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Instructors

All of our classes are taught or supervised by U.S. Sailing Certified Instructors.

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John Kiener - Program Director

Hi, my name is John, and I'm new to Sheboygan. After junior sailing out of Belmont Harbor in Chicago, I was on the sailing team at Western Michigan U racing dinghies and keelboats. Like our other instructors, I love sharing the sport of sailing with people of all ages, and am lucky enough to do so in Sheboygan!  My wife and I have two precocious dogs, Fletcher and Pancakes, and my favorite ice cream flavor is Mackinac Fudge.
john@sheboyganyouthsailing.com
US Sailing certifications:
Small Boat: Level 1, 2, Instructor
Level 3 Head Instructor, Level 3 Coach
Basic Keelboat: Instructor
Reach (STEM): Educator
Safety At Sea: Offshore
Club Race Officer
International Proficiency Certificate
Other:
USCG: Captain's License
American Red Cross: First Aid/ CPR/ AED, BLS, Lifeguard Manager
OSHA: Fire Safety

Benjamin Karle - Head Race Coach

Hello! My name is Ben, and I will be a Sophomore at Marquette this fall. This will be my fourth summer instructing, and I am super excited to get everyone sailing! I have been sailing for three years; but I have been on the water on and off most of my life. My favorite boats to sail are 420s and Lasers. Outside of sailing, I like playing sports and going for hikes. My favorite ice cream flavor is Pirates Bounty.

Flinn Opel

Hello! I’m Flinn and I will be starting my third year instructing at the lakefront. I am going into my senior year at Sheboygan North High School and am involved in high school sailing, cross-country, robotics, and drumline. My favorite boats to sail are 420s and Sonars. My favorite ice cream flavor is a root beer float.

Mason Pond - Head Instructor

Hi, I'm Mason Pond. I'm 16 years old, and I'm going into my Junior year at North High School. I have sailed for about 9 years at the SYSC, and I love sailing 420s. Outside of sailing, I love to swim competitively, read, and play piano. This summer I am really looking forward to meeting new people and gaining teaching experience. My favorite ice cream flavor is cookie dough. 

Erica Herzog - Office Manager

Ahoy Mateys! I'm Erica Herzog and I'm the Office Manager down here at the SYSC. I make sure everything is smooth sailing around here. I started sailing a few years ago and have loved it ever since! Besides sailing, In the fall I will be a sophomore at Concordia University! My favorite sweet treat is raspberry sorbet!

Griffin Pond

Hey everyone, I'm Griffin Pond and I am 16 years old. In the fall, I will be a junior at North High School. I have been sailing for 9 years and I was introduced to it by my older siblings. Besides sailing, I am involved in competitive swimming and I love to spend time with my family! I can't wait to have a great summer and I'm excited to be an instructor!

Truman Pond

Sup guys! I'm Truman and I am so excited for this summer! I just finished my freshman year at North and it was a blast! Besides sailing, I enjoy swimming, reading, and performing with the North High Drumline. This will be my first year instructing at the SYSC, but I have been sailing since I was little and can't wait to teach this amazing sport! My favorite flavor of ice cream is cookie dough.