Comments from Sailing School Students
Capt. Dan Ryder has been teaching sailing since he worked for the Boy Scouts when he was in high school. In the Navy, where he served for 20 years, he was an instructor pilot for two duty tours and was a Landing Signal Officer for 10 years, where he coached pilots in carrier landing skills.
The Navy loaned him to the Air Force, briefly, where he helped young fighter pilots refine their tactical skills in their Corsair II's.
After retiring from the Navy, he worked in marketing and sales as a coach and trainer. He retired again and taught high school journalism and business for several years... And retired once again and now owns and operates Sail Channel Islands in Oxnard and Ventura California.
This school operates on a different principle from most," says the captain. We have one goal for beginners: train to a level of confidence and competence that allows them to safely enjoy cruising the Channel Islands.
This is a fairly benign place, but it is still the Pacific Ocean. Though it happens only a few times a year, we can see winds to 50 knots and seas to 15 feet in the outer waters. We don't intentionlly venture out in that, but we make sure our students will be able to deal with unpredicted weather."
How is that different from other schools?
Most schools have less ambitious goals for beginners. The largest sailing school organization is mostly focused on inland lakes, the other big group is focused on racing.
Sail Channel Islands' students tend to be a bit older and are usually looking for a bit of adventure, but comfortable adventure. We make the dream of skippering a sailing yacht to a secluded cove and spending a few days alone a reality.
Read Sailing School Comments
 We (husband and wife) went through ASA 101 and 103 back to back in about 2 months. Even in that short time, we came out feeling comfortable sailing on our own. We can't imagine accomplishing the same level of competency in group lessons that typically offer far less hands-on and individualized training.
Dan has a way of being patient and demanding (in a good way) at the same time. If you go brain dead on a concept, he keeps at it until the light bulb goes on. At no point did either of us feel we were moving too quickly through skill development just to get done, but came away confident that we firmly understood the basics of sailing.
One other point worth mentioning; Dan's obvious success as a sailing teacher has not led to an oversized ego. He is comfortable using examples of his own "learning experiences" as teaching tools, an approach that helps student be at ease with an occasional misstep.
And, finally, Dan is just a plain nice guy. He's fun, articulate, and full of interesting stories. The experience of working with him was worth every penny, and we recommend Capt Dan as a sailing instructor to anyone who really wants to learn to sail.
I thought we were hiring Captain Dan to teach us HOW to sail a boat on the water. However, from day one Steven and I began to learn WHY. It isn't to go fast or break records but to slow down and set the record straight; that life is not about how much you get done but getting the most out of what you have already done. Dan has become a valued friend and a life coach of sorts that I did not expect to find in a sailing instructor."
 I took ASA 101 and 103 back to back with Capt. Dan. On day 1, I didn't know the difference between a jib and a jibe, but on day 6 I was commanding Wiley, a Catalina 36, around platform Gina.
Captain Dan is an amicable guy, whom you can't help but like from the get-go. But he is also demanding, which is a good thing. We've all had warm, fuzzy, coddling instructors with whom the learning is minimal. Not so with Dan. You WILL learn to sail, and you'll learn the right way and the safe way.
After one week I'm still a neophyte, but if you were to place me aboard a 30 foot sailboat offshore, I'd get her home. Not with an abundance of aplomb or finesse, but I'd damn sure get her back to the dock. Perhaps with one qualification though: I'd need my new sailing buddy Beverly aboard, a pleasant and capable lady with whom Dan hooked me up for ASA 103.
So if you really want to learn to sail, Capt. Dan is the man.
Randy Bush & Beverly Kurz
 "Captain Dan's no-nonsense, personal approach to sailing was awesome. I arrived knowing nothing about sailing and left with the skills and knowledge needed to captain a sailboat. Well at least get around some. His attention to detail and personal approach made the lessons fun and enjoyable. I couldn't wait to get to the dock each day.
Not only did I learn to sail, I made a new friend. I couldn't recommend a better instructor or program."
 "Having had my share of sailing instructors, I can say with complete confidence that Capt. Dan is the best of the best.
Friendly, easy-going and thoroughly knowledgable, Dan made ASA 104 a breeze with plenty of hands-on time, patient explanation and a galley full of yummy grub.
We got to experience it all: heavy weather, sunshine, reefing, nightsailing, wing on wing, anchoring -- you name it, we conquered it. And all without the frustration and headache that often accompanies overzealous know-it-all instructors.
