We often talk about whether or not the sailing tradition is alive and well and how it's a shame that kids these days bury their noses in screens rather than the outdoors. Well, I happened to be driving along the south shoreline of Toms River (the actual river, not the town) and what I saw was surprising. I saw hundreds of sailboats in the water spread across virtually the entire river. They were young kids in Optis and Sunfishes. There were at least 10 separate groups from various locations spread out among all the communities that line the river. Each group consisted of about 10 sailboats or more.
There were few adults, and the supervision on safety RIBS were typically older teens/young adults. I got out of the car to watch one group in the Pine Beach section and could hear the happy chatter of 8 to 12 year olds learning their skills and generally socializing. Let me tell you how that filled my heart!
I am assured that the tradition of sailing is well preserved. But it does depend a great deal on access and privilege. Toms River is an estuary to Barnegat Bay and the seafaring tradition goes back to the 17th century. It has very protected waters, which makes the perfect opportunity to teach these young kids about sailing.
There were few adults, and the supervision on safety RIBS were typically older teens/young adults. I got out of the car to watch one group in the Pine Beach section and could hear the happy chatter of 8 to 12 year olds learning their skills and generally socializing. Let me tell you how that filled my heart!
I am assured that the tradition of sailing is well preserved. But it does depend a great deal on access and privilege. Toms River is an estuary to Barnegat Bay and the seafaring tradition goes back to the 17th century. It has very protected waters, which makes the perfect opportunity to teach these young kids about sailing.
