All cadets need suitable clothing for racing and training. The following is the minimum clothing a cadet will need to take part in sailing:-

• Dinghy boots (no Crocs, Flip Flops or Bare feet. Boots must be worn at all times whilst sailing, on the ramp and in the lake area)
• Full Length Wetsuit (thickness appropriate to weather conditions)
• Personal Buoyancy Aid (should be appropriate size for cadet, buoyancy aids are used to pull cadets out of the water, if the cadet can slip out of it, it is the wrong size. We recommend crotch straps for younger children)
• Sailing Gloves
• Hat or Cap
• Spray Top
• Sun Tan Cream
• Water Bottle
• Cadets wanting to take part in racing or race training will need a watch with a stopwatch or timer function.

Cadets that in the opinion of the instructor have inadequate clothing for the conditions will not be allowed to sail. 

Other equipment you may find useful:

• Board shorts (Good to protect your wetsuit)
• Swimming kit/pants to go under your wetsuit
• Rash vest 
• Towel
• Bag to dump all your wet kit in (IKEA bags work well)
• Sailing gloves
• Sunglasses (and something to keep them on your head)

Helmets

Most dinghy sailors have had first-hand experience of being tapped on the head at least once by the boom and it may not always be from your own boat. This may make you consider wearing protective gear such as helmets. BSC Sailing School Committee has reviewed the evidence and taken advice, and concluded that parents and cadets need to have as much information as possible so as to enable them to make their own decisions.

The RYA have a document on the RYA website which sets out their position with regard to helmet wearing and effectiveness, and how to decide what type of helmet to purchase, if any.

As an RYA affiliated club we cannot make a recommendation either way, however as with all sailing safety equipment, badly fitting or inappropriate helmets will not be permitted during RYA training.