Discovery Low Impact

Just like any other Outward Bound course, you will experience activities like sailing, rock climbing, kayaking, high ropes, and camping out. The key difference is that Discovery Low Impact excludes carrying a heavy tramping pack, and running will be adapted to individual students’ abilities.

Nonetheless, the course is balanced for those looking for physical challenges as an individual and as part of team, and seeking a reflective experience. Like all our courses, Discovery Low Impact will challenge any self-imposed limitations of your capabilities through shared adventure involving outdoor and personal reflection challenges. Over the eight-day programme, you'll take on bush, water and height activities, utilising the bush, mountains and waterways of the Marlborough Sounds.

The course is designed for individuals with a mild physical condition or physical ‘niggles’ that prevent them from running, but not from doing most other activities. That might include but is not limited to arthritis, early-onset multiple sclerosis, joint replacements, back and knee injuries and amputations.

You are best suited to Discovery Low Impact if you:

• are motivated to push yourself physically and lean into all challenges
• want to contribute to a team, and be supportive of others
• can participate in a full day of varied activities, without physical support
• want to participate fully in an Outward Bound course but are unable to meet the usual minimum fitness requirements due to your physical impairment

Physical requirements/capabilities:

• are comfortable walking at least 5km, over rough, uneven terrain
• can comfortably climb a minimum of 5 flights of stairs
• can sit without back support, for example in a waka
• are able to sit on the ground, and get yourself up to standing unassisted
• are comfortable in water and getting your head underwater (wearing a life jacket if necessary)
• can climb at least 6 rungs up a vertical ladder, for example, to climb from water up onto a jetty
• can do at least 10 press ups or regularly use upper body strength
• able to sleep on a thin mattress on the ground (when camping)

Please note: Outward Bound courses are designed to stretch your existing self-confidence. We aim to facilitate growth within a supportive team environment where you’ll support each other to thrive. We do not provide therapy or counselling. 

• Revitalize and re-energize in the great outdoors
• Reconnect with and grow your physical capabilities
• Take time away from the pressures of work, family and technology to de-stress and refresh
• Shared adventure with new friends
• Gain empowerment through success in challenging your self imposed limitations and pushing yourself beyond what you thought possible
• Reflect on your values and identify how you can be authentic to them in your everyday life.