I was fortunate enough to spend three weeks in Anakiwa, participating in the Outward Bound - Mind, Body and Soul course. I was on course 706 and was in Cook watch. Over my time there I was able to try a range of different activities such as kayaking, coasteering, tramping, sailing, rowing, high ropes, rock climbing and a solo. I thoroughly enjoyed most of my time there, however it was extremely challenging both physically and mentally. One of my highlights was coasteering. It was something that I had never done before, however climbing around the sharp rock by the sea and then jumping off was an amazing experience that I am so glad I got to do.

Another highlight was when as a watch we had to do anchor watches. We had to take turns during the night to stay up for an hour to watch the anchor, and while I was up a dolphin came up to the sailing boat and the bio-luminescence created from the splashes from the dolphin was amazing. However, there were some moments that weren’t as enjoyable. One of these moments is when the camp cooker (trangia) tipped over and my leg got set on fire. At the moment it was definitely unenjoyable, fortunately I was fine and quickly managed to roll and smoother the flame with no lasting effect. During the remainder of my time at Outward Bound, it turned into a joke amongst our group.

One of the things I am most grateful for is the friends I made while I was there. They start off as strangers and by the end they turn into family. I have managed to keep in close contact with all of them. Overall, Outward Bound was an amazing experience that I think anyone could accomplish. It is challenging both mentally and physically, but I think by the end of it I am forever grateful for the experience. I would like to thank my sponsor Armstrong Motor Group, Dunedin and the school for giving me the opportunity.