Highly recommend the Woodbridge Sailing School; the staff is knowledgeable and extremely friendly. Danny, the owner, is in a class of his own and goes well beyond just teaching the basic sailing skills, but stresses all aspects of seamanship to include a captain's responsibilities at the helm, to their crew and to other water craft. Expect to take the tiller your first trip out and learn the terminology from port to starboard, bow to stern and the difference between a sheet and a mainsail (as well as how to pronounce it). You'll start your lessons by rigging the craft and end it by docking and learning how to fold your sails so you can rig the craft easily. Staff will also cater their training to your goals, whether that be ASA certification or focusing on areas that need improvement. This isn't just a business for Danny, this is a lifestyle and took a lot of personal time (off the clock) to offer advise on purchasing a sailboat (brands, what to look out for etc.) and even volunteered to help me find one (again, off the clock). Coming from a landlubber's first foray into sailing (grew up in Colorado), I couldn't have asked for better and learned more in a few Saturdays of sailing than I'd learned from several years of Sailing magazine. read more

As most people in the Northern Virginia area, My family is extremely busy. Living in this area causes a lot of stress. One day two years ago I discovered Woodbridge Sailing school, and my family and I have found a way to get away from the stress of my job. I know there are a lot of people that go through the school that are in high stress jobs like myself. Thank you Danny and Cameron for allowing me a way to get away. Another great perk is we have been able to Charter in the Virgin Islands for our vacations, because of the training we have received from Woodbridge Sailing school. I am not sure how anyone could say a bad thing about Danny. He is of the ILON(island) philosphy. He is laid back and easy going. He has gone out of his way to help me, and is always in a super cheery mood. I have called him just to vent and talk about sailing, to rid my mind of the stresses of the real world. Cheers to many more days on the water. To fair winds and calm waters!! read more

I had a long desired dream to learn how to sail. I spoke with Danny at Woodbridge Sailing School a few times over the winter, and his passion and enthusiasm for sailing kept me excited till Spring. My first sail was quite an experience, and left me wanting to sail everyday. Through out the season they helped build my confidence in learning a new skill, all while having an enormous amount of fun! The school was flexible in regards to my busy schedule and I met alot of great people. I had the opportunity to learn how to sail under all kinds of weather conditions and different size boats. Their whole focus was to teach me safe boating, while having a great time! Sailing with the crew at Woodbridge Sailing School this season has equiped me with the ability to escape from the chaos of life, learn something new, and laugh like crazy! Best investment I have made in a long time. I cannot wait till next spring! read more

We love Sailing because of this school! What a challenge...what a rush!! Danny is the pent-ultimate teacher and sailor. What a gift to Northern Virginia! I enjoyed lessons so much that he gave me an end of summer package so I could increase my skills both with others and alone. I have seen him with families, couples, and alone, and I believe he has a gift for not only passing on his love of the wind, the waves, and the water,the freedom, but...time with Danny will give you a new and challenging hobby. After a few lessons, a day with Danny is a day as N.Va was seen many years ago... time drops away, today's stresses seem meaningless, and optimism and vision seem effortless. My thanks,from my Husband and I, to Woodbridge Sailing School. We have yet another dream for our future. We hope to introduce our college-age son soon. read more

Hello to all! I had to a chance to utilize the services of of the Woodbridge Sailing school and had a wonderful time! Truth be told I had never really thought or considered learning to sail and then I had an opportunity go out to the school and try it and that changed everything! I now know I would like to own a sailboat sometime in the future. I had such a peaceful time and very much enjoyed the scenery and also now have an appreciation and respect for what it takes to operate a sailboat. The instruction recieved was flawless and done in such a way where someone with no knowledge (like myself) felt like I could quickly become a pro. I can't wait till my next lesson!!!! Keith H read more

I contacted this school off their Craigslist ad because I wanted to try sailing out for the first time. The owner, Danny, is way cool and accommodating, he paired me up with a very pleasant captain and we had a great sail -- which lead to me buying my first sailboat! Danny went out of his way to help me with arranging a mutually workable sailing time, plus he warned me off one day when the wind was too rough for my four-year-old [very professional IMHO], AND he even gave me advice on what to look for in buying a boat. If the school wasn't in Woodbridge [too far for me] I would have spent the whole season with him and his crew. Highly recommended. read more

