YEAR 9 and 10 Marine Studies students at Nambucca Heads High School visited Port Stephens on an excursion - leaving school at 5am for the four-hour journey.
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The first port of call was the Irukanji Shark and Ray Centre, where students learned about all species of cartilaginous fish from Ryan, the host.
He spoke about the general characteristics of sharks and rays and their importance in the ecosystem.
The students then donned wetsuits and were able to get into the pools with about 30 cartilaginous fish including Port Jackson sharks and eagle rays.
Students were able to feed and touch the fish which was a highlight.
The pupils then got into the pool with the largest ray (320kg) and again, enjoyed touching the ray and learning about her.
Before leaving the centre, students spent time feeding a shovel nose ray and fiddler rays.
All students thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the centre and many of them wanted to stay longer to talk to Ryan who was incredibly knowledgeable.
The excursion then headed to Birubi Surf Club where the group went on a 4WD bus trip to the sand dunes for a spot of sand boarding. A guide taught students how to sit on the board and explained safety rules.
Students spent the next two hours speeding down the sand dunes and crashing at the bottom. Youngsters came away with faces and clothes full of sand and had a terrific time.
The group travelled home that evening, arriving at Nambucca at 8pm.
The school plans to make the excursion an annual event. A big thanks to Mr Cross who drove the bus for the group.
