Outdoor Education
The Year 10 Outdoor Education class has recently had our first 2 excursions for the year, comparing surf experiences in the ocean and an artificial wave at UrbnSurf in Tullamarine.
At the beginning of term, students have completed investigations on how technology has changed elements of surfboards. They researched changes in fins, materials, size and shape of the board and how changes to these elements have changed our experiences as participants in surfing. For us in particular, the development of soft foam boards has allowed us to safely learn to surf in large groups without putting each other at risk.
On February 23, the class travelled to Torquay and saw physical evidence of this development in the National Surf Museum and a chat with a local surfer who talked about much of the early development that has shaped how we participate today. The class then travelled to nearby Bancoora Beach to experience a learn to surf lesson run by the Go Ride A Wave surf school.
While conditions were challenging with the currents and inconsistent waves, students managed to catch waves and some managed to get to their feet while riding it to the shore. All students had an enjoyable experience and couldn’t wait to return to try again.
We followed this experience with a second trip two weeks later on March 9 at UrbnSurf in Tullamarine. UrbnSurf is a step up in technology with an artificial wave created in a large pool so that waves created are consistent and meets the needs of the group participating. Our group found this amazing with every student successfully catching waves and getting their feet on the board and most of them managing to then ride the wave towards the shore. Some enjoyed the experience so much they even stated that they have been inspired to get their own board and continue surfing and further develop their technique.
Thank you to Mr Matkovic for attending and assisting in coaching the students in the water and the instructors at both Go Ride a Wave and UrbnSurf in helping our students have an enjoyable time.
Mr Wilkinson
Student article – Nina Shearsby 10MK
On Wednesday 23 February the Year 10 Outdoor Education class went on an all day excursion to the Australian National Surfing Museum, as well as Bancoora beach in Torquay. We spent the day learning about the history of surfing, different surfboard designs and the thought and effort that led to how we know and enjoy surfing today. Later, at the beach we were able to try out surfing for ourselves. Instructors from the ‘Go Ride A Wave’ surf school taught us the basics of surfing before letting us try it out in the water. This experience was fun and new, as we were able to understand the concept of surfing and then put our knowledge and research to the test. We are all, as a class excited to go to UBRNSURF in a couple of weeks to compare natural beach waves, to those artificially created.
