Guides have `best job in world'
BY EMMA DANGERFIELD
Relevant offers
Kaikoura
Kaikoura Kayaks are keeping it in the family with owner operator Matt Foy's cousin joining the team for the season, along with a college buddy from Dunedin.
Simon Chick and Padraic Kenny are freshly graduated from Otago Polytechnic, both with a Diploma in Outdoor Leadership and Management, and are raring to use their new found knowledge in a practical way.
Their appointment to Kaikoura Kayaks guides is the first "real" job for both of them and they say although it has been pretty full on so far, they are loving every minute.
"People can't believe it when we tell them we do this for a living," laughs Simon.
"Every day we're told we've got the best job."
And it is one they are trying hard not to take for granted. With amazing scenery and being at one with nature they have to keep reminding themselves they are very lucky indeed.
"The best thing I've seen so far on the water is 150 dolphins doing backflips. They come right up to the boat – it's awesome."
Both Simon and Padraic are big fans of the outdoors. Simon chose to concentrate on rock climbing and sea kayaking for his diploma, while Padraic picked sea kayaking along with white water kayaking, making him an expert in swimming!
Throughout the two year course the pair not only developed their kayaking skills but were taught to become aware of other things around them, broadening their outlook and giving them the skills needed to look after others safely on the water.
On top of all the kayaking they are doing at present, they hope to fit in some of their other outdoor hobbies while in Kaikoura, including mountain-biking, surfing, wakeboarding and even possibly cricket.
But they will be concentrating on getting in as many hours as possible on the water through the summer months, as both are working towards their NZOIA sea kayak guides award.
Once they have completed enough client hours on the water they will take part in a six day training programme followed by a two day exam.
The qualification will enable Simon and Padraic to get their foot in the door not only nationwide but also worldwide.
Padraic looks set to organise a working holiday around the world using his kayaking skills and new qualification next year, while Simon intends to stick around and make the most of his love of Kaikoura for at least one more summer season.
- © Fairfax