SPINIFEX State College have been thrown the challenge of conquering the Gregory River Canoe race for the past three years.
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And 2015 was no exception, with teachers Tony Cridland and Kristen Curd putting out the test for the Year 12 Physical Education students in the Gregory River Short Course Race as a part of their course of study.
The Year 12 students participated in the Gregory Canoe Short Course Race as a culminating event to show off their canoeing skills learnt during a weekend camp.
Two student teams who showed impeccable skill throughout the camp and had the opportunity to paddle the entire 16 kilometre short course race as a pair.
The two successful teams were Thomas Ellis and Riley Blennerhassett (first in TC2) and Karl Eussen and Beaudene Perussich (second in TC2).
The rest of the students were in TC2 teams, along with the college’s teacher team which finished second in the TC2 Teams, followed by a student team of Brian Silayo, Oliver Desvaux, Keira Demspey-Richards and Darcy Celona (third place).
All 20 of the Year 12 students participated in the short course race – a great feat considering the students had never paddled white water until two days before the race. In the days leading up to the race, students were put through their paces in a slalom course at Mellish Park, along with learning the skills of breaking in and out of an eddie, passive and aggressive swimming and ferry gliding.
These canoeing skills were vital to their physical and mental preparation.
Students will be assessed on these skills as a part of their Physical Education course of study this term.
All Spinifex staff and students involved thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout the camp and during the weekend.
“Praise came from the other campers both around us at Mellish Park and along the river – without doubt, they enjoyed watching the students as entertainment,” Ms Curd said.
“One group of campers commented on the high level of behaviour, attitude and commitment that the students displayed over the duration of the four-day camp.”
“The school is certainly proud of the efforts of those involved and the group now looks forward to the next camp where they will tackle Kamarga Falls, rapids requiring an even higher level of skill to conquer along the Gregory River.”
