In late 2024, learners at English Language Partners Nelson embarked on memorable canoe trips with the Wilderness Canoe Trust. These unique experiences gave learners the chance to step out of the classroom, try something new, and explore their surroundings in an enjoyable way.
Learners were divided into two groups, each setting out on a different day for their canoe journeys.
The first group arrived at Nelson Marina on a chilly, drizzly Tuesday morning. Spirits were high despite the weather, and the calm water offered good paddling conditions.
Following a safety briefing and an introduction to the open Canadian canoes – each with three seats and lashed together for extra stability – learners donned their life jackets and carried the canoes down the boat ramp to the water.
Pausing for a karakia to smooth their way from land to sea and back again, they pushed out into the slowly falling rain and on to the misty water around the marina, the port and the mouth of the Maitai River.
Songs were sung to keep the spirits high and to ensure regularity of paddle strokes. After a quick snack break, the group decided to head back to dry land earlier than planned as the temperature dropped, and the rain persisted.
In contrast, the Friday group enjoyed beautiful sunshine and very little wind. It was essential that all members of the group wore hats and sunscreen. Armed with snacks including banana bread, they set out from the same spot, also with a karakia to mark the contemplative moment.
The group paddled out across the glassy, calm water to Nelson’s famous boulder bank. There, they pulled ashore to explore the area and visit Nelson’s lighthouse.
Spending a little more time out on the water, the group returned tired and salt-sprayed but exhilarated, having experienced a glorious morning out on the water, propelled by their own steam.
Luke Scowcroft, Nelson Centre Manager, reflected on the success of the two adventurous days.
“Thank you to Wilderness Canoe Trust for including us in this amazing opportunity and to Rob, our star guide and Kaiwhakatere, for keeping our learners safe and making sure they got to see the place they call home from a very different perspective.”
Wilderness Canoe Trust, a charitable trust, teaches life skills through adventure. Their canoe journeys are designed to build participants’ confidence and self-esteem by helping them learn new skills within their community. The open Canadian canoes, suitable for a range of sizes and abilities, make outdoor exploration accessible to all.
A heartfelt thank you to the Wilderness Canoe Trust for providing this unforgettable experience. These journeys were made possible thanks to funding from the Ethnic Communities Development Fund.
