The junior class went on the annual kayaking and sailing trips this week. The class was divided into three groups: two for kayaking at Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay and one for sailing at Santa Cruz.

The advisories were asked to pick earlier in the year which activity they would prefer, although not all groups received their first choice.

“It was a great bonding experience because it’s a really collaborative sport,” said Angela Ma (11), who went sailing.

The sailing group was divided into boats of four to six juniors or chaperones, and a guide. They first learned the basics of navigating and steering a sailboat before having some time to practice in open waters. After lunch, they used the skills they had gained in the morning to race against each other.

“My favorite part was the race, when we actually applied what we learned during the trip. It was really tense but also really fun,” Aaron Lee (11) said.

Sailors learned skills such as how to unfurl sails, “task”, or turn the boat, steer, and control the boat’s speed. In addition, they were also taught the names for the different areas of the ship, sails, and ropes.

The kayakers, working in groups of two, were instructed how to kayak in creeks or near the ocean. Abundant wildlife, such as birds, otters, and jellyfish, was seen in both locations.

“There were so many otters! They were everywhere. And then we saw jellyfish, seagulls, and […] terns,” said Lea Daran (11), who went kayaking in Elkhorn Slough.

During their lunchtime break, some of the Elkhorn Slough group went into the water of the creek, while others sat on the pier.

“We had really friendly guides, and they showed you around and talked to you about all the wildlife we were seeing,” said Isaac Rothschild (11), who went in the open waters of Monterey Bay.

The annual junior trip gave students a chance to work together with their classmates to accomplish common goals, such as kayaking to a certain point or combining efforts to win the sailing race.