Who dares wins

Every journey begins with a single step. You will never finish if you do not begin and I nearly did not begin. When I told my husband I was applying to go on Outward Bound through the community scholarships scheme he said, "You're too old."

I had to question whether this was the case or to carry on and apply. It took me a week to think about and write the 400-word application about personal responsibility, leadership and achieving goals. I was really proud of what I had written.

But after all that, I missed the deadline by a day. After a quick email to Surf Life Saving NZ, who were sponsoring me, my application was received and now came the wait to find out if I would be accepted.

I'd first heard about Outward Bound's Discovery 40+ course through a little newsletter I edit for the Whiritoa Surf Livesaving Club. I was placing the notice in it and I decided to apply. When I heard my application was successful I was over the moon. There were more than a dozen SLNZ applicants and I was chosen, with Deb Bowry, from New Brighton Surf Life Saving Club, and Brett McMurtrie, from the Red Beach club.

I excitedly told my family. My husband said that "it was the middle of winter". My excitement flattened but now I was determined to make the most of the opportunity.

The journey to Outward Bound had to begin months before I arrived in Anakiwa as the course involves physical challenges. The fitter I could be the more I would enjoy the course. The Discovery 40+ group climbed Mt Baldy as part of their eight-day course.

I was required to run 3km in less than 25 minutes and comfortably swim at least 20m. I could not even run 150m when I started. I persevered until I could run 3km without stopping. The months became weeks, then days, and I was ready.

We arrived in Picton and were taken to Anakiwa by Beachcomber Fun Cruises - funny that I did not feel like I was going on a fun tropical holiday.

I had decided not to look up too much about what to expect, in case I put myself off. So every day's activities were unexpected. If I had found out what I would be doing beforehand I am pretty sure I would have found every excuse not to go.

From the moment we stepped on to the wharf at Anakiwa we did not stop for eight days. Our mornings were early and our nights late. We were introduced to our instructors, Rob and Kristy, and then to our watchmates. We were put into Rutherford Watch. As I looked around our group, my first thoughts were how on earth were we going to do this? Our age group spanned 27 years, all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. The youngest was 41, through to a 68-year-old retired school principal.

The one common thread that brought us together was our volunteer work in the community. We had people from Search and Rescue, Coastguard, Trade Aid, YWCA, Project K and Surf Life Saving New Zealand among others. We were there for various reasons and we all brought positive energy and camaraderie. We handed over our cellphones, iPods, wallets and books and it was all go.

Only one hour into the course I learned what I was going to be in for when we were taken to a large puddle which was big enough for all 13 of us. This was when we were told that during this course we would get cold and wet, but we would not be miserable. From that moment we gelled quickly and supported each other.

Which was just as well. After day three, I decided I was sick of being cold and wet. I was ready to pack it in. But, when I told one of the others that I felt like going home, she said, "How can you go home and say you've given up? How can you tell your sons you couldn't do it?"

Something clicked in me. Her comments were the catalyst for me deciding to enjoy every moment.

The next day I threw myself into it. I'm so glad I did. Rob and Kristy also provided gentle coaxing, subtle enough to make us realise that "there is more in you than you think".

The loads were shared, physically and emotionally.

If you needed a break, someone found a way to take your place. I do not want to give too much away, but expect water activities, high-up activities, bush activities, reflection and review.

You will also learn what a spondonicle is.

Like 50,000 people before me I survived Outward Bound. It's an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It's changed the way I think, and even what I want to do career-wise. I came home to Auckland and decided to look for a new job.

I am not one to get emotional but on my journey home I found a quiet spot on the ferry and bawled my eyes out. I realised what a profound experience I had just had with people who were strangers to me only eight days earlier. I turned on my cellphone and sent a text to family and friends: "I am off the island. I am on my way home".

Two days after I returned I arranged for my younger son, Marcus, to go on a 21-day course.

And what did my husband say? In his inimitable style, not much. But he admitted he was proud of me. I'm pretty proud of myself.

* Thanks to Surf Life Saving NZ and the NZ Community Trust, who sent me on my adventure.

BOUNDING TOWARDS 50

Outward Bound celebrates 50 years with a gala dinner on Saturday, September 1 at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Includes 50th anniversary multimedia show. Maggie Barry is MC, the guest speaker is Air NZ chief executive Rob Fyfe and guest of honour is Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

Tickets at www.outwardbound.co.nz/gala-dinner

Have you done something a little out of the ordinary? Tell us your story. Email news@theaucklander.co.nz