By Amy Morrison
Sea Explorer Extraordinaire & Pupuke Sports Prefect
Check out the 2:42s video of Amy’s adventure HERE
On 2 June my journey with Spirit of Adventure began as I departed from Princess Wharf in Auckland on voyage 821. I was greeted with 29 strangers from all corners of New Zealand, each person coming from a diverse background with their own experiences and stories to bring.
It could seem daunting for some – no phones, no communication or contact with home, leaving basically everything and everyone you know behind and setting sail for 10 days with people you had met just hours ago. Luckily for me growing up being out on the boat every weekend, the Hauraki Gulf was familiar territory, however, for others, this was their first time being in Auckland, let alone ever on a boat. An open mind and a positive attitude went a long way at these beginning stages, getting a grasp on what the next 10 days had in store for us, but little did we know the lifelong friendships we were about to make and the unforgettable experiences we were about to take on.
Over the 10 days, we covered a lot of ground – or sea as it were. We started from Auckland City en route to Motuihe Island, Martins Bay, Little Barrier Great Barrier and Kawau Island.
We had our fair share of weather, ranging from crisp sunny days, to gale force winds and heavy rain storms. However, regardless of any weather thrown our way, the one constant was our 6.30 morning swims in the dark. Rain or shine we were out of bed and straight in the water. No wetsuits, no hot showers waiting, just the cold ocean and a hot Milo as a reward, which I will never take for granted again. Some enjoyed the swims more than others, but with every plunge came a huge sense of accomplishment, which became the beginning of personal growth for many as we all collectively felt we had already conquered the day. For myself, they struggled to get me out of the water each morning. Nothing will ever compare to the pure moments of floating in the water, staring up at the clear stars above me.
Some of the main standout activities we did across the 10 days were climbing, swimming, hiking, rafting, and most importantly, sailing. Each brought their own set of challenges, adrenaline and excitement, providing countless opportunities for learning and connecting with each other. A standout moment for me however, was sailing back from Great Barrier to Kawau Island. We were struck by 4 metre swells that remained consistent for about 5 hours, and I was lucky enough to be able to stand out on the bowsprit through this storm, embracing the chaotic weather that was surrounding us. Being so immersed with nature and really taking in the ocean was super special for me. As the outdoors is one of my biggest passions, I found this such a moving experience, really validating why the outdoors holds so much importance to me. Unfortunately, others on this day were not so immune to the sea sickness as I was, and I ended up being only 1 of 4 people that wasn’t harnessed into the lifeline with their head off the side of the ship.
What really topped everything off though, was definitely the amazing people I was surrounded by, and the relationships we built in just 10 days. We all played such an integral part in each other’s voyage, and nothing will ever be able to take away the bond that we created through this experience. And after all, with almost no downtime, and being surrounded by the same people almost 24 hours a day, we become family. The 10 days come to an end and there’s no clean clothes, having had barely 2 showers and dreadlocks starting to form in our hair, but we all knew we were in it together, accepting, building resilience and supporting each other through every moment.
This experience will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will never forget the valuable things it has taught me and made me realise. From adjusting to training one or two times a day, multiple times a week and never missing a day of school, to suddenly having 10 days of all-new circumstances, it definitely was a shock to the system, but one I was beyond ready and excited to embrace. Everyday things like hot showers, Milos, or being able to kick a football, became such luxuries. We were doing fine without them, but it made us realise how much importance we attach to these things, rather than embracing all the exciting moments and experiences around all.
I would highly recommend this to anyone willing to step outside their comfort zone – the reward is life changing and I can guarantee you will never look at the ocean the same.
Feel free to get in touch with me if you are interested as I would love to talk about it, or head to the Spirit of Adventure website for more information.
