9 Essential Gear Picks for Kids Starting Sailing Camp

Watching a young sailor head out onto the open water for their first week of sailing camp is an exciting milestone for any family. However, the marine environment is notoriously harsh, and sending a child out with inadequate gear quickly leads to cold, wet, and miserable days on the dock. Arming them with the right equipment ensures they stay safe, comfortable, and focused on learning how to read the wind instead of battling the elements.

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What to Keep in Mind Before Sailing Camp Begins

Sailing camps are highly active environments where kids spend hours exposed to direct sunlight, wind, and constant water spray. Unlike a casual day at the beach, sailing requires constant movement, climbing over fiberglass hulls, and handling rough ropes. The wrong clothing or a poorly fitting life jacket will cause painful chafing within the first hour.

It is highly recommended to check with the camp director for a specific packing list before purchasing any gear, as some programs provide certain items like life jackets. However, owning personal gear guarantees a perfect fit, which is crucial for safety and confidence. Labeling every single item with waterproof ink is also essential, as camp cubbies and docks are notorious for swallowing identical-looking gear.

Finally, focus on gear that promotes independence. Young sailors need to be able to put on their own booties, zip their own life jackets, and manage their water bottles without constant adult assistance. Choosing user-friendly designs builds confidence on the water and keeps the focus on fun.

Kids Life Jacket – Mustang Survival Lil’ Legend

A personal flotation device (PFD) is the single most important piece of safety gear a child will wear at camp. It must be comfortable enough to wear all day without restricting movement while sailing or rigging. A bulky, ill-fitting life jacket will discourage movement and irritate a child’s neck and underarms.

The Mustang Survival Lil’ Legend is designed specifically for active youth who need mobility and reliable buoyancy. It features a ventilated mesh back that keeps kids cool on hot days and prevents the jacket from riding up when sitting in a dinghy. The ultra-soft fabric minimizes chafing, while the heavy-duty zipper and secure buckles ensure the vest stays locked in place.

• Size Options: Youth (50–90 lbs) and Child (33–55 lbs)
• USCG Approved: Type III PFD
• Key Feature: Head pillow on the child model for extra water safety

This PFD is ideal for active kids who need to move freely around a boat without bulk. It is not the best choice for infants under 33 pounds or for high-impact watersports like wakeboarding, where a specialized impact vest is preferred.

Sailing Booties – Gill Junior Edge Boots

Boat decks are slippery, and fiberglass cockpits are filled with hardware like cleats and travelers that can easily stub toes. Normal water shoes lack the grip and structural support needed for hiking out over the side of a sailboat. Sailing booties protect feet from scrapes while providing traction on wet, tilting surfaces.

The Gill Junior Edge Boots offer exceptional grip thanks to a non-marking natural rubber sole designed specifically for wet decks. Built with 4mm neoprene, they keep feet warm in cold water without overheating in warm weather. The reinforced heel, toe, and bridge areas provide extra protection against stubbed toes and wear from toe straps.

• Closure: Side zipper with a secure ankle strap
• Material: 4mm Neoprene with blindstitched seams
• Best For: Dinghy sailing, kayaking, and wet-deck activities

These booties are perfect for kids sailing in cooler waters or those using hiking straps regularly. However, they are not designed for long walks on hot pavement or rocky beaches, as rough terrain will wear down the specialized grip soles prematurely.

Youth Rash Guard – O’Neill Youth Basic Skins

A quality rash guard is the baseline layer for any day on the water. It prevents the constant rubbing of a life jacket against bare skin, which can cause painful rashes within hours. It also provides a reliable barrier against harmful UV rays, which are intensified by reflection off the water.

The O’Neill Youth Basic Skins rash guard is a top choice due to its UPF 50+ sun protection rating and highly durable construction. The 4-way stretch fabric moves with the child, ensuring comfort during active sailing maneuvers. Its flatlock seams lay flat against the skin, eliminating the friction points common in cheap, standard shirts.

