Paddle for Purpose – Mission accomplished
Four men completed a 75-day kayaking mission from Cape Reinga to Wellington
Their goal was to raise awareness around mental and ocean health
Their efforts raised an incredible $17,000 for Live Ocean and the Mental Health Foundation
Four ocean champions paddled over 1,800km for ocean health
On Sunday 19 May four men paddled their sea kayaks across a calm Wellington harbour landing at Eastbourne to an “emotional” welcome.
That’s because it marked mission-accomplished on a monumental paddle. Having set out 75 days earlier from Cape Reinga at the very top of the North Island, the group paddled approximately 1800km down the east coast to their Wellington finish line. Supporters, friends and whānau gathered, and a waiata from Muritai School students welcomed them ashore.
Cared, Connor, Drew and Kurt called their mission Paddle for Purpose choosing to raise awareness and funds for two carefully considered charities, one of which was Live Ocean Foundation. Drew explains he pitched the idea for the endurance paddle to the group after walking the South Island portion of the Te Aroha trail around five years ago.
“I thought WOW that could be an epic way to truly experience what the North Island has to offer. The idea stuck with me, and I thought… one day we’ve got to do it. I love an endurance challenge, both the mental and physical side of things.”
But it went on the side burner until a window of opportunity came for all four men to commit. Then the discussion turned to making it count.
Drew talks about why they chose to champion marine conservation (alongside mental health) through their Paddle for Purpose.
“We grew up on the coast. The ocean plays such an instrumental role in our lives, and we thought, if we were going to do this it is essential the paddle has a positive impact on the preservation and protection of our oceans. We really liked how Live Ocean put 100% of donations straight into actively supporting projects. Plus, we could see that Live Ocean was supporting some really, amazing projects. And we liked the Live Ocean link with sailing too – because for us, being active and connected to the outdoors has a positive effect on wellbeing.”
After two and a half months on the ocean, the group reflect on highs and lows, experiences on their journey, and encounters with the wild inhabitants of their coastal route.
“My favourite section was the Whangarei coastline. Just a beautiful mix of rocky coast, white sandy beaches, native bush, and farmland… so perfectly balanced. It was really, really stunning,” says Connor. “And the Coromandel was amazing too – beautiful clear water, white sandy beaches. I love that.”
Drew describes an unexpected highlight; “A standout day for me, interestingly enough, was the day that I felt the worst on the whole trip near Cape Palliser. The wind was just howling through, it was relentless, and with no head lands or bays to protect us from the wind, we just had to battle through it.”
“Even though my energy levels were down, it was the highs and lows, peaks and troughs. And we had beautiful scenery… Cape Palliser, fur seals, rock gardens and all sorts.”
While encountering seabirds including penguins and mollymawks, as well as seals, dolphins, jellyfish, kingfish, sharks and one lone turtle off the Northland coast the group were also taken aback at the lack of abundance, even in the most remote areas.
“When we did dive it was a lot emptier than we expected, even in the remote places. It really needs more love and attention, to strengthen it and bring it back to its glory. That was heightened even more because we went to Goat Island Marine Reserve and saw the contrast.”
Navigating beach landings and launching on swell exposed coastlines, was extremely challenging at times particularly in the final stages, along the Wairarapa coast. Overall, the group developed even greater respect for the ocean through their journey.
“One thing all of us felt is that you’re at the mercy of the ocean and the weather. Out there you realise you have absolutely zero control over the ocean, and you have to remove your ego,” Drew says.
Connor adds “There’s so many moods to the ocean. I find that being close to the ocean is such a good teacher – there’s always something in it that I learn about myself.”
So how did it feel paddling into Wellington after such a long time? “Once we got in really close and could see a big crowd there to welcome us in, in brought a lot of emotions to the forefront. It was really, really powerful.”
Close to $17,000 has been donated to the Paddle for Purpose givealittlepage which will be split evenly between Live Ocean Foundation and the Mental Health Foundation.
The Live Ocean
Newsletter
Join our mission to protect the ocean! Stay informed with the latest in ocean conservation, innovation, and science. Sign up now to be part of the solution for a healthier planet.