Whiz Kid: Devon Wall

Swampscott’s Devon Wall is heading into the eighth grade at Swampscott Middle School, and he’ll be 14 when January rolls around. But, while the weather is warm and the sails are unfurled, Devon is a sailing C. I. T. (counselor in training) for the Recreation Department.

Devon and his group are at Fisherman’s Beach Monday through Friday, learning the ins and outs of sailing. Wall, and his family are members of the Pleon Yacht Club.

Wall was born while his parents lived in Revere. He moved to town with his mom and dad, brother Jared and sister Jillian, to their home on Charlotte Road seven years ago.

“I started sailing when we lived in Revere and I just kept doing it," Wall said, "I love sailing, and getting a job where you can sail is great."

Devon went online and applied for the summer position through the Swampscott Recreation Department, and was thrilled that his first real job would be teaching sailing to kids in town.

“I just try to show kids how much fun sailing can be," Wall said, "Whether you’re sailing alone or in a group, being on the water is very exciting.”

Devon plays hockey and lacrosse when he’s not on the water and his favorite subject in school is English.

“Solitary sailing is fun, but I like when I’m on a boat filled with people, I try to focus on the fun points of sailing, but you have to let everyone know they need to be safe on the water, too,” Wall said.

Wall first sailed alone when he was eight or nine years old in the Winthrop sailing program. 

"It was really exciting,” he said.

Wall checks in with his kids at the end of each session and asks them if they had a good time sailing. So far, the response has been great this summer.

“It’s great to be a C. I. T. and be part of the sailing program in town,” Wall said. “You can race in the afternoon; you’re at the beach and it’s just a really great summer job.”

Wall takes out six boats every day with three or four kids in each boat, ready for a fun day sailing around Swampscott Harbor.

“Sometimes the C.I.T.s go out with the kids, and sometimes they go out by themselves, I think they (kids) really like it when they’re able to sail on their own without too much help from us,” Wall said.

The program ends this week and there will be a cookout hosted by the Swampscott Yacht Club Friday night to toast this summer’s young sailors.

“I’m definitely applying for this job again next summer,” Wall said.