Welcome to the Teaching With Small Boats Alliance
Who We Are
The Teaching with Small Boats Alliance (TWSBA) is a collaboration of educators and programs that teach math, science and other essential skills through the process of boat building. Through bi-annual conferences and virtual collaboration, TWSBA works to improve the effectiveness of our member organizations by sharing information and best practices about program development and leadership, hands-on building projects, and integration of maritime-based lessons into the school curriculum.
Organizations from 24 states, Canada, Europe and South America have participated in our conferences. We invite you to learn more about our conferences and participating organizations.
Organizations from 24 states, Canada, Europe and South America have participated in our conferences. We invite you to learn more about our conferences and participating organizations.
What We Do
The Teaching With Small Boats Alliance (TWSBA) strengthens the sustainability and effectiveness of member organizations. Through networking and partnerships, TWSBA champions organizations that use maritime skills, arts, and trades as vehicles for individual growth and community development.
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Join Us At Our Next International Conference!
Seattle, WA | OCT 15-17 2026
LEARN MORE HERE
What's New With TWSBA
TWSBA Podcast
The TWSBA Podcast offers insights to the amazing work being done throughout our network of organizations teaching youth and adults by building small boats, rowing, sailing them, and much more. Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this new adventure!
Quarterly Newsletter
TWSBA’s quarterly newsletter brings you stories, resources, and updates from across the small-boat education community—celebrating member successes, sharing practical tools, and highlighting opportunities to connect and collaborate.
Download Latest Editions
Follow TWSBA on Social Media for the Latest News and Updates
TWSBA Statistics
Over 100k
Youths Served Annually
Over 100k
Adults Served Annually
383 Orgs
Have Attended TWSBA
8 International Conferences
From Our Members
"I will never forget the fire, enthusiastic, dedicated, hard working people I met at this conference. They are truly inspirational, and I look forward to staying in touch with a great many of them. Thank you so much for the past few days. They were outstanding."
Conference Attendee
Become a Member - We've Made Membership Free!
We want as few barriers as possible between you and the people, knowledge, and resources within TWSBA. If you teach using small boats or are interested in teaching with small boats, you should Join TWSBA.
Membership Gets You:
Access to the best practices and educational tools within this website; Our quarterly Newsletters and occasional Notes keep you up to date on TWSBA, news, events, resources, and opportunities; Benefits from TWSBA sponsors; The ability to apply for any available conference scholarships. TWSBA's job is to help groups connect and share knowledge, as well as best practices. Signing up as a TWSBA member helps us do our job better by providing up-to-date information about the work you're doing, and the populations you are serving.
JoinAvailable Jobs
San Francisco Program Assistant
Rocking The Boat
Member Highlight
Waterside Workshop - Berkeley, Ca
Each year, over 300 youth participate in Waterside’s workshops, job-training internships, classes and partnership programs. In the boat shop, youth work alongside skilled instructors to learn carpentry and traditional wooden boat building.
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