Watersports at UKSA

Watersports at UKSA 2022

Day 1 – Monday 27 June

The 40 strong group of keen year 7s and 8s left King Street full of smiles and anticipation of the journey ahead- down to Southampton and across the Solent to Cowes, IOW, for their water sport adventure week at the UKSA. WATER NOT OPTIONAL!

Day 2 – Tuesday 28 June

On day 2, the whole group went out on the dinghies (small sailboats) and practised their steering and sailing skills. This was followed by half the group taking to the Keil boats (dry activity) out in the Solent and the other on the SUPs (getting very wet) near the centre. A lot of fun was had by all!

Day 3 – Wednesday 29 June

In the morning, the group split in half with the first half off to Sandown; surfing and the second half off on the keel boats. Stand out surfers were Ella, Mason and most impressively with head stands on top of her board: Erin! 

In the afternoon, the two groups went on to go large dinghy sailing and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding. In the latter group, there was much water-based horseplay (with perhaps more time spent in the water than on the deck of the board!).

Day 4 – Thurs 30 June

An action-packed final full day for Latymer with half the group heading to Sandown for surfing and the other half a trip up river for kayaking. In the afternoon group one headed out on the SUPs again and group two had short bus ride away from the UKSA for windsurfing. The latter being quite physically demanding as the group had to carry the boards, sails and kit down from the locker about 150 metres away from the beach! It was great to see in both activities, real tenacity and resilience to standing up on the boards in tricky conditions!

In the evening before dinner, Latymer staff treated the group to a game of bingo with Cowes related clothing and memorabilia up for grabs! Sofia O won the big prize of a hold-all. After bingo were  the week’s prizes for each individual activity and winners included: Ella, Edo, Tianyou, Gaston and Sophia T. After dinner, the students had a quiz run for them which was run by then year 8 girls!

Day 5 – Thurs 1 July

We were up early today to pack bags for returning to school. After room inspections, the whole group headed out onto the water for games in the kayaks, SUPs and off the pontoon. There were relay races and problem solving tasks!

Around mid-morning it was a quick shower and a walk into Cowes for some souvenir shopping before heading across the floating bridge and then onto the Red Funnel and head back to Latymer.