Sea Kayaking Reflection

This year we split our Year 8 group into two groups. Half went rafting with Mr McAulay and other half went sea kayaking with me. The trips were planned and facilitated by outdoor education students at Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP). 

This reflection will focus on the sea kayak trip - please read the student blogs for reflections on the raft trip. 

What an experience! Forecasts leading up to the trip were, frankly, disgusting. Wind, rain and less than ideal temperatures with no real let-up in sight. Despite this, the TPP had contingencies in place to ensure, with careful planning and consideration, that our students still had an epic, safe experience. They did not fail. In my experience, as long as participant welfare is at the forefront, such conditions have the potential, not to limit, but to embellish an overall experience. They did. I strongly feel, especially in this technology driven, low-risk world, it's important for our youth to experience some 'hardship'. I talk about this lots. Experiences like this can really test a persons character. It did. We've working really hard in Room 8 on positivity and resilience. It was a real buzz to witness these character traits being tested to the limit on this trip. The positivity and strength shown by this group of students was inspirational. Not once did I hear any students react negatively to anything on this experience. Not once - despite being cold and wet the whole time - did I hear any of them whinge or moan or regret their decision to come. Both the lead tutor and the instructors commented on this too. They were, in effect, 'mind-blown' (for want of a better superlative). 

The 'hardship' these students experienced was not all attributed to the elements they were exposed to. Their capacity to look after themselves and take personal responsibility was also tested. All participants were required to pitch their own tent, cook their own food and be responsible for their own clothing, equipment and personal hygiene. For some, this alone, may have been the greatest challenge! It's fair to say some shortcomings were exposed. The interior of one of the tents looked like the aftermath of a pipe bomb explosion! What's important though is that the positivity and resilience of the participants (and strong guidance from the guides and myself) got them through. 

Well, all in all, I was as proud as punch. These students got to experience something - that once again - most adults won't experience in a lifetime. They've earned some memories that they'll cherish for the rest of their lives. But most of all, they've come away from the adventure better equipped, more experienced and certainly more resilient than they were before. Now that's something to feel good about.