Most important of all, we had fun. And a little glass of wine at the end of the day didn't hurt either."
 I completed ASA 101/103 through a cattle call of a sailing school and although I passed both courses, I never felt as if I had received proper instruction or training. Even when I was done with their training, I was still wary of heeling and of being behind the wheel. So I decided private instruction for ASA 104 was a better way to go.
Enter Captain Dan.
He was amazing. He never made me feel as if I couldn't do something and never pushed me beyond a limit I was comfortable with. He has a terrific attitude and a remarkable energy. I now feel as if I can do it all.
 If you want to learn to sail, and get a sense of what the term "seamanship" is all about, take some lessons with Capt. Dan.
I had the distinct pleasure of taking ASA 101 on his great little boat "Sweet Deal" and was so impressed by his skill as an instructor and sailor I signed up immediately for ASA 103 on "Wiley" his 36 ft Catalina. All his boats are impeccably maintained, and Capt. Dan takes the ASA course requirements seriously because he really does care about helping you become a safe sailor.
Even though I had only spent a few days riding along on a sailboat prior to my first lesson with Dan, by the end of 101 and 103, I could confidently dock a large boat under sail.
That's usually an emergency procedure, but I actually had to do it "for real" when my brother lost engine power on his Catalina 30 just days after I finished 103.
We did not even think of calling for help despite our lack of experience - we just sucked it up and sailed her on in to the slip - thanks to Capt. Dan's calm, clear, lessons I really knew we could do it!
I have traveled fairly extensively and worked with guides and instructors in many active and potentially dangerous sports (skydiving, white water rivers, high speed motorcyles, rock climbing, etc) and I am here to tell you Capt. Dan is truly one of the very best instructors I have worked with. I had such a good time - I signed up for 104 on his 45 ft french yacht and a good friend and I spent 4 days and nights sailing around Santa Cruz Island, plotting courses, sailing by the stars on a compass heading at night (something everyone should do at least once in their life), and practicing everything we covered in 101 and 103 on this beautiful boat.
Needless to say, we enjoyed fine meals and many thought provoking conversations. Yes - there is even a "Church of Dan"! He has married and buried some well known folks at sea with style. We even sailed through a true gale (40 knot winds at anchor!) the first day and a sudden Santa Ana on the last day.
I never doubted Capt. Dan's ability or judgment and he proved that my impression of him was correct - time after time. If you want to learn to sail, improve your current skills, or just cruise the islands in style with a great guy - book some time with Dan Ryder! You will not be disapointed and no - I did not get anything at all for writing this review - I just had a truly great experience in my lessons with Dan and I know you will too.
 Warrior,Sage Diplomat,Teacher and all around hell of a guy. I had the pleasure of auditing an American Sailing Association 104 - Bareboat Chartering class with Dan, and my good friend Ken.
We began the lesson in gale force winds on a bright sunny day. Heading out of the harbor, I was a little uneasy. Never having crewed a boat in such conditions, I did not know what to expect. Dan, like his boat, the beautiful Sancerre, was totally in his element. Wind ripping along at near 40 knots, we were assured of getting the heavy weather sailing experience we required.
With the conviction of many years of experience and teaching techniques honed in the classroom and in the cockpit of a fighter jet, Dan effortlessly instilled confidence. Demonstrating both by example and simple-to-understand instructions, we steered, tacked, reefed and anchored in what I once thought was daunting weather.
Days later at the end of the cruise, when the Santa Anas started to blow, the confidence gained from his teachings allowed me to look forward to the heavy weather with delight!
Thank you Dan for showing me just what I, as well as your beautiful boat, were truly capable of.
 If you have ever dreamed of sailing but did not know where to start than you have found your man in Captain Dan Ryder.
In no time at all I have gone from not knowing my bow from my stern to being the skipper of a new SailTime sailboat.
Dan has a low pressure, confidence-building teaching style with an emphasis on safety. Dan will teach you one on one, or if you have a significant other you can learn together and become a great sailing team.
I consider Dan my mentor and friend and I'll always be in his debt for making my lifelong dream come true.
 Boy did we have a blast! Although my wife loves boats and sailing, I have never sailed in my life, nor did I ever plan on setting my foot on anything that floats.
Our friends recommended captain Dan as a sailing therapist for land people, and sure enough, it was the best experience ever. Fun, clear instructions and above all, we were able to understand what we were doing right away. Every lesson was an amazing adventure full of joy.
