Instruction 101

Talk often centers around attracting new sailors to our sport. Anyone who has seen us zipping around on the frozen expanses, has the curiosity bug and as we are usually a chatty group, will often give them the low down. Sometimes if we judge them dressed for the cold, and we have a helmet that fits, and either a spare boat or a two seater, we may provide their first lessons in sailing on ice. The Gambits or Nites are great for this type of indoctrination. A DN with a sidecar can also do but tougher to trade the helm. Hopefully you have conditions that lend to a leisurely sail, smooth safe ice, relatively warm temps, and something less than hurricane force winds. After the test ride with you at the helm, you may ask your newbie if they want to take over. If they answer yes, you are now in the official role of instructor. Iceboating is one of the few remaining sports where there are no professional schools for instruction nor a certificate qualifying you. Here is where common sense and safety concerns should instantly pop into your head.

Hopefully you have tried to ascertain the sailing abilities of your new convert. Do they sail soft water, are they aware of the rules of the road, do they know points of sail, are they aware of ice hazards and rescue. (Hopefully you have lent them a set of picks and have a throw line handy,) Understand too that communication is limited at this point. The more information you can give while stopped and helmets off, so all instructions can be heard, the better the lesson. At this point hand signals could be agreed upon such as sheet in, ease off, right turn, tack, jibe, and most importantly STOP! If you’re frantically pounding on their shoulder, they may have no idea what you want. When in doubt, stop and talk. Start with just enough speed to keep the boat moving nicely, keep the speed down until tacking, jibing, and stopping have been practiced. This may be an hour or more but please be as careful and knowledgeable as you can with new converts. Good habits make for more enjoyment and safer forays. Once the novice begins building confidence, they will generally start improving their skills and the performance capabilities of the craft. If it’s your boat, you may have to set some limits.

If you’re helping someone with a first time on ice scenario, things are not quite so controlled. You may want to do a quick check to see if everything is set up correctly. I always carry a spare set of picks to lend just in case. After the basic instruction and rules have again been reinforced, you might try a game of follow the leader. Head up and do a few easy tacks and then stop. Your student should not be allowed to pass you and stop where you do. Talk about the short ride. Does everything in your boat seem to be working right? Did you have trouble with the boom shifting over? Does the sheet run through the blocks freely. Do you fit comfortably in the cockpit? (As comfortable as possible, depending on the boat.) This might mean a trip back to the pits to correct anything you need to. Going back though now introduces the student into jibing. Depending on conditions, this can be quite intimidating as they go broadside to the wind. Too tight a sheet has caused many an OBE. Out of boat experience. I’ve had several in my lifetime, fewer of later years. I must have learned.

A few more rounds of up and down in a good practice area, usually gives the student enough confidence to go for more. If you’re there with your buddies, you could join the group. You could be his wingman and keep an eye on him. If it’s just the two of you, you might want to do a little cruising. Keep a constant eye out for each other and take frequent breaks to converse. Remember helmets and face masks can muffle voices quite well.

At this point you should be recognized as doing your best to keep our sport alive. Thank you.

After a few times on the ice, you may see him doing quite well and you’ve got a new sailing buddy. He may also be the competitive type and foster an interest in racing. If you are a racer yourself, you may continue to be his teacher. If not, be sure he knows about the IDNIYRA, and tell him of any regattas you know of. I’ll leave racing lessons to those more qualified than myself.

For those of you who have had the opportunity to teach, thank you. You have taught someone a life long sport and help our sport survive a little longer. Think ice and remember what your runner plank is tuned for when the holidays hit. A Christmas Wish for smooth safe ice and fair winds.