Dane Boswell, Classic Course 18 - 26 years, 2008
Switching his single scull for sneakers and a backpack was a change Dane Boswell welcomed when he took on the challenge of completing an Outward Bound course recently. Being granted the scholarship opportunity to go to Outward Bound was like a dream come true for Dane who says he has always wanted to give it a go.
Outward Bound sponsors a number of New Zealand rowers to take up the challenge every year. While some of these opportunities are custom courses, Dane took part in a Classic 21-day course in June. The Classic is for 18-24 year olds and participants are grouped in Watches of up to 14 students. The experience for Dane meant he took a break from his usual stroke seat for a short time and got to find out a bit about himself while discovering his affinity with the outdoors. Most importantly, he has also developed his ability to push his own limits.
“There’s always more in you – I really learnt this”, he says.
Giving up his daily rowing regime for three weeks meant Dane discovered a daily regime of a different kind! One of the many activities Outward Bound participants enjoy while at Anakiwa is an early morning run followed by a dip in the crisp blue waters of the Marlborough Sounds.
“It actually doesn’t feel normal now, not going for a run and a swim in the mornings”, he jokes.
Prior to going on Outward Bound, Dane was a non-travelling reserve for Rowing New Zealand’s Elite squad, which clearly involved some intense training. However, despite his excellent level of fitness, Dane was still pushed to the limit on occasions. The half marathon was particularly tough on the athlete, who has rowing in his blood, (Dane’s father represented New Zealand in the sport). However, it was the feeling of elation afterwards that Dane remembers. He says he never thought for a moment, “what am I doing here” and relished the opportunities his instructors threw at him. Like climbing the rock wall, which he mastered, but then had to turn around and do it blindfolded!Dane reckons it was these constant surprises that came up along the way which really taught him that you can always achieve more.
“This has made me think about my training and I’m finding I can give a bit extra every time”, Dane said.
Three days on ‘solo’ in the bush gave Dane the chance to set some goals and he is making them happen now that he is home in Cambridge. Dane admits that not everyone gets the chance to spend three days alone in the bush, and it was during this time he got to think about life quite deeply! He is looking forward to receiving the letter he wrote to himself while on solo. This is something Outward Bound participants are asked to do and the letter is sent to you six months after you complete the course. Although Dane says he can’t remember anything he wrote down, he is sure there are some goals in there that he might have ticked off by the time the letter arrives! With his sights set firmly on making an Olympic class crew next year, Dane credits aspects of his Outward Bound experience with giving him the impetus to not only challenge himself, but believe in himself too. These are great skills that will definitely help this young athlete to take his rowing to the next level. Dane says he would definitely recommend Outward Bound. “This is the sort of stuff you don’t get to do every day and Anakiwa is a very special place”, he says.
“Outward Bound is really about what you make of it. And if you’ve got some goals to fulfil while you’re there, you’re most likely going to achieve them”.
