Paddle Boarding and Sea Kayaking at Laguna Beach

The first outdoor trip of the year met with warm, calm, clear waters at Laguna Beach on Sunday.  Water temps were 72 when we set out, encountering little resistance from wind or waves.  Though both picked up over the course of the two-hour outing, they didn't hamper the superb visibility, which allowed us to see garibaldi floating by eight or nine feet under water.  We passed by seal rock, explored a kelp field, and then headed into town for some grub at BJs. 

 Mairin, the only experienced paddle-boarder among us, easily navigated the calm waters.

 Juliana quickly found her sea legs.

 Julia and Justin led us in their sea kayak.

 Dolly in front of some of the multi-million dollar homes of Laguna Beach

 Seal Rock, which we heard and smelled long before seeing the seals, cormorants, and pelicans on it

 Mairin's first attempt to do a head stand.

 If at first...

Webb's inaugural paddle boarding trip was a resounding success.

Canyoneering at Ontario Falls

This year's freshmen retreat challenged the boys to overcome their fears and trust other students as they rappelled down a series of waterfalls at Mt. Baldy.  Most students agreed that it was simultaneously one of the scariest and most thrilling things they'd ever done.  The first rappel was dry, and led to the head of a 90-foot drop.  Thirty feet into the second rappel, the boys met the water and were pummeled under the cold falls as they dropped breathlessly underneath it.  The third rappel was short but more technical in nature and required sure footing.  The final rappel was eighty feet and involved navigating the confluence of two divergent falls.  Almost every boy on the retreat completed the rappel, a sure sign that this class is destined for success.

Bobby belays Dylan

Johnny

Cameron entering the waterfall and then coming out the other side.

Dylan was the first freshman down -- a gift his classmates gave him for his birthday.  Here he descends the second 90-foot rappel through the waterfall.

Daniel on belay.

Paul

Nik on the final rappel, between two waterfalls.

This is a shot of all three waterfalls that the freshmen rappelled.  The people at the bottom give you a sense of scale.