FAQ'S

What is the age range for TISC youth programs?

Children ages 6 – 18 are welcome to take part in our classes.
 
What should my child bring to class? 
A bathing suit, towel, shoes that can get wet, a change of warm clothes, lunch (for full-day participants), refillable water bottle (TISC provides water), hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
 
What does TISC provide? 
Wetsuits, lifejackets, boats and equipment, water, smiles, and a good time!
 
Does my child need to know how to swim? 
Children need to be comfortable in the water.  The first class includes a capsize drill where students must swim near the boat, however the children wear their lifejackets at all times.
 
Who qualifies for a scholarship? 

Anyone who fits the household income requirement will be granted a scholarship with proof of income.  Please fill out the scholarship request form and send to TISC with proof of income. No family is turned away that fits the requirements. Full scholarships (free classes) are given to families on government assistance or with a household income of $40,000 or less. Half scholarships (50% off classes) are given to families with a household income of $70,000 or less.

Which Adult Class would you recommend for Beginners? What is the difference between the Adult Keelboat Class and the Adult Dinghy Class?
Both classes are designed for beginners. The two the types of boats used are fundamentally different. It is up to the participant and what he/she is looking for in regards to which boat is better. This depends on the goals and interests of each participant.
Keelboat Classes uses our J24 Keelboats. These 5-6 person boats are very stable in the water and have a low likelihood (or will not) of capsizing. J24s have multiple crew positions and sailors will learn the basics of each with the assistance of the instructor on board. Keelboat sailing is less physical yet still challenging! Sailors build their skills over a longer time.
Dinghy Classes uses our FJs. These 2 person boats are a bit smaller and have a higher likelihood of capsizing. These boats are athletic and fast paced! You can expect to get wet and have fun. Due to their small size, students get hands on practice and immerse themselves quickly.
 
What happens if it is raining on the day of a class? 
For youth classes, we still hold them, except we focus on land activities and will only go out if the weather permits. For adult classes, you should contact the instructor assigned to your class.
 
Can I have someone else  drop off/pick up my child from class? 
Yes, however parents are requested to inform the Head Instructor IN WRITING if their child will be arriving and/or departing with someone other than the parent or guardian.
 
How are learning disabilities and special medications handled? 
Should your child have any learning disability or medication that might not be indicated on their application, or that needs further certification, please speak with the Program Director/Head Instructor. This will enable us to help you child have a positive and rewarding experience at TISC.
 
How can I volunteer? 
If interested in volunteers for TISC, Please contact the office at 415.421.2225 or click here to register online. We often need volunteers for special events, boat repair and maintenance, and other projects throughout the year.
 
Can I register online?  
TISC does not offer online registration at this time. You can download and print a registration form from our website and mail, fax, or scan and email it back to TISC. Completed registration forms can be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
Do you offer Sailing Certification?
TISC does not offer sailing certification classes.  Our programs are designed for beginners and recreational sailors. Our goal is to enable new sailors to learn the core skills of sailing by offering affordable courses. Certifications do enable you to rent boats at various locations. As an alternative to renting a boat if you participate in one of our beginner courses we offer clinics that provide a relaxed environment where you can use our equipment under the supervision of an instructor. For certification classes we recommend our partners at OCSC Sailing in Berkeley.
 
Where are you located?  
TISC is physically located on Treasure Island. Take the left hand exit on the Bay Bridge for Treasure Island. Continue through the guard gate and make your first right onto California Ave. TISC is located at the end of California on the right side. TISC is located to the right of the large pier at the end of the large parking lot. Our address is 698 California Ave Building 112 San Francisco, CA 94130. We are NOT located in downtown San Francisco.

Google Maps Location

 
Can I take public transit to TISC? 
Yes the Muni bus 108 comes to Treasure Island from the Trans Bay Terminal. Transbay terminal is temporarily located on Beale street between Howard and Folsom . Take the second stop, Ave H and California Ave stop. The walk from the bus stop to TISC is only 3 minutes. Once you exit the buss walk across the street on California Ave and walk towards the water, turn right into the large parking lot, and we are located at the back of the parking lot.

Muni Website

Muni Schedule

Real Time Bus Schedule

 
What Social Media sites is TISC on?
TISC utilizes various social media sites to provide our participants with real time information. Please find us on the following sites for interesting facts, promotions, upcoming events, pictures, videos and more. We love to interact with all of our TISC supporters!

Facebook     Twitter     LinkedIn     You Tube     Picasa     Yelp