Hi
I’m Mick Barnes, SSCo based at Linwood School.
I enjoy a variety of sports, including triathlons. In my past, I’ve had one off taster sessions in surfing, wind surfing etc but never had the time to really get in to them due to training commitments, even though I really enjoyed them (though pretty bad at them!!)
The wave boards are brilliant!!!!
It brought an enthusiasm out of the students rarely seen at other times- they just couldn’t get enough of them, wanting extra clubs. When they had gone, you could really see some of the students deflate!!
The boards gave many of the students a real focus, when previously, they had found it difficult to stay focussed, became disengaged and then ended up getting in to trouble.
They were also great as it really gave a whole variety of pupils the chance to succeed. It wasn’t necessarily the standard pupils who were good at it. It really gave others a chance, possibly even those that normally get switched off from PE, especially team games etc, to succeed and even be the best at something.
In a few instances, these pupils even then became the teachers, supporting other pupils. This they did off of their own back but really enjoyed it and were looked to by their peers.
It has been great to see the number of pupils from various schools who have gone out and bought these boards, solely because of their experience with them in school.
I feel any sort of partnership, bringing the kids together from different schools would be great, not only for street surfing but also for all of these types of alternative sports and the lifestyle it comes with.
thanks for your time
Mick Barnes
