Okay so when you think of Yorkshire, you think of rolling hills, beautiful landscapes, maybe a few…read morewhippets and flat caps and then the shopping utopia of Leeds. You are less likely to think of water sports. Well you'd be wrong. The Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre is a great programme for all age groups. They operate about 8 miles out of the centre in Yeadon. What you'll get is courses for your kid, for you and whatever your ability level. You want it, they'll probably have it. Sailing is a really under estimated sport and is a fab way to get some lung busting air in your body. You can try it out in a taster session or go for the more advanced courses, it really is up to you. You can also learn first aid or have a go at powerboating, canoeing or kayaking. Loads of choice, loads of appeal and a real gem to be found just a skip away from the city.

Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre is a great place to know about, especially if you live in or…read morearound Leeds and have children. It is also great for people in who have time during the week or Saturday mornings for watersports classes. You do not need to live in Leeds District to go to classes there. During the April, May, summer and October break, they offer activities for childen, including some very reasonably priced week-long summer camps that enable children to sample many of the different activities they provide. The centre offers a very broad range of activities: indoor caving, biking, raft-building, standup paddleboarding, among other things. After doing a multi-activity camp, my son went back for some additional classes and now has Royal Yachting Association qualifications in dinghy sailing and British Canoeist Union qualifications in paddlesports (canoeing & kayaking). We also held his birthday party there for a few years (1 hour of watersports for a group, followed by takeaway pizza and cake in one of their rental rooms) and everyone enjoyed it. I have done (adult) paddlesports classes there and the training was very thorough. There are a lot of other classes on offer, too: windsurfing, rowing, bell-boating, and (during the offseason) powerboating. They do a lot with handicapped groups, too. The only downside to LSAC is that they share Yeadon tarn with the Yeadon sailing club, so don't run classes on Saturday afternoons or Sundays. The full range of classes is available on a PDF that is downloadable from the Leeds City Council website for booking ahead and you do need to book in advance because courses get pulled if too few people sign up.

We visit Dexters in the summer holidays and this year came twice as so many wanted to take part…read more I bring a group of children and young people who all want to return back each summer. They all love their surf session and look forward to going all year. Staff are professional, fun, safe and patient. A fantastic experience for all ages and an amazing opportunity to learn how to surf. Fantastic instructors.

From the owner: Dexter's Surf Shop Surf School & Hire Centre, Scarborough is a fantastic base for exploring the…read morearea, with all kinds of fun activities for family and friends, We have it all! Surf Hire, SUP Hire, Kayak Hire, Cycle Hire & Deck Chairs not to mention our fantastic Surf School. We are the number 1 attraction on tripadvisor and the only ASI approved Surf School on the east Coast. Theres plenty to do for all ages. Dexter's Surf School is home to one of the most comprehensive surf schools on the East Coast situated right on Scarborough's North Bay 20ft from the beach. Our fully insured Surf School and fully accredited ASI Surf Coach are happy to teach one on one right up to large groups, we can accommodate most requests and all are welcome Schools, Stag / Hen Parties, Birthday parties and Corporate Events. Hiring and lessons has never been so easy, Just bring a towel and we'll do the rest! We'll even photograph it for you!