"...the canoes were coming out from all sides to barter. There must have been over 200 canoes and aboard each two, three, four and five men...Their canoes are very beautiful and well made... they knew how to handle them well, sailing before the wind rather skillfully..." — Oliver van Noort, 1600
Free Drop-in, sailing instruction is offered to adults and teenagers, from 9am to 11am on Saturdays at the Guma Sakman (canoe house), across the street from Marianas High School in Susupe. Teenagers will need a parent to register them. All levels of experience are welcome but students need to be able to swim 400 meters non-stop and tred water for 60 minuntes. A swim test will be scheduled after registration. Students who need to learn to swim can join the Adult Learn-to-swim lessons on Wednesday mornings at 6am at the Guma Sakman. Download the Lalåyak book.
Sailing practice until 1pm follows sailing instruction, with an instructor present on the beach. Participants help get the canoes out of the canoe house, set them up, and to put them away after class.
Note: Lalayak students who pass an on-water sailing test, swim test, and written test can sail 500 Sails canoes on their own.
Adults and accompanied children are welcome to join in the fun and take a free ride on a caone on Saturdays from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Rides are about 20 minutes long. Life jackets are required and available. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Dress appropriately for sailing in an open canoe - you might get wet!