• Material: Polyester/Spandex blend
• Sun Protection: UPF 50+ (blocks 98% of UV rays)
• Fit Style: Slim fit to prevent bunching under life jackets

This rash guard is excellent for daily wear under a life jacket in warm to temperate climates. It is not designed to provide thermal warmth, so kids sailing in cold climates will need a neoprene wetsuit top instead.

Sailing Gloves – Gill Junior Deckhand Gloves

Handling wet, salty ropes all day can quickly blister young, soft hands. Sailing gloves provide the grip needed to pull lines securely without losing feeling in the fingers. They also protect knuckles from scrapes when working around tight rigging.

The Gill Junior Deckhand Gloves feature Amara leather reinforcement on the palms to ensure a secure grip and excellent durability. The short-finger design leaves the fingertips exposed, allowing kids to perform delicate tasks like tying knots and securing cotter pins. A secure hook-and-loop wrist closure keeps the gloves snugly in place even when wet.

• Material: Amara synthetic leather palms with a 4-way stretch back
• Design: Short-finger cut for maximum dexterity
• Sizing: Specifically patterned for smaller youth hands

These gloves are a must-have for older campers handling mainsheets and jib sheets on larger dinghies. They are less necessary for very young kids in beginner programs who are not yet managing highly tensioned lines.

Dry Bag – Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag

Between spray, rain, and accidental capsizes, everything brought on a sailboat will get wet unless it is sealed away. A reliable dry bag keeps spare clothes, snacks, and towels dry and ready when camp ends. It also prevents wet gear from soaking the car on the ride home.

The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag is built from rugged 420D nylon, making it incredibly abrasion-resistant and durable enough to handle rough dock surfaces. The hypalon roll-top closure creates a watertight seal that keeps moisture out even if the bag goes overboard. Multiple lash loops make it easy to secure to the boat’s rigging so it doesn’t float away during a capsize.

• Capacity Options: 5L, 8L, 13L, 20L, 35L, 65L (the 13L is ideal for kids)
• Waterproof Rating: Heavy-duty waterproof fabric
• Base: Oval base resists rolling on sloped decks

This dry bag is perfect for kids who need to bring a dry change of clothes and lunch on the water. It is not designed for submersion under deep water, so electronics should still be placed in a dedicated waterproof case inside the bag.

Youth Sunglasses – Rheos Gear Eddies Floating

Glare off the water can cause severe eye strain and fatigue over the course of a long day on the boat. Normal sunglasses are easily dropped overboard and sink instantly to the bottom of the lake or bay. Floating sunglasses protect young eyes while saving parents from replacing lost gear.

Rheos Gear Eddies Floating sunglasses feature a specialized TPX construction that allows them to float naturally on the water’s surface. The polarized lenses cut through harsh water glare, making it easier for young sailors to see wind shifts and underwater obstacles. They also offer 100% UV protection and are treated with an anti-scratch coating to withstand sandy hands.

• Frame Material: Lightweight, floating TPX plastic
• Lens Type: Polarized with hydrophobic coating
• Sizing: Designed for youth faces (ages 5–12)

These sunglasses are excellent for any kid spending long days on sunny waters. They are not recommended for indoor use or overcast days when clear safety glasses or no glasses at all are preferred for visibility.

Mineral Sunscreen – Thinksport Kids SPF 50

Sunburn can ruin a sailing camp experience on the very first day. The combination of direct overhead sun and reflection off the water and white fiberglass decks creates a high-risk environment for young skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen that won’t wash off in the water is a non-negotiable safety item.

Thinksport Kids SPF 50 is a highly effective mineral sunscreen that relies on 20% non-nano zinc oxide for physical sun protection. Unlike chemical sunscreens, it begins working the moment it is applied and does not burn the eyes when kids sweat. The formula is highly water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, ensuring it stays on during active sailing and capsizing drills.

• Active Ingredient: 20% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
• Water Resistance: 80 minutes (highest FDA rating)
• Certification: EWG Verified top safety rating

This sunscreen is perfect for kids with sensitive skin who need reliable protection during water-based activities. It does leave a slight white cast upon application, which is actually helpful for parents to see any spots they might have missed.