As a IH-95 commuter, I drove over the Occuquan almost daily and could see the sailboats & water in the distance. Having crewed on sailboats several times in the past, I was attracted to sailing but lacked basic knowledge & was concerned about safety issues. Woodbridge sailing school location is covenient and price was reasonable. The schedule was conveniently catered to our needs and the weather. Course instruction covered all the technical information and safety issues. After the basic couse, I was confident enough to purchase my own sailboat. Now we enjoy sailing on the Potomac. read more

Look no further--this is the sailing school you want!! Danny and his instructors are amazing: they know their stuff and their instruction gets you to the point where you feel safe and confident on the water and still get to have fun. "Classes" are hands-on, and one-on-one; it's just you and the instructor, not a class of 6-10 people having to trade-off at the tiller. My husband and I just completed the ASA 101 course after being complete newbies to the water, and we are going to sign up for more with this school! read more

What a great, beautiful place to sail boat. Danny got about 7 of the finish sailboats around. Not those small little sunboats but real 22 footers. His goal is to get you out into the water. Great staff, perfect launch place and an easy going owner. Danny the owner has sailed all over and knows the business like the back of his hand. His knowledge is endless. If you dream is to sail .. this is the best first step. I would not be on the water without Danny and the Woodbridge Sailing school. read more

My wife and I recently took an introductory sailing lesson from Woodbridge Sailing School. While I am an experienced sailor my wife is not and the purpose of our excursion was to determine if she would enjoy taking sailing lessons. Both the owner, Danny Rouse and the instructor, Dave, could not have been more friendly and helpful. They made the experience a great "first" for my wife and I feel that she will want to continue to learn to sail. read more

We rented a sailboat from them a few months ago and really had a great time. We requested a 22ft boat, and the day we arrived all of them were gone. They upgraded up to the Catalina 25 they had with no extra charge. Overall it was a great day, and an excellent day for sailing. I have since purchased my own boat, but I strongly recommend WSS for rentals and their school. read more

I started as someone with only book knowledge in sailing and came out as someone who can captain my own boat. I really enjoyed working with all the instructors at Woodbridge Sailing School. Because of this experience I purchased my own sailboat and have enjoyed many hours of sailing. The instruction was laid back and catered to my needs. I enjoyed the experience. read more

I have nothing but positive comments about Woodbridge Sailing School. I came out for sailing lessons as a complete novice, and found the staff to be accommodating and flexible. They really tailored the program to my needs as a student. Since then, I have referred friends to the school for lessons and rentals and they have been very happy with the service. read more

I organized a sailing experience for my youth choir, and everyone had a blast. Danny was a pleasure to work with, and all the captains were friendly and offered us more than we expected. For many of us, it was the first time to sail, and despite the freezing temperature everyone said it was fun. I would certainly go back again. read more

A best kept secret: sailing in Woodbridge VA. I've been sailing at Woodbridge Sailing School for the past 16 months and have gotten the hands-on experience I needed to become a confident--and certified--sailor. It's safe to say that sailing has changed my life for the better and Woodbridge Sailing School made it possible. read more

Dear Yelpers, My honest review along with my friend Keith's review was filtered so I am posting again. We had a great time--the staff was wonderful and accomodating to us since we had never sailed before. We will be going back next year and I would recommend this school anytime! Sincerely, Michele P. read more

I went out for a sail with Woodbridge sailing school and only have good things to say. The captain was professional and much more experienced than I would have thought given his youth, easy on the eyes as well. They listen to their customers and provide the expereince you are seeking. read more

Danny is easy to work with and a nice guy! Very flexible with working with me on appointment times. His instructor, Cameron, was fun and knowledgeable, and we hope to see him next season. I appreciate having a sailing school like this in Woodbridge, which is a convenient location. read more

A great team of instructors, passionate about teaching others the joy of sailing. Inloved learning on the water and that I was sailing the boat on the very first day. If you are looking to learn how to sail in a welcoming and professional environment, this school is for you. read more