Surfing in Cornwall Day 4

Our final day of surfing began with what turned out to be a rather gruelling 25 minute paddle around the headland of Mawgan Porth to reach a secluded and otherwise inaccessible beach. Although exhausting, the journey was certainly worth it and we were able to enjoy our own private beach and some nice surf. The afternoon back on the main beach saw the tide turn and the waves increase, providing the best surfing of the week. Awards for top surfers of the week went to Tom Elder and Ciara Ball, and most improved were Felix Ramin and Zoe Scheske. 

The evening saw two football competitions played out, the more exciting of which took place on Mawgan Porth beach until the tide finally pushed us back onto the bus. A less memorable match saw England lose to Belgium, but the capacity crowd supporting from the Kenton Hotel enjoyed the camaraderie all the same. It will be a shame to depart such a beautiful place in the morning, and to leave what has been a wonderful group experience.

Final day instructions

Top surfer award

Best football match of the evening

England 0 - 1 Belgium

Surfing in Cornwall Day 3

Our second morning of surfing took place on Fistral Beach, “The Home of British Surfing”. The inevitable struggle to achieve great surfing on the gentle ripples rolling off the Atlantic was compensated for by the enthusiasm and energy of the instructors, who managed to turn the warm-up into a pretty substantial work-out and kept everyone active until lunch. Our much-anticipated meal at Rick Sein’s restaurant did not disappoint; mountains of delicious fresh fish, chips and ketchup swiftly disappeared into hungry children. Giving up on the waves in the afternoon, we set off coasteering our way round the rocky headland at the end of the beach. Picturesque caves, crystal clear waters, and stuff to jump off made the scramble around the coastline a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. 

A highlight was Poppy Morris demonstrating her knowledge and appreciation of jellyfish. Mr Reeve’s team won a spirited game of ultimate frisbee, back on Porth beach with Melita Gostelow revealing a remarkable talent for the sport. After a much needed cornish pasty, we settled down for Mr Eddison’s Quiz Night, eventually won by Joakim Hess-Cohen et al - largely on the strength of their ability to identify the teachers when they were babies. An exhausting day in which we forgot to take any photos until sunset.

Surfing in Cornwall - Day 2

Mawgan Porth beach was our beautiful location for the first full day in Cornwall. 

Under gloriously sunny skies, we were welcomed to the bay by the unbelievably enthusiastic surf instructors, Pete and his team. With some brief but expert 

instruction, everyone was quickly in the water and starting to make progress. 

The morning surf was punctuated with spells of completely flat water, but 

pleasant sets of waves rolled in regularly to provide an ideal training ground. 

In the afternoon, the tide had turned and we were able to enjoy the optimal 

part of the surfing day, with constant 2-3 foot waves keeping everyone busy 

for the whole afternoon. Every single pupil deserves a mention for their tenacity 

and willingness to learn, but special mention must go to Felix Ramin and 

Zara Akram for rapid improvement and consistent elegance. The evening 

consisted of the theoretically unpopular and pointless, but realistically brilliant 

and compelling activity of sandcastle building. Four magnificent structures 

were erected, but the overall winners were team Dabrowski (again), 

under the direction of Chief Engineer Cidonio, with their flawless 

recreation of Wembley Stadium (circa 2001)

 

Surfing in Cornwall Day 1

The trip to Cornwall commenced with a relatively relaxed start, departing from Latymer at around 10am, to undertake the five hour coach journey to Porth, under gloriously sunny skies. After some perfunctory administration at the hotel, everyone headed out to acquaint themselves with the beach. Once we had all had chance to dip our toes in the sea, the group divided into teams for the first competition of the week: rounders. Some rules of the game may have been rather liberally interpreted at times, but a fair and spirited competition took place, ultimately won by Team Dabrowski, with special mention to Lucien Ashworth for not quite hitting the ball far enough to harm other beachgoers.  A quick amble out to the headland for views and photos before dinner and relaxation back in the hotel. As I write, the sun is setting into a beautiful, but disappointingly calm, sea.

