If you saw Messrs Rooney and Suter standing in their shorts outside school this morning, you would have known they were well and truly ready for the Prep V and VI surfing trip. However, if you then looked up and noticed the grey sky, heavy clouds, and steady rain, you might have questioned the wisdom of heading to the beach under such conditions…
And so it was a very soggy start to the much-anticipated surfing trip to Scarborough. With Mr Connolly doing his best Bear Grylls impression while loading cases onto the roof of the minibus in the pouring rain, no one questioned the five towels listed on the packing list – and we were certainly thankful for them later!
With much excitement, parents were waved off, children and lunches were loaded, and we set off. Possibly a residential trip record was set when, just 15 minutes into the journey, one of the children asked, “Are we there yet?” We weren’t – but it was a smooth run across to Cayton Bay for our surfing lesson. Right on cue, as we poured off the bus to eat lunch and collect our wetsuits, the rain stopped and the sun came out. Perfect timing!
The plan was to get down to the beach quickly. But if you’ve ever tried to get into a wetsuit yourself — let alone get 29 children into them — you’ll know that this was never going to be a speedy process. Eventually, after much effort and a fair bit of laughter and exasperation, suits were on, boards were carried, and we made our way down to the beach. After a few warm-up games and some instruction, the children were in the water and splashing around. The photos and smiling faces probably tell you everything you need to know about how much they enjoyed themselves, so we’ll leave it at that…
Of course, what goes on must come off. If getting a dry wetsuit on is tricky, try getting a wet one off when you’re tired and a little cold! Despite the challenge, we managed to get everyone back into dry clothes, onto the buses, and on our way to the Youth Hostel at Boggle Hole. All that fresh air and activity certainly worked up an appetite, and dinner disappeared in double-quick time. Afterwards, we enjoyed a final explore of the beach near the hostel before returning to our rooms for a clean-up and some time to relax before bed.
What a fabulous day. Soggy and wet to start, and soggy and wet to finish – but latterly after a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in the surf and sunshine.
More anon…
This first day the water was so cold my hands went numb and my teeth were chattering but the food was really nice meatball and pasta then we went to the beech that was fun
Victor kindon Prep 6
I loved this trip it was soo fun surfing playing games on the beach it was the best resdenti I have been on so far 🩷
Hallie
I really enjoyed the first day of surf and turf even though I didn’t manage to stand in the first session and breakfast and tea was really nice
Rose prep 6
I liked the surf and turf trip because when we got there we had lunch, got into our wetsuits which were very hard to put on and started surfing getting the wetsuits off was harder than putting them on. After surfing we went to our hostel and then got ready for dinner when we went to dinner we had to sit at the tables with our rooms. Then to end the day after 2 and a half hours in the mini buses and surfing we went onto the beach for about 15minutes and me, Claudia, Athena, Philippa and Robyn took our shoes off.
Darcy ❤️
I loved the photos of the beach with me Florence and robyn some of the Photos get me laughing by Athena
That Looks sooooooo fun they must of enjoyed it!!
This is brilliant! Can’t wait for more pictures if possible x
Looks like a fantastic first day – Full
Of smiles ☺️ Enjoy Day 2!
Bianca – Toban’s Mum
Looks absolutely amazing, a lot of smiley faces there having lots of fun 😍