Harry McAslan has enjoyed a once in a lifetime experience.

21 days of hard work, sweat, fun and lots of learning is a good way to describe the Outward Bound adventure.

Outward Bound is positioned in the Queen Charlotte Sounds.  We enjoyed hiking, sailing in Queen Charlotte Sounds, sea kayaking, coasteering /cliff-hanging & rock climbing.  

I had a 3-Day Solo in the bush! just some random spot where I had to put my own tent up, prepare and cook my own food or consume plenty of apples, carrots and flapjacks!

The last excursion was two days of sailing and three days of hiking. I was a little sore across my whole body but especially my shins and feet. It challenged me physically but I enjoyed all of it.

Sailing was a whole new experience for me.  Holding the mainsail, learning to operate a jib sail, releasing ropes and so much more! 

One of the key things I learnt was to  ‘use your head’ – be smart.  If you use your physical strength for everything you will be exhausted much quicker so "think before you act" that way you don’t exhaust yourself but ‘think about conserving energy and working as a team'. 

We had a ‘Michelin Star Chef’ at the Anakiwa Camp who cooked us amazing meals, apart from the green beans!  Although mum’s food still wins out!

Through all of my experiences, I have learnt to trust people more, to overcome a few fears which I didn't know I had!  I was nervous about the physical challenges but I learned about the importance of mental strength.

A highlight for me was the life run – this was awesome.  It helped me learn about my spiritual and mental self. Asking some hard questions of myself, reflecting and talking about it, which I hadn't done before.  

Outward Bound is definitely worth it and I would encourage others to give it a go. It is about stepping outside your comfort zone, offering a unique opportunity to make new friends, connecting with the natural world, and possibly even find something in yourself that you never knew was there.  

Harry McAslan

If you are interested in future opportunities talk with Harry or Mr Darin Smith.

https://www.outwardbound.co.nz/courses/course-finder/teen-courses/