Thanks captain, we owe you!
 It is a wonderful thing to start a new adventure!
I was nearly moved to tears as I watched my wife of 32 years take the helm of 'Sweet Deal' under the tutelage of Captain Dan.
I learned to sail as a teenager, but Karla had always been fearful of not being able to steer our little sailboat should something happen to me. But three afternoons of on the water Basic Keel Boat lessons changed all of that. Karla went from being the jib handler to having the skills to tack, jibe, heave to, dock the boat and successfully retrieve a man overboard among other things.
Captain Dan's relaxed demeanor gave her confidence to gain victory over her prior fears and to pass the ASA-101 test. As a result of her success, together we have pursued and passed the Coastal Cruising and Navigation classes and we look forward to following up with Bare Boat lessons very soon.
Having sailed on lakes for most of my life, it was invaluable for me to find someone like Dan who could fully add the dimension I needed to approach the open ocean on larger boats.
At this stage of life it is a wonderful thing to start a new adventure that Karla and I can pursue together.
Thanks Captain Dan for opening up our passage way to the sea and the many exciting memories to come.
 My recent ASA 104 Certification trip with Captain Dan not only was an exciting and instructional springtime sail, but also provided some awesome marine life adventures.
The thrills began as we were approaching the first night's anchorage off the west side of Santa Cruz Island, where we spotted a pod of gray whales seemingly guarding the cove we were headed for. We found ourselves in the midst of 4 to 5 pods of at least 20 to 25 whales the next day, surfacing, spouting and splashing within a camera shot most of the day.
Our third day at sea was whale-less but we found ourselves in the middle of hundreds of feeding and playing dolphins as we sailed off the east side of the Island. They seemed to want to board Bodacious for some of the great cooking that took place on board, the rumor apparently was out.
Captain Dan was great at mixing the fun of the sail with the tasks at hand, whether it was exploring a potential anchorage and setting waypoints or locking our radar on passing ships and tracking the bearing headings.
I have been sailing since a teen, mainly on inland waters in centerboard boats, and there is nothing like the thrill and experience of a multiple day sail on a keel boat to the Channel Islands.
I can't wait to get my family out for more adventures in the months ahead.
 Captain Dan's approach to the ASA 105 Coastal Navigation curriculum is superior to anything we have found. He makes the every day "english major" feel better in their middle aged new found algebraic shoes!
Having just completed the ASA-105 class, my wife Karla and I have an even greater respect for Captain Dan's knowledge of navigating the sea. We have spent many hours studying and have ended up with a new skill set that we really cherish. This knowledge gives us much more confidence in heading out to the Channel Islands or for a future charter of a boat in the Carribean. Thanks Dan!!!
 Not knowing the first thing about sailing, we decided we'd find someone to give us private lessons and see what it was all about.. We saw Captain Dan's website and made the call. His credentials spoke for themselves, but one brief phone conversation with him convinced us that he was both friendly and personable and that it should be fun learning to sail with him.
We jumped in with both feet and signed up for ASA 101. Although the book was a bit intimidating, trying to get a handle on all the sailing jargon, once we had our first sailing lesson, it gradually started coming together, thanks to Captain Dan's teaching ability, patience and experience.. By the time we completed 101, we could pretty much name all the parts and what they did, and knew what we were supposed to do. ASA 103 was the natural progression to further reinforce and develop the skills learned in 101, so we took the next step. That course gave us the additional sailing time we needed, and brought everything we'd learned together, so we felt a much greater degree of confidence. Sailing the Channel on a beautiful sunny day turned out to be exactly what we'd hoped for.
Our first impression of Captain Dan turned out to be right on the money. The courses were fun, his sailing experience was evident, and his boats were obviously in tip top condition. Give him a call and see if you don't end up feeling the same way.
 I purchased a gift certificate for my boyfriend to take lessons with Capt. Dan, and decided to take the lessons also. I've always wanted to sail, but didn't have any basic boating knowledge. I didn't know the vocabulary! I was intimidated, but Capt. Dan broke it down for me, was very patient, and has a great sense of humor. I have had a wonderful time in both the 101 and 103 courses, and highly recommend taking them with Capt. Dan. Some of my friends have taken courses with other instructors, but have had to share sailing time with 8-10 other students. In 101, the lessons were given to just my boyfriend and me. In 103, we actually needed more people to man the larger boat, but we still only had 4 students total. The small class size is definitely a benefit.
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