Water Bottle – Yeti Rambler Junior 12 oz

Dehydration happens quickly on the water, where wind and spray can mask how much a child is sweating. Sailing dinghies offer no shade, meaning drinking water will warm up rapidly in a standard plastic bottle. A rugged, insulated bottle ensures kids always have refreshing, cold water on hand.

The Yeti Rambler Junior 12 oz is engineered with double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps water ice-cold even on the hottest summer days. The 18/8 stainless steel construction is virtually indestructible, easily surviving drops onto hard fiberglass decks or gravel parking lots. It features a leak-resistant straw cap that makes it easy for kids to drink quickly without spilling.

• Material: Kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel
• Lid Style: Straw Cap (leak-resistant when closed)
• Dishwasher Safe: Yes, for easy cleaning after camp

This bottle is ideal for younger campers who need a durable, easy-to-use bottle that keeps drinks cold all day. It may be too small for older teenagers, who should look at the 18 or 26-ounce Yeti options for longer days on the water.

Kids Spray Top – Gill Junior Pro Spray Top

Even on warm summer days, wind and spray can create a windchill effect that quickly cools a child down. A spray top acts as a barrier against wind and water, keeping the core dry and warm. It is a much lighter and more flexible option than a heavy raincoat or wetsuit.

The Gill Junior Pro Spray Top is constructed from a two-layer laminated fabric that is both waterproof and breathable. It features adjustable PU neck and wrist seals to prevent water from rushing in when sailing through waves or during capsizes. The wide neoprene waistband can be tightened to create a secure seal that stays in place under a life jacket.

• Fabric: 2-layer waterproof and breathable laminate
• Seals: Adjustable polyurethane neck and wrist closures
• Fit: Loose enough to layer over a rash guard or fleece

This spray top is perfect for kids sailing in breezy, choppy conditions where windchill is a constant factor. It is not necessary for hot, calm days when a simple rash guard provides adequate protection.

How to Check for a Safe and Proper PFD Fit

A life jacket only works if it stays on the child’s body when they enter the water. A PFD that is too loose will slide up over a child’s face, making it difficult to breathe or swim. To check the fit, begin by loosening all the straps, putting the jacket on, and then tightening them from the waist up to the shoulders.

Once the jacket is zipped and buckled, place your fingers under the shoulder straps and pull upward firmly. The PFD should not slide up past the child’s chin or ears. If it does, the straps need to be tightened further, or the jacket is simply too large for their current weight class.

Have the child perform a few basic movements, such as sitting down, twisting their torso, and reaching their arms overhead. The jacket should feel snug but not restrict their breathing or pinch their skin. Ensuring this perfect fit before the first day of camp prevents panic in the water and keeps your sailor safe.

Rinsing and Drying Sailing Gear After Camp

Saltwater, sand, and lake mud are highly destructive to marine gear if left to sit. Salt crystals can dry and act like sandpaper, wearing down fabric fibers and corroding zippers. Developing a daily rinsing routine after camp is essential to prolonging the lifespan of your investment.

Always rinse all gear—especially life jackets, booties, and spray tops—with fresh water as soon as you get home. Pay close attention to zippers, buckles, and velcro straps, flushing out any trapped salt or sand. Avoid using harsh detergents, as they can strip away waterproof coatings and damage neoprene materials.

Hang all gear to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area out of direct sunlight. High heat from a clothes dryer or UV rays from the sun can break down synthetic rubbers, fade fabrics, and degrade the foam inside life jackets. Once completely dry, store the gear in a cool, dry place to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Conclusion

Investing in the right gear ensures that a young sailor’s first camp experience is defined by fun and learning rather than cold feet and sunburn. By choosing high-quality, marine-grade equipment, parents can rest easy knowing their child is safe and comfortable on the water. With proper daily maintenance, these essential pieces will last through multiple seasons of wind, waves, and sun.