Dorset Can Do Water Sports Activity Day

On both Monday the 4^th and Friday the 8^th of July a Can Do Water sports event took place, one for the Primary Schools and another for the Secondary. Can Do events get pupils that are perhaps less confident to try something new and enjoy themselves in a safe and calm environment.

Monday was for the Primary Schools such as Burton Primary, Christchurch Junior's, Frome Valley, Wareham St Mary's and St Joseph's. Around 51 people in total came to the event, in the morning they split into groups, one went kayaking while the other went sailing and vice versa. All the groups also got to play some land based games. Towards the end of the day students had the chance to take part in a kayak race with 6 in a race. Although the windy weather made competition a little difficult no one gave up and all in all the pupils had a thoroughly enjoyable day!

Friday was similar weather wise with the sun coming out later in the afternoon. All of the students were willing to just throw themselves into the water and splash the other schools. There was no indifference between the pupils and on both occasions there were physically challenged people who were just as involved as everyone else. There were around 34 people there from schools such as Thomas Hardy, Colfox, Corfe Hills and Bournemouth School for Girls. Watching the kayaks being pushed into the water was quite amusing as the person sat in the back always got hit with water and it was cold to say the least! Personally, I had never kayaked before but it was the most fun thing I have ever done and would definitely do it again.

Thanks to the Rockley Watersports centre in Poole Park who lent us the kayaks, sailing boats and wetsuits for the event.

Written by Kira

The Grange School Student