his/her first steps into the world of windsurfing.
Jump Start to Summer Program ***NEW THIS SUMMER***
This one-day program is free to any camper who registers before June 8. If a camper registers after June 8, there will be an additional $25.00 fee for this program. Jump Start offers the perfect opportunity for your child to get a head start, make new friends and meet his/her instructors before the camp begins. Campers will also get familiar with the equipment and the harbor early on. The one-day jump start will consist of building confidence, skill and experience in the water sport of your child’s choice.
Our skilled and friendly staff have been carefully selected for their waterfront background, education and training experience. Our camp staff is committed to a “safety first” approach to having fun, and we regularly hold safety trainings and reviews. Each staff member is certified in CPR, First Aid and lifeguarding through the American Red Cross, as well as safe-boat handling through the California Department of Boating and Waterways. Additionally, most of our sailing instructors are certified US Sailing Small Boat instructors. Expect only the best with our highly qualified and dynamic staff.
Instructor Certifications
The American Red Cross prepares lifeguards through classroom learning and hands-on practice. Skills learned include:
The CSU Channel Islands Youth Watersports Camp operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Additionally, we offer early care starting at 7:00 AM and after care until 6:00 PM to aid parents with their schedules. There is a $20.00 weekly fee for early or after care or $35.00 for both.
Typical Day at Camp
2009 Camp Rates
Standard full-week camp session: $120.00
Each additional session for the same camper: $110.00
Jump Start to Summer: $25.00 per session (Campers who register before June 8, 2009 will be eligible to attend any session of the one-day Jump Start program for free.)
Multiple Session Discount:
Book two or more weeks and receive $10 off each additional session**!
**Discount does not apply to first session.
A few scholarships are available and may be arranged for a family in need. Please contact Josh Wade at (805) 437-3212 for more information.
Camp Dates
There will be six one-week summer sessions beginning June 29, 2009 and continuing through August 14, 2009, and three one-day Jump Start sessions:
Camp Registration
To register for camp:
CSU Channel Islands
Attn: Josh Wade, Campus Recreation
One University Dr.
Camarillo, CA 93012
Upon Receipt of Registration and Payment:
A complete registration packet will be sent which will include health history forms, a clothing and supplies list, medical and parent release forms, the session registration confirmation and instructional choices. (Forms must be completed and returned prior to participation.)
Refund Policy:
A written notice of cancellation must be received at least seven (7) days prior to the start of the session that the participant is enrolled in. No refunds will be given with less than seven (7) days notice. A $10 administration fee will be assessed for all refunds. Complete refunds will be given if the session is canceled. Refunds take approximately four to six weeks to be processed.
General Information
US Sailing Certification Available
Participants can work towards receiving their US Sailing Small Boat Certification while at camp by asking the instructor on the first day of camp for an Official Logbook of Sailing.* The Small Boat Certification is the first step in the US Sailing Certification process and can be upgraded as participants add to their sailing credentials.
*Logbook requires an additional $12.00 fee.
The CSU Channel Islands Waterfront is located at 3950 Bluefin Circle in Oxnard, CA, 93035, at the dock between the Whale’s Tail and Port Royal restaurants.
Driving from north of Oxnard, CA:
Merge onto US-101 S to Los Angeles
Take the exit toward Victoria Ave./Channel Islands Harbor - 0.2 mi.
Turn left at Valentine Rd. - 0.1 mi.
Turn right at S. Victoria Ave. - 5.4 mi.
Turn right at W. Channel Islands Blvd. - 0.5 mi.
Turn left to stay on W. Channel Islands Blvd. - 417 ft.
Slight left at Harbor Blvd. - 0.8 mi.
Turn left at Bluefin Circle - 400 ft.
Arrive at 3950 Bluefin Circle
Driving from south of Oxnard, CA:
Merge onto US-101 N toward Ventura
Take the Victoria Ave. exit toward Channel Islands Harbor - 0.2 mi.
Turn left at S. Victoria Ave. - 5.5 mi.
Turn right at W. Channel Islands Blvd. - 0.5 mi.
Turn left to stay on W. Channel Islands Blvd. - 417 ft.
Slight left at Harbor Blvd. - 0.8 mi.
Turn left at Bluefin Circle - 400 ft.
Arrive at 3950 Bluefin Circle
How to Obtain a Registration Packet
If you would like to obtain a registration packet for yourself, friends or family members, please contact the Campus Recreation office and we will send you the packets via standard mail or email if you prefer. If you will be visiting CSUCI and call before you arrive on campus, we can have packets ready for you to pick up at the Recreation Center. If you work on campus, we can either have packets ready for you at the Rec Center or send them directly to your office via interoffice mail.
Rec Center Summer Hours: Monday - Friday, 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Phone: 805-437-8902
Email: campusrecreation@csuci.edu
CSU Channel Islands - One University Drive - Camarillo CA 93012 USA - Phone: (805) 437-8400
© 2005-2009 CSU Channel Islands. All rights reserved.