Rounders on the beach

Whole group at the headland before dinner

Surfing in Cornwall - Day 4

Our third day of surfing was the most challenging yet - conditions were windy and wet and the tide was high. It was hard going battling
the choppy waves but many managed to stand up and and some even rose to the challenge set by the instructors to try some tricks on their boards. In the afternoon, prizes were awarded for some mad surfing skills, meanwhile a very energetic and highly competitive Y10 vs Y12 football match was taking place on the beach (Y10 won!).

More prizes were awarded this evening for outstanding commitment and achievement this week. Special mention goes to Matthew Wood, who won the award for next performance in all activities throughout the week, Jasmin and Sophia for conquering their fear of heights, and Emile for all-round positivity!

We are now tucked up in the hotel watching Good Will Hunting.

Surfing in Cornwall - Day 3

As predicted, it rained continuously all day. Skies were dark, the wind was up and the sea looked rough as we approached Fistral beach this morning. In spite of this, everyone donned wetsuits and set off along the cliffs for coasteering. Commitment to this activity was impressive: many conquered their fears of heights and the sea to clamber up the rocks.  A hearty lunch at Rick Steins restaurant was waiting afterwards, washed down with many hot chocolates.

The afternoon surfing was hard going but exciting, with waves as high as 8 ft. Almost everyone attempted time in the water, with at least 25 of the 35 staying until the end of the session. Though it was hard to leave the hot showers at the surf school, we had to head back for a quick rest and dinner at the hotel.

Our evening activity was a quiz - competition was very strong (the teacher round particularly popular) and Emile's team of Y10 boys (Ali, Joey, Archie and Hudson) won by only 1 point.

Rain is set to continue tomorrow but spirits are high and this won't affect our final day of surfing.

Surfing in Cornwall - Day 2

It was a fairly wet day on Watergate Bay beach - the go-pro is coming out tomorrow so keep an eye out for some 'in action' surfing photos then!

We had prime surfing conditions, with waves between 3-6 feet and sea temp of 16 degrees. Almost everyone managed to stand up on their board at some point, probably a trip 'first', and there was even some 'switch-footing' amongst the more experienced surfers! The stamina was really impressive given the rainy weather - as a result, all are pretty tired just before dinner.

Here is a photo of the team having some down time in the hotel and a one of some of the pupils on our cliff-top walk yesterday, when the weather was less wet!

Surfing in Cornwall - Day 1

After a long but event-free journey to Newquay, we headed straight to the beach for a football tournament and sandcastle competition.

Surfing in Cornwall Day 4

Surfing in Cornwall had a full, fantastic day of surfing yesterday; we think everyone successfully stood up at least once! The coach departed at 9.15am this morning and is aiming to be back at around 2.30pm. 

More updates on twitter from @Haineslatymer.

Surfing in Cornwall Tuesday

All arrived safely in Cornwall. Here are some great photos of the children enjoying the surfing.
There's also a fantastic video on Twitter @Haineslatymer

Trip Returns

ALL TRIPS: Essential information for parents

We are very much looking forward to our trips returning over the next day or so.
Please be assured that if any trips are delayed we will be in touch with you.
Please do not call the school to check on arrival times.

Surfing in Cornwall Day 3

Here we are, in sunny Cornwall, preparing for the surfing days ahead!

off for our first dip in the cornish sea!

great balance!

happy in the surf!

ending the day with some beach cricket!

MORE SAFE ARRIVALS ... SO FAR

Mussels in Brussels
Yorkshire Dales
Cycling Coast to Coast
Discovering Northern Ireland - Arrived safely & spent the afternoon in Belfast. Visited the Titanic Museum then hostel for dinner and beach time. Photo to be posted tomorrow.
Paris - arrived safely - all happy.
Tour du Mont Blanc - arrived safely in Chamonix after a long flight delay.
Morocco
Normandy
Surfing in Cornwall
Creative Writing - but no WiFi and poor phone signal so updates may be infrequent.