E te whānau tēnā koutou, ko Jaime tōku ingoa. He uri ahau nō Ngāi Tūāhuriri, through the Huria whānau however, I’m currently living in Ōtaki and attend Te Kura-ā-iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano.
I was recently nominated by my kura to attend the most exhilarating, exciting course I have ever experienced called Outward Bound, in the Queen Charlotte Sounds at the top of Te Waipounamu.
At the beginning, I wasn’t too sure what I was getting myself into but I decided to give it a go. I felt that I was getting out of my comfort zone but that was the whole point.
On 28 September, I waved goodbye to my whānau at the Wellington Ferry Terminal and headed for Picton. There we were welcomed and introduced to the staff. We then began sailing across to a bay called Anakiwa, where we were going to stay for three weeks.
We did all sorts of adventurous and exciting things like kayaking, rock climbing, tramping, high ropes, sailing and even staying out in the bush for three days alone, by ourselves. For me the most challenging thing was the run at the end of the course. We all ran 21 kilometres up rickety mountains and muddy paths.
If you’re searching for something fun to do or you want to challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone, then I strongly recommend Outward Bound. Not only does it make you stronger but it makes you a better person. Nā Jaime Ratapu.
Jaime Ratapu sailing while on an Outward Bound adventure.
Jaime Ratapu, nō Ngāi Tūāhuriri.