A sailor in a yellow life jacket at the tiller during a Shake-A-Leg Miami class
ASA Learn to Sail

ASA sailing certifications on
Biscayne Bay

Whether you are new to sailing or looking to sharpen your skills, Shake-A-Leg Miami runs American Sailing Association certified courses for every experience level — taught by ASA-certified instructors, on an accessible fleet, in Coconut Grove.

See ASA 101
Certifications

The certification ladder

ASA certifications build on each other. Start with ASA 101 and work your way up — each one stays with you for life.

Step
1
ASA 101

Keelboat Sailing 1

Become a sailor. Learn the language of sailing and the essential skills — hoisting sails, tacking and navigating safely on the water.

Enrolling now
See the course →
Step
2
ASA 102

Keelboat Sailing 2

Refine your sail trim, boat handling and manoeuvring, and learn to crew well as part of a team.

Coming soon
Step
3
ASA 103

Coastal Cruising

Step up to larger boats and more independent cruising, and learn to navigate coastal waters.

Coming soon
Step
4
ASA 104

Bareboat Cruising

Skipper a mid-sized cruising boat on multi-day trips, responsible for every aspect of boat and crew.

Coming soon

The nonprofit behind the course

Shake-A-Leg Miami is a registered 501(c)(3). Since 1990 we have used the marine environment to improve the health, education and independence of children and adults with physical, developmental and economic challenges.

Sailors in the cockpit of an adapted keelboat at Shake-A-Leg Miami
Adapted keelboats

We teach on adapted keelboats — ASA certification for sailors with and without disabilities. Every hull was either designed for stability, agility and movement on board, or modified until it was.

Aerial view of the Shake-A-Leg Miami marina with the Miami skyline behind it
A place, not a program

A universally accessible community watersports center on Biscayne Bay, where people with disabilities, their families and anyone else can sail, paddle, fish and stay.

Sailors in life jackets aboard a Shake-A-Leg Miami keelboat on Biscayne Bay
Scholarships

Scholarships are available for those who qualify. Ask the course team about dates, prerequisites or accessibility — that is what they are there for.

Start with ASA 101

Courses run on weekends and are open to sailors of all abilities. Questions about dates, prerequisites or accessibility — just ask.

In their words

What our ASA 101 sailors say

Notes from students who have already finished the course on Biscayne Bay.

“Going through the ASA 101 program at Shake-A-Leg was one of the highlights of my year. The best part, by far, was the people. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by a community that genuinely cares. Everyone shows up with a positive attitude and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure you’re learning and having fun.”

JS
Julian Sanchez Pinto-Barrera
ASA 101 graduate

“The on-the-water training was the highlight of the course. The instructors did an outstanding job balancing safety, hands-on practice, and encouragement. They took the time to ensure every student developed confidence at the helm… I walked away from the course with a solid foundation in sailing, greater confidence on the water, and an even deeper appreciation for the sport.”

AL
Apolo Lagarde IV
Skipper & Founder, Sea Scout Ship 144

“What sets this program apart isn’t just the great classes and outstanding instructors, it’s the welcoming, supportive community you’ll find on the water. I’ve already recommended it to everyone I know, and I can’t wait to be part of the next regatta!”

SS
Dr. Susan Solman
ASA 101 graduate