Let's Go Sailing
There are two paths to sailing with us. You can buy a Boat Ride or participate in a Sailing Program. When you buy a boat ride, you’re actually buying two, one for you and one for someone who really needs it. Our sailing programs focus on under-resourced populations through collaboration with our community partners.
If you’re not sure which is for you, no problem! Just reach out. We don’t leave anyone on the dock.
These experiences are the main way the community interacts with Dogsmile. Purchase a sailing experience for you, your family, or your organization.
Day Sailing
These experiences are the main way the community interacts with Dogsmile. Purchase a sailing experience for you, your family, or your organization.
Community Programs
Day Sailing
When you purchase a sailing experience from Dogsmile Adventures, you're actually purchasing two. One for you, and one for someone in our community who doesn't have access to sailing; and I can assure you that the feeling of the wind on the water is significantly enhanced by the feeling of compassion you gain from buying someone a boat ride.
We offer three types of experiences: Discover Sailing, Sailing Lessons, or a Custom Experience
Our “Pay What You Can” Philosophy:
We don’t leave anyone on the dock. If our listed prices are beyond your reach, contact us and we’ll work something out.
Our mission is to make sailing accessible to anyone. Please reach out here about booking a sponsored sailing experience provided by one of our generous donors.
Discover Sailing
Come experience the healing and enjoyment of sailing. No experience necessary.
Duration:
4 hrs
Capacity:
6 guests (not including Dogsmile captain or crew)
Price:
$400 (1-2 guests), $500 (3-4 guests), $600 (5-6 guests)
(Includes boat & instructor. We do not provide food or drink, but you’re welcome to bring anything you like.)
Time:
Morning or evening (sunset) sessions available
Location:
MacDonald’s Resort in Bayview, ID
Learn to Sail
Sailing lessons for anyone at any level. Our highly experienced and certified instructors will meet you wherever you’re at and go from there.
Duration:
4 hrs
Capacity:
4 students (not including Dogsmile captain or crew)
Price:
$400 (1-2 students), $500 (3-4 students)
(Includes boat & instructor. We do not provide food or drink, but you’re welcome to bring anything you like.)
Time:
Morning or evening (sunset) sessions available
Location:
MacDonald’s Resort in Bayview, ID
Gift a Boat Ride
We all know someone who could use some time out on the water, but for whatever reason can't get out there on their own. This is your chance to do something about it.
Custom Experiences
If you have something specific in mind for your group such as team building or leadership development, please let us know. We're happy to customize the experience.
Our sailing programs focus on under-resourced communities, such as veterans, youth, and those facing the challenges associated with addiction, domestic violence, and physical or mental disabilities. However, our programs are open to anyone who believes that spending time on a sailboat will make them feel better.
Each program is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the participants. We offer programs in Sandpoint and Bayview on Lake Pend Oreille and in Coeur d’Alene on Coeur d’ Alene Lake.
Community Sailing
Youth Programs
Coeur d’Alene
We collaborate with the Coeur d’ Alene Youth Sailing Club, North Idaho College, and Charity Reimagined to provide sailing programs to youth in Coeur d’ Alene.
CDA Youth Sailing Camp
This camp is focused on beginner sailors. We ask that you please don’t register children who’ve already participated in the camp!
WHEN:
Summer 2026 - TBA
PRICE:
$200
AGES:
10-16
Please respect the age limits
LOCATION:
North Idaho College Beach
Sandpoint
We collaborate with the Sandpoint Sailing Association and the City of Sandpoint Parks & Recreation to provide sailing programs to youth in Sandpoint.
We offer formal classes in partnership with the City of Sandpoint Parks & Recreation as well as open sailing sessions for skill development and FUN!
Youth Small Boat Sailing Classes
Ages 10-18
City of Sandpoint Parks & Rec
The fundamental basics of sailing are best learned in small boats (dinghies). Graduates will learn to safely operate a sailing dinghy by participating in both shore based and on the water activities all under the watchful eye of one of our US Sailing certified instructors.
Youth Open Sailing
Ages 10-18
Sandpoint Sailing Association
These informal sailing sessions are designed to give young sailors a chance to get out on the lake every week, all summer long. A certified instructor, along with several volunteers, will be on hand to supervise and offer tips and tricks. This is a great opportunity to come give sailing a try before signing up for one of our courses or to further develop sailing skills.
WHEN:
Summer 2026 - TBA
PRICE:
$200 for the entire summer.
Full Scholarships are available.
LOCATION:
Sandpoint Windbag Marina
NOTE:
All participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian responsible for signing our agreement to participate form before their first sailing session.
If you are seeking a scholarship, please contact
hello@dogsmileadventures.org
We collaborate with the Sandpoint Sailing Association and the City of Sandpoint Parks & Recreation to provide sailing programs to youth in Sandpoint.
Veteran Programs
Sail. Heal. Reconnect. Our veteran programs turn the power of the water into a path toward peace.
Veteran Sailing
We engage with nature, as a team, in an informal weekly competition. Because sailing is therapy without sitting on the couch or in a circle and talking about your feelings. The results are: community, identity, purpose, relaxation and hope (to name a few).
WHAT:
Weekly Informal Sailboat Racing (no pressure, just a fun way to learn).
WHEN/WHERE:
Windbag Marina in Sandpoint, Idaho
Wednesday & Thursday evenings
1700-2000
Mid-June - August
Macdonalds Resort in Bayview, Idaho
Sunday mornings
0800-1400
Mid-June - September
(If you can't make Thursdays or Sundays, call us anyway and we'll get you on a boat!)
WHY:
Because sailing is therapy without sitting on the couch or in a circle and talking about your feelings. We engage with nature, as a team, in an informal competition. The results are: community, identity, purpose, relaxation and hope (to name a few).
WHO:
Veterans (NO experience necessary). Lead by an experienced sailing captain.
PRICE:
FREE!
(Made possible by support from our generous sponsors)
HOW TO JOIN:
Send us an email, give us a call, or just show up!
Call us: (208) 797-0360
Petty Officer Preston Johnson, USN Veterans Regatta
WHEN: Summer 2026 TBA
WHAT:
A day of sailing and camaraderie on Lake Pend Oreille. Reach out for more details.
WHERE:
Windbag Marina, Sandpoint, ID
PRICE:
FREE!
(Made possible by support from our generous sponsors.)
