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For Recreate NZ, 2014 has been the summer of sea kayaking. Over the years we have run many kayaking sessions mainly during our youth camps and adventure weekends with the expert guidance by Adventure Specialties. These moments have been a great way to teach the fundamentals in safe environments. However, we felt we needed to direct and apply these new-found skills on a challenging and memorable journey. And what better location to complete this epic journey than the ridiculously beautiful Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South.

As a precursor to four days in The Sounds, we ran two kayaking adventure weekends for the Aucklanders and Christchurch guys respectively. These two programmes were treated as a lead up to the main event, where the participants would be required to competently paddle and steer double hull kayaks. On top of this, we also required the guys to carry the boats up and down the beach and unload and load the boats to and from the trailer. To sum it up, this was no passive activity and there were no spectators. Our boys really had to get stuck in and put some work in. From these two locally-based adventures, our Seeking Summits crew was formed and we started to anticipate what was around the corner.

Five Auckland-based youth flew down to Christchurch accompanied by Recreate facilitator Matt. The crew met two youth in the Garden City along with Josh from Adventure Specialties and Andy, a former kayaking instructor who chose to volunteer for the expedition. The leadership kept an eye on the weather the week prior, and the forecast was looking great. The plan was to drive to Picton, repack everybody’s gear into dry bags, unload the boats, put on spray skirts and life jackets and start paddling to Double Cove that afternoon. As the drive took a little bit longer than expected which meant a 5pm arrival to Picton, the leadership had a decision to make. They could either go for it that evening and paddle to the bach, or book a backpackers in Picton and complete the paddle over the Queen Charlotte Sounds in the morning. There was still plenty of sun left in the sky, no breeze at all and the water was like a duck pond. The group decided to hustle and go for it, and hustle they did. Just over an hour later they were on the water making great time. Energy levels were high as the group were excited to be out there in a whole new environment. As the group entered Double Bay, the sun set over the ridge creating a completely surreal vibe. Twenty minutes later they landed and docked their boats at the bach, tired especially from the 5am start for the Aucklanders, but very happy nonetheless. The boys had a great sleep.

The next day consisted of another early start, followed by a hearty breakfast and then prepare for another paddle. The task was to cruise for 7 kilometres over to Onahau Bay to the west.  Along the way the group managed to see half a dozen seals that shared our curiosity. The pace was leisurely as they took their time to take in the surroundings and hone their kayaking skills. Once they landed at Onahau Bay, a quick bite was needed then they were off up the road to link up to the Queen Charlotte walking track. The boys took in the views and after taking a few photos, they returned to get back in the kayaks and took off to the bach for a late lunch. The keen ones jumped off the bach jetty into the water, and didn’t stay in long as the water was ‘very refreshing’. After lunch, the boys were done for as 14 kilometres was quite enough for one day. Josh, Matt and Andy taught the boys Monopoly Deal followed by cooking up a big feed and all was well under the roof.

Day three followed a similar format, but with a few extra goodies thrown in there for good measure. The crew headed East to Torea Bay and they were suddenly met by a reasonable northerly headwind. This made the paddle slow going and quite tough, but again our boys were up for the challenge. They eventually landed and safely docked the kayaks on the beach.

Lunch was carried over to Portage which is on the Kenepuru Sound north of Queen Charlotte Sound. The boys cooked Saveloys on the beach front, followed by a spot of fishing off the wharf using pipis and oysters as bait. Only a lone, undersized fish was caught which was promptly thrown back. As the northerly wind was still quite strong, they were keen to launch off again and catch that wind. Josh had a sneaky plan that he wanted to try, and it involved a tent fly and strong teamwork. A few minutes into the return paddle, he called all the kayaks over and told the boys to form a raft by holding each other’s boats. They tied the tent fly to three paddles and hoisted the sail in the air. The sail caught plenty of wind and instantly turned into Team New Zealand. They all had to work together to make this work, with clear communication and quick movements. Once the group approached the bluff, the sail was packed in and the paddling resumed. Once again the boys jumped and dived off the wharf on return and Josh ran a wet exit session close by. This required the participant to be secured to the kayak by the spray skirt, then self-capsize and detach themselves from the kayak. Once the boys were done in the water, hot showers were the remedy followed by another great dinner and a bonus chocolate pudding.

The final day was very demanding, since the crew were required to clean-up the house, load up the kayaks with everything and make their way to Picton. Once there, they carried onto to Blenheim for a fish and chip lunch, and then dropped off the Aucklanders at the Marlborough airport. The Christchurch-based crew carried on down Highway One back home while the rest waited to board their flight back to the big smoke. The boys could all finally relax and reflect on the epic journey they just completed together.

The fact that these young men living with disabilities kayaked thirty-five total kilometres along with everything else involved over four days is incredible. Recreate NZ’s purpose is to provide life-changing experiences for youth with disabilities. We also strive to change people’s perspectives on just what these awesome guys and girls can achieve. We love seeing our youth develop into men and women of high character.

We received feedback regarding this expedition from one of the Mothers of our participant, which makes it all worth it.

“Thank you to all of Recreate NZ for organising such an amazing trip. My son tells me that he enjoyed the most seeing the seals from the kayak. But I know he also enjoyed meeting up again with his friend (Christchurch-based) and the Auckland guys from the previous snow caving trip and of course the leaders Matt, Josh and Andy. These trips which push his boundaries in so many ways – both physical and mental – are so beneficial in the long term and already in the last year since my son has been involved in Recreate NZ, we have seen him make major strides in his independence. I still cannot believe he paddled 35km, that’s amazing!”

Recreate NZ – Life changing experiences for youth with disabilities

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