Sea School Expedition Feedback 2015-16

Question 1

In hindsight a little rushed. I enjoyed the challenge of this but would be enhanced if a little extra time in at least one of these camping locations was included.

all aspects were good - but maybe more consideration given to pretraining regarding suitable meals, strategies to minimize packing etc. Pace was busy but this meant kids were never bored and with original plans having to be changed on first day meant less time for other things but sometimes these things can't be helped.

Clients were responsible for their own food and cooking in groups. They all chose appropriate food and went about preparing it in a safe timely and sharing manner.

I think students roles could be more specifically defined - perhaps those not qualifying could be given roles such as photographer, camp-ground manager (to ensure the site is left in great shape), equipment manager...

great communication between all involved

Overall very well rounded

downtime/freetime

I am responding to the 'be healthy & active program' held on the 11th March, 2015. The Ozcare disability clients had a fabulous day out on the Wyaralong Dam.

awesome

I liked everyone as they were very welcoming and all the activities I enjoyed alot.

The weekend was well planed and far better than I imagined. I loved place we stayed on Stadbroke Island and want to go back

everyone loved everything but the mosquitos

As I didn't actually go on trip but did training with students - hard to comment on others

The students were challenged to be out on the sea in a small boat. The pace was such that we could take small steps at a time in student learning. Students did not need high levels of physical fitness.

Sea School Expedition Feedback 2014-16

Question 2

We had some trouble getting all participants together for a pre trip briefing

Meal planning etc. could need more work next time

Some clients had prepared plans prior to meeting at the start of the trip.

Difficult to get the students together - I guess the time of term didn't help - may need the pre-meeting earlier in the week, or even the week before. Would be good for students to learn from experienced adults about what they have for dinners etc

The preparation for the weekend was good and this lead to a success expedition

Excellent level of training for students who had not sailed before - very flexible too

Excellent in the area of expedition planning, logistics, weather info, food, route choices.

Question 3

Roles were very explicit and shared. The process around role delegation was good

As stated above, I think this is something that could be developed with students.

Didn't always know how to fulfil the roles

The roles were clear and I enjoyed doing them with everyone.

It was clear that as a duke of ed student I needed to help out where ever possible and learn new skills

From what I saw in training sessions

Regular mini meetings kept us all on the same page as to who was doing what.

Question 4

The sea kayaks were a little difficult to steer and their cockpits were too small

some problems with kayaks regarding rudders

Recent modifications to Curlew improved the safety and handling of the boat. Some fine tuning still needs doing. The Rosco sea kayaks are seaworthy but have challenges around rudder adjustment and operation.

We did not use the boats Yaul and Aristocat

Mr Condon was magnificant

My favourtie boat was Brahminy.

I really enjoyed brahminy and also seahorse. Yes yaul was good but the others I belive to be better.

beautiful. all people stop to look at them. they are gorgeous. everyone loved them. felt safe

Didn't actually see them so can't comment but appropriate for group

While the Yawl is smaller than the others it had excellent all round performance including rowability.

Question 5

All skippers were amazing. Their knowledge of weather patterns, navigation, tide times etc was extensive and they shared this well with the group.

Very experienced, patient & accommodating - very special people!

Truly profesional

They informed us about how to steer the boats and use the sails which I thought was quite enjoyable.

I felt safe and comfortable at all times when aboard each boat because there was always a leader who knew what they were doing.

Question 6

This expedition enhanced all of these areas. Maybe just some extra down time to have some relaxed debriefing conversations would be of benefit.

Navigation over the Moreton banks at low tide is a particular challenge with significant learning opportunities. This could be a feature of future expeditions.

Challenging conditions extended sailing skills

I feel more confident with all of these areas and I think I am going to be more prepared for the next expedition.

This trip helped me to become better in each of these areas and also has made me want to sail a lot in the bay.

lots of new skills

N/A

A lot of time was spent on some areas such as steering and sailing skills, I am not sure of some other areas.

Question 7

Excellent campsites, significant journeys, exceptional wildlife sightings.

More than I would have thought

Just wished for a shower around the middle point of the camp

The program met and went far beyond my expecation for the trip. I had a far greater trip than I was imagining.

perfect. everything was perfect. just mozzies

all students came back full of stories and eager to go on next trip

A great trip with lots of opportunity for student development and wide experiences.

Question 8

As mentioned before, a little extra preparation and planning would have been good. A few items were left as a result of this. Just some extra time at one of the campsites at least would improve this trip.Sometimes the roles of what we needed to do was not clear. Sometimes some of the leaders were not as encouraging as I would have liked them to be. But Sally was the best!Would be great to be able to include focused lessons on topics such as navigation, ropework, capsize drills, seamanship. Incidental learning is great but basics can be overlooked. One student was unable to tie off the anchor near the end of the trip.The trip was a bit rushed to encompass all the skill requiredIt was a great couple of daysBetter preparation of boats is needed. Boats are the primary safety system and need to be in best condition. Relying on a wing and a prayer and the safety boat is not professional.just when you couldn't get a shower and wasn't too happy about that because around that mid point you get very salty and need to freshen upgive more responsibility to the groupsun safetyThe sailing activities could have been more interesting. For example, rather than sailing around an island and heading back to camp, it would be more interesting to have a set goal to finally reach, such as a sail down a river.thankyou for a wonderful 4 days.It was all very well done and the disability clients I brought really felt safe and had heaps of fun.Seeing Whales! or to make sure we stick to departure timenothing could be betterThe trip was well planned and I belive that there are no improvements which I would like to see.all greatNot for what I could seeSome time spent on boat familiarization before starting. I only found the pump at the end of the trip. Better boat retrieval systems would make for a smoother finish to the trip, ie inadequate winch, mismatch between Brahminy and trailer.