After successfully completing a solo 180km board paddle for charity from Newcastle to Bondi Beach in March 2015 I decided to raise the bar!
In 2016 I will began and completed the challenge of a lifetime where I paddle my way from Newcastle NSW, north to Noosa QLD over 1000km.
This paddle is my voice and symbol; it is my way of representing the struggle and personal battles I have overcome in my life. Through doing this paddle I hope to raise funds and much needed awareness for domestic violence and child abuse, as well as the conservation and maintenance of our beautiful oceans and waterways. Through this paddle I not only wish to create a voice and spread the awareness message, but I wish to empower and encourage girls and women to aspire towards their dreams and to have a voice of their own!
I am a 30 year old professional ocean lifeguard, physical education teacher, triathlete and creative. Each day I push social stigmas and norms of women’s roles within the workforce. Working as an ocean lifeguard has its many diverse challenges, however my history as a semi professional triathlete along with a vivid and diverse sporting history all plays its role in my professional performance at work.
My preparation for this paddle wasn’t ideal, in late 2015 I had a major double ankle surgery. Despite this set back I still managed to begin my paddle training around the stunning Newcastle coastline and harbor. Unfortunately 7 weeks into my recovery phase I slipped post training one morning and managed to re injure my recovering ankle. My Achilles tendon was completely ruptured and separated from the bone. This slip is what triggered the need for a second surgery, where I had my achilles reconstructed and reattach to the bone. From this point onwards the healing process began all over again. This time it wasn’t just physical, I entered this new rehabilitation phase with a heightened awareness of the need to heal and strengthen myself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
My 43 day blog details all the trials and tribulations I faced each and every day out on the water, please enjoy reading through these pages as you enter the journey with me. Get lost in the wondrous world of the ocean and develop a heightened connection between sea, human and spirit.
This mermaid has a message…