“Its when you are safe at home you wish you were having an adventure, and when you are having an adventure you wish you were safe at home”

On t14th September 2020, I began my adventure, I was set to sail for my 10 day voyage alongside the spirit of adventure, following behind me, no expectations except knowing I had to swim every morning at 6:30am and only getting a 30 second shower. The days leading up to my voyage, I was extremely nervous and anxious, I was afraid of the differences between myself and the other students attending, but I came to realise my true potential when faced with adversities and challenges I never knew even existed. Never would I have imagined myself attached to a harness standing at the top of the 27.2 meter mast looking down at the deep blue sea with tears rolling down my cheeks and thoughts of myself falling down. I definitely faced difficulties along the way but when I got to the top and took a few deep breaths I lifted my head and what I saw took my breath away literally! in front of me: birds gliding through the wind and the subtleness of the water I was left at ease until of course I had to climb back down. During these 10 days I was left without direct contact with family and friends, I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and begin to forge new friendships and develop new skills of mine.

Throughout my voyage I experienced many obstacles which challenged me to push past my limits, one obstacle I faced was sailing. Sailing isn't as easy as it sounds, it involves good communication skills, patience and strength, you are constantly pulling ropes, making fast at the correct time, doing house work and getting yelled at by grandma for pulling the wrong ropes! I slowly learnt the names of the different ropes and the role they play to get us to our destination. One lesson I have learned from sailing is to expect the unexpected because when I thought of sailing it was the complete opposite of what it actually is! You can experience this 10 day voyage too, by heading to: https://pinnacleprogramme.co.nz/register. 

It is definitely an opportunity of a lifetime! You will be amazed at what you can learn about yourself in the span of 10 days and the many lifelong friends you'll meet on the way. It only takes 10 minutes out of your day to register, I promise you'll thank me later. (if you need any help on how to register let me know and I will help you)

Ngā mihi,

Lisa-Ray Tioke