Parent FAQ
Age requirements, swimming ability, coaching, equipment, weather policy, insurance and enrolment — answered for international families.
Answers to the questions parents ask most often, compiled from public articles. Where arrangements are session-specific, the current official notice prevails.
Age and prerequisites
At what age can my child join?
Hiking courses start at age 6 (the entry level is 6–7 years / kindergarten to Grade 1) and progress to age 11 and above. Sailing courses start at age 7 with no prior experience required. Overall the organization serves ages 6–18.
Can my child join sailing if they cannot swim?
Yes. Life jackets complying with national standards are worn at all times, and a coach individually checks every buckle and strap before entering the water — this is a mandatory rule with no exceptions. The course is designed for complete beginners.
Safety and water conditions
Is the sailing area open sea?
No. Instruction takes place on 240 hectares (3,600 mu) of enclosed water — sheltered from tidal influx, retaining fresh water, with no ocean swell and stable wind. Safety boats accompany all sessions at close range with no blind spots.
Coaching
Are the coaches part-time?
No. The sailing coaching team is entirely full-time. The team is made up of 1 senior, 1 intermediate and 4 junior coaches, all of whom have passed the China Yachting Association (CYA) coaching examination. Every coach holds three certificates: CYA sailing coach certification, a powerboat licence, and a Red Cross first-aider certificate. Coaches teach over 100 sessions per year each.
How many children per coach?
The overall ratio is 1:3.
Equipment
What equipment is needed?
Hiking: non-slip hiking shoes, long trousers, a backpack with items secured so hands stay free, sufficient water and snacks, sun protection and rain gear. Water activities: life jackets are provided on site; bring two spare sets of clothes and non-slip water shoes. Trim fingernails and toenails before departure.
What should my child NOT bring?
Smart watches (easily lost in water) and eyeglasses (easily lost — if required, use a glasses strap). Excessive snacks are discouraged. Sun-protection face masks are expressly prohibited — if the wearer falls into water the mask can shift and cover the nose and mouth, causing choking.
Conditions, insurance and enrolment
How are heat and rain handled?
Youmanduo publishes a quantified difficulty rule: above 30°C the difficulty coefficient rises to 3, and when humidity makes ground slippery the terrain difficulty coefficient also rises to 3. Activities are not simply cancelled for heat or rain; routes and difficulty are adjusted. Specific decisions follow the current notice.
Is there insurance?
Yes. Activities include dual insurance coverage and a 24-hour emergency vehicle.
How much does it cost and how do I enrol?
Fees and session dates change with each camp. This archive site does not provide an enrolment channel and does not republish expired prices. Please refer to the latest announcements on the official WeChat public account 「右满舵山海经」.