Lucy Best, 18 years old, has completed her Class 12 project and dream of doing an incredible solo coast to coast adventure! After three months of intense skills & stamina training.

• Two days, 140km, five disciplines – running, swimming, kayaking, road biking and mountain biking
• Titahi Bay, Porirua, to Tora, - Wairarapa Coast
• 30 hours of mega athleticism, grit, sense of purpose and personal growth, with wonderful community support
• West to East at the base of the North Island of New Zealand
• Solo.

Lucy began at Whitireia Park with a short 2km run accompanied by her friend Lisa, around to the water’s edge facing Paremata station. Met by a kayaking support team comprising school friends Annamieke & Kahu, and Raphael House super-teacher, Mario.

Mario, as Lucy’s Class 12 Project sponsor, was instrumental in helping Lucy craft this adventure and attended through the two days to ensure all went well. Ngā mihi nui e hoa! The kayakers flanked Lucy as she nailed the 500m sea swim amidst very strong currents –the tide timing having to be carefully planned to be fluctuating as little as possible at the time of the crossing.

Waiting “Mama” helped send everyone on their way for the next leg, kayaking Pāuatahanui Inlet all the way to Motukaraka Point, Gray’s Road.

More supporters arrived to aid the transition to the first road biking leg. With cousins Shaun & Jonty driving ahead and behind, Lucy cycled 20+km via Moonshine Road to Poet’s Park in Upper Hutt for a lunch break, met by “Papa” & “Narnie” (and dog Tama). Picnic by the river then onto mountain bikes – Lucy and her Dad headed 40+km over the Remutaka ranges to Featherston. (Note that Dad rode an e-bike. Lucy did not.) 6.5 hours. That’s enough for one day. Mum & Lisa had set up camp by Lake Wairarapa. A stunning evening with stars and freezing temperatures. Breathe out from day 1, breathe in for day 2.

Early morning start. Running from end of day 1 point to lakeside. Launch the kayak and paddle the 5km across. A splendid, windless morning which is highly unusual for Lake Wairarapa. Uncle Bob with dog Tipi Haere was there with family boat Selkieburn in case of dangerous cross lake winds.

Onto the big road bike leg – 60km heading through Martinborough towards the coast. Lucy was powering on strongly, until the hills began to get rather onerous. Lucy needed to really find her strength deep within to KEEP ON GOING.

Finally after many uphill slogs and downhill zooms, it was time for Lucy to switch to her mountain bike for the gravel roads. Still a few more steep hilly sections – finding it harder and harder to smile as the support cars with Mario, Lena, Lisa, Mum & Dad, sailed effortlessly past.

Lucy kept going.

With 2km to go to the end Lucy opted to load up the bike and continue the final leg on foot. Running the last lonely roads while Mum went ahead to set up the “finish line”.

Lucy appeared and continued her solid jog all the way through to the water’s edge. Done it!

A tiny dash into the water. Stop the watch (another 6.5 hour day!) and deeply peaceful lookout to sea. I’m here at the east side of the island. I did this myself.

Turning to huge congratulations with friends and feeling so grateful for all the support of the people who’ve been there the whole way. Planning, coordinating, preparing, full on training sessions in rain, wind, hail – after school, evenings, weekends, through Covid isolations and school assessments, work and other commitments. WOW.

Lucy’s next adventure is a Snowboarding Internship in Canada. She’s raising money to help get her over there and pay for the amazing course at Lake Louise. If you’d like to help her out you’re most welcome to go to her Givealittle page - https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/sea-to-sky-snowboard-instructor-dream.

Want to feel inspired to do that really hard thing? Watch this video: Short version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAoxTqBOowM (5 mins) Longer, less brutally edited version -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNQ7xqzQ_8Q (14 mins)