Leeway Sailing Center

went with my class and it was fun. It was gonna be my first time paddle boarding and wow my legs are sore. I thought I would stand in those paddle boards that you see on groupon and whatnot, but it’s wasn’t like that. the paddle boards are yellow and very similar to a kayak except it has a stepping place for feet. It made my legs and ankles shake but it was fun…1 hour was good for me.

Best place to spend your weekends on the water in long beach! In10 weeks, I’ve gone from zero knowledge of sailing to solo sailing! Every staff member has been so helpful and encouraging. All the high school volunteers are great teachers to us beginning sailors! Thank you to each instructor and volunteer who has shared their love of sailing, their patience in class, and their constant encouragement to us beginners. Looking forward to your Thursday nights on the water and many more sailing days at Leeway Sailing Thank you, Staff!

Awesome experience all around! Took a group of Girl Scouts here for an outing and they had a blast. The entire process was handled with such ease — from the initial information and reservations provided by Erin to the sailing and canoeing experience for the girls by great guides. I definitely recommend Leeway Sailing Center!

Best place to learn to sail in Long Beach! Leeway is affordable and very hands-​on. The instructors are helpful and most of the class is spent out on the water. I took the beginner class and certainly plan on taking the intermediate classes as well.

Cheapest way to learn to sail.
I found this place looking around L.A. and O.C. to take sailing lessons. Most cost just about an arm and a leg which you will then need to sail with and can’t because you had to fork it over to pay for the classes. LeeWay is by far the cheapest place to learn to sail. You learn the exact same things here that you would if you pay more somewhere else.
The instructors are really laid back and down to earth and make it easy for you to understand what they are talking about. And if that does not work for you give it about an hour or so and you’ll be out in a boat doing it. They will ride with students at first to help them navigate and understand the rules or the water and how to maneuver the boat. Your fee also includes a mini book for the class.
They provide life vest for every student and make sure it will fit you. You will learn knots and how to prepare a boat to sail and how to put store a boat after sailing. N your test you will flip your boat and then learn to turn it back upright. I didn’t do this part because it was winter and well honestly the water was freezing. Plus I wanted to take the class again since bringing it into the dock I really seem to have an issue with. For some reason I kept ramming the dock with the boat thus my need for retaking the class. If you pass the first class you can sign up to take class 2. I believe it is more of the same just more intense, but they will make sure you are prepared to take class 2.
I would suggest you get a good pair of water or frog shoes because you will need them. If its hot wear sun block and another good thing I used was a pair of thin rock climbing gloves. The first day my hands were a little raw and a bit nicked up on the knuckles. Once I had my gloves it made being out on the water a much nicer experience without the burning of the salt water getting into a cut or scrape. Do not wear large jewelry. Women take off your rings that stand up from your finger or you’ll wish you had. Small bands seem ok but nothing big or oversized.
Classes tend to fill up during the nicer weather like summer and spring but Winter and Fall it is easier to get into a class at the last minute. This does not always work but it just a suggestion. All classes are Saturday morning from 9am to noon for Class1. I can’t remember what Class 2 schedule is but you can look it up on line.
Happy Sailing…

Nestled at the southern end of Long Beach, this little beach and inlet are a hub of sailing action. Most of the vessels leaving these shores are people powered and peacefully sail their way out to sea. There’s parking along the road (bring quarters) and a hose is racked up on the wall that borders the edge of the sidewalk/​driveway where you can wash off your feet, flip-​flops and boards. It’s peaceful, tranquil and downright lovely. *sigh*
Wish I was there now…

this is where noah spends his afternoons. he gets to sail, canoes, kayaks, and even jumps off the docks.

The Leeway Sailing Center is an absolute gem of a find. I took a keelboat class at this center and I’m astounded with how much I learned in four weeks. The instructors are an excellent and enthusiastic group with much varied personalities and methodologies that when combined make for a positive and often humorous learning environment. Commodore Max is kind and astutely individualizes his instruction; Andrew is hysterically funny and will keep you guessing as to what will be his next great one-​liner; Mark Ryan is positive and giving; and Skipper Glen rounds out the group with his old-​school style. Topics included rigging, docking, setting the spinnaker, anchoring, and lots of hands-​on boat handling. The value of instruction was phenomenal. When our class sailed back into the bay after a weekly session, the instructors were greeted by numerous sailors, swimmers, and kayakers which rounded-​out a warmly provincial experience. I will definitely be returning for more classes.

If there are cheaper sailing classes I couldn’t find them.
For a little over $ 100 you can learn all the parts to the boat, the knots & basic sailing skills on the water.
I’ve taken beginning sailing with Bernadette, Intermediate with Jack & thought they were great instructors. If anyone wants to go with me or other Alumni to sail club on saturdays hit me up under the facebook page: search «Leeway Sailing Center Alumni» — and let me know.

expensive but worth it

Russ is the best kayaking instructor! Everyone here seemed cool, but it was a little bit disorganized inside. They are very knowledgeable and great instructors. If you are someone who is worried, this is the place for you because they will calm your fears. I will be signing up for something else again soon. Street parking is difficult, so come early. Highly recommended.

I’m torn, the staff and especially the teaching staff are amazing. I think they do a great, great job, 5 Stars.
However, I have a problem with how little the program is funded and the facilities. I took the beginning Capris class that lasts four weeks. We never go our packet of lessons because the staff was not allowed to make copies at the facility. On top of that we were down to 3 boats for 3 of the lessons. The boats were not kept up well which is a sign of lack of funding. Masts were not replaced so boats were out of service. At one point I saw 5 people in one small boat.
I think this is a great program but the city needs to fund it and get the boats fixed. I know we are in a budget crisis but in order to keep this program alive it needs more money. Also, it should have been an 8 week course but I’m sure for budget reasons it was cut to 4. (This was for a class in August of 2011.)
I want to reiterate, it wasn’t the staff’s fault, they were great!

This place is awesome. I frequent this place every summer with my camp and it is always wonderful. The staff are polite, knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. They know how to work with children. They are organized and make sure that the kids are having fun and experiencing all there is to offer. I recommend this place for camps, sending your child to camp, and anything else they offer.

Friends and I have taken a number of sailing courses here over the years. All the instructors have brought a positive outlook and interest in sailing. The brief class-​room reinforced with hands-​on approach, getting out on the water, makes for good fun while learning.
Great value through LB Parks & Recreation.

I took a kayaking class here through the LB Parks & Rec. It was a great introduction to kayaking. The instructor was very good and friendly. I like the fact that you have to have a license to rent their kayaks for safety reasons. They make sure that you are able to pull yourself out of the water just in case you tip over.

I was first introduced to Leeway when I was in grade school. I learned to sail a sabot, capri, and even a columbia!
As an adult, I’ve oftentimes looked back and wished I had continued with my sailing and vowed to pick it up again.
Then, one day, I came across the center by accident! I guess it was fated to be.
I just finished my beginning capri class, and I’ve signed up for the next intermediate level. If I have time before the end of the year, I’ll join the keelboat class after that, just to round it all off!
The instructors are nice and down to earth. They’re very helpful, and the entire experience was a pleasant one. I’d recommend this center to anyone and everyone!