I went on holiday last week to go up north to the Bay of Islands and learn sailing! It was an amazing experience and I can really recommend it. However, it’s not for everyone and scaredy cats should think twice about it. While the teaching was great and intense (8hrs a day!), after 2 days we just got sent out on our own to explore the islands.
It’s an experience you don’t get so often in your life, especially in days like these, where safety is paramount, everyone needs a certification to do anything and no one is allowed to do anything on their own.
Here, the “sail on your own” part is part of the course and while everything is set to be safe and uncomplicated, they still send you off and you have to rely on your wits and what you’ve learnt so far. It’s scary at times and you’re not always sure what you are doing is right. Not all of the (wrong) decisions have massive consequences, but some could, so you can’t behave like an idiot either.
We had some moments, like waking up in the middle of the night to look outside and see if the anchor held or if you floated out into the open water, and some fights over the right decisions.
But it was great and exhilarating when you realised you slowly mastered the basics, and that you really could do it (on your own!). I loved that feeling and I think it’s one of the awesome reasons why to go outdoors and learn certain sports/skills.
Oh and not to forget the amazing scenery and nature:
Note to self: Go out there more. Learn. Jump before you’re (think you’re) ready.