Prep VI: Wetsuits, Water and Wobbly Boards

There was plenty of excitement this morning as we waited for the bus to arrive — although this was slightly dampened when the children discovered that Prep IV had been allocated the back seats! The journey to Anglesey was smooth – only 19 questions about how much longer it would be until we arrived…  Once we did arrive, we tucked into our lunches.  There were a further 27 questions about when we could go into our rooms, but before we did it was time for our first activity.

Our first activity was stand-up paddle boarding, which naturally began with one of the most challenging parts of the day: getting into our wetsuits. A useful tip from today’s experience: get the legs of the wetsuit up to your knees before you try to pull them any further! Amazingly, everybody managed it — although there were certainly some interesting techniques on display.  Once we reached the harbour, the first challenge was learning how to paddle effectively with our partner. The aim was to move together through the water without either going round and round in circles or, indeed, falling off! Of course, nearly everyone was a master of both of those!  After mastering the basics, we played a variety of games and then paddled our way around the cove.  The Menai Strait was certainly a little choppy, but the Prep Vis coped brilliantly. Most importantly, nobody disappeared off into the distance, so we considered that a successful expedition!  We then paddled through to the private bathing cave belonging to the stately home here at Plas Newydd, which made for a rather special end to our first adventure on the water.

Once we had finished our activity, returned our kit and received a thorough hose-down from Miss Gregory, it was time for the reverse attempt at removing the wetsuits. Once again, everyone was successful — although we do have one final tip for Dexter: take your shoes off first!

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: time to get into our rooms! There was much excitement, although this was slightly tempered by the small matter of putting duvet covers onto duvets. A task that looks considerably easier than it actually is!  After a hearty dinner, it was time to head off to the Bothy, where Mr Suter had built a campfire for us. We attempted a few songs led by Mr. Suter – who knew what a piccolo was? – spent some time doing a little mindfulness, and, of course, toasted marshmallows around the fire.

Then it was time to chillax before bed. Some chose to watch a little Tintin, while most elected to stay in their rooms and enjoy some time together.  And now, as we write this, the lights are off, heads are on pillows and, hopefully, everyone is getting a little beauty sleep ready for another busy day of activities tomorrow.