Pulling up to Henley River our car buzzes excitedly. We hop out and frantically rush to the meeting spot. 

The calm water ripples as people scuff their feet and kick in the gravel stones.  We patiently listen to the instructions and race back to our vehicles to get into our wetsuits.  A cloud of dust wafts up my nose as the kids get their wetsuits on.  I hear the zips of the waterproof jackets as we travel once again to our meeting spot.
We line up in single file and begin our journey on the stony, steep and tiring track.  Halfway through the walk most of us are panting in the scorching sun.  My drink bottle, wetsuit and jacket weighs me down as I trudge up the steep hill.   Finally we arrive at our destination the calm water is disturbed by a rough wave coming from a boat.  Our instructor turns around and tells us to get into groups of 6.  Everybody turns to their neighbour and sorts out their groups.  We jump into the boat and nervously wait for the engine to start .  We arrive at John Bull Gully Picnic Area excitedly, - the engine stops once again and we jump onto the stoney sand. We look around and make our way over to a giant rock already filled with another group of six.  I tell them to make way and plop myself down.  Georgia and Keisha make their way up the rock as well and sit down beside me. We chant “Splash us, splash us, splash us!“
I look at the driver (Steve) and a big grin spreads over his face.  He turns the boat one way and then towards us.  A huge spray of water splashes us making us scream “Aaaaahhh!"  Finally we get bored and we make our way over to the other side of the beach. Something scuttles in the sand Georgia screams and Keisha runs after it.  5 mins later she comes back with an angry crab in her hands.  The nippers move violently as Keisha smiles. 
When we get called in by a guide, he gives us a quick briefing of what to do and how to keep safe.  He then tells us to go over to a lady standing on the grass near by.  We play a couple of games with us until the rafts are ready.  Finally we gather into groups again.  Although we had the dream group planned we are separated. 
In the raft the calm water gets scooped up in a rushed process.  The paddle dips into the water and pushes us forward.  It is hard work as the wind attempts to push us backwards.  Finally we excitedly jump into the water for a swim, splashing everyone from head to toe.  

By Charlotte Va’afusuaga