As part of a new initiative with the national youth hostelling charity YHA, Isle of Wight-based UKSA is running high-octane water-based activities for tourists flocking to Cumbria over the summer season.

YHA Ambleside, located at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, is now base for UKSA instructors offering people the chance to get out on the water during their stay in the National Park.

“This is an exciting new venture for UKSA that will give our instructors the opportunity to work with a different type of activity-goer and in one of the most idyllic settings in the country,” says Ben Willows of UKSA.

As part of the joint initiative, UKSA is offering discounted water activities for people staying in any one of the eight Lake District youth hostels. Importantly, you do not have to be a YHA member to stay in one of its youth hostels.

“Our well-regarded reputation in Cowes means that most of our leisure visitors come to the Isle of Wight specifically for our activity programmes but in the Lake District we will be attracting anyone who happens to be visiting the region. We’re hoping to introduce lots of new people to watersports and other water-based activities they’ve never tried before.”

YHA Chief Executive Caroline White, who welcomed the partnership with UKSA, said: “YHA’s fantastic accommodation in the Lake District together with the discounts UKSA is offering our guests now make an activity-based holiday more affordable for many more people. And it’s a great chance for us to reach out to more young people and their families so we can introduce them to new activities cost effectively.

“By working in partnership with youth-focussed charities such as UKSA we can make sure that many more young people have fun through the great experiences YHA offers.”

The launch of UKSA’s operations from YHA  Ambleside marks a significant milestone in the history of the maritime youth charity which first started inspiring youngsters through water-based training more than a quarter of a century ago.

Now recognised as the leading provider of superyacht crew, UKSA trains professionals in every aspect of the maritime industry from watersports to workboats.

“By branching out to new locations, our specialist instructors can inspire a whole new wave of people with the thrills of watersports – any maybe even persuade them to take up a career in it,” concluded Ben.

Hour, half-day and full-day activity sessions in sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and paddle boarding are now all available for the rest summer.

For more information visit www.uksa.org or to make a booking at any Lake District Youth Hostel visit www.yha.org.uk or contact 0800 0191 700.