Coast Trip!
By Hannah J. Shaw
Photos supplied by Author and UCSnowsports
Hello, I’m Hannah, one of the editors here at Curieux. I have been studying at UC for the fourth year of my BA Hons course in Creative and Professional Writing with International experience. I am a UK exchange student on placement in Australia from my home university of Bangor, North Wales, UK. As an exchange, I am always looking for opportunities to experience the Australian culture and fully immerse myself within the environment I am now living in.
Searching for trips that would allow me to leave the UC campus led me to discover UC Snowsports. Originally, I had made an error by assuming that every activity undertaken by UC Snowsports was purely involved with the snow season, and therefore not available to me because I leave Australia before the snow season begins.
However, I was very happy to discover that UC Snowsports run a variety of trips outside of the snow season as well. After speaking with their committee during a UC Societies and Clubs event, I went home and signed up as a member for this club.
I had enjoyed my discussion revolving around the upcoming ‘Coast trip,’ and was eager to secure a place.
Anyone at UC Snowsports will know how fast tickets go for their events. I had my timer set on the Sunday for the minute the tickets arrived online. I was very happy when I received a text message confirming my place.
Attending an event can be quite daunting when you know no one. I saw it as a challenge and knew I would be coming home having met lots of other adventurous people. I am very grateful to those who drove, I do not have a vehicle of my own out in Australia and a car ride with a group of strangers soon turned into a road trip with friends.
South Durras was the destination for the Coast trip. UC Snowsports teamed up with ANU Snowsports and together the committees of both universities planned a great three days packed full of events.
We did a lot of swimming in the sea, some members brought their boards and enjoyed surfing, whilst the rest of us enjoyed racing each other through the breakers towards the shore.
There was a beautiful coastal walk taking us to Emily Miller Beach where we spent the day enjoying the sun, sea and beautiful forest scenery. My favourite part was finding a sleeping Joey near the shore.
One afternoon we all took part in the famous “Goonolympics,” a Snowsports tradition. This comprised of relay races and obstacle courses across the sand. There was also a sandcastle building competition and a lot of teamwork exercises.
Alcohol was optional throughout the three days. Some members brought their own drinks to the socialising activities and enjoyed a few with friends. However, there is no pressure for members to drink, and the club provided everyone with plenty of soft drinks such as juice throughout the event.
I do not drink often due to medical reasons and found myself to be very welcome within the group. There is a strong sense of inclusivity between the UC and ANU Snowsports clubs, where the committees successfully catered for many people of different backgrounds and abilities.
I was surprised at how many qualified lifeguards we had. I can swim, but I know many people back home who cannot because it is not an essential skill taught in British schools. It should be though.
On the Sunday, we returned to the sea, but this time we all met up at Surf Beach, a short journey down the coast. Here we enjoyed another beach day with a lunch of Fish and Chips from the local shop. We then cartwheeled and played a few more games on the beach before heading home.
Over the course of three days, I went from knowing nobody to suddenly feeling like I had joined the club long ago. Whether new or returning, every member was fully engaged in the activities the weekend provided, which was a perfect balance of icebreakers and memories makers.
I would like to thank UC and ANU for making me feel so welcome. I am looking forward to seeing you all on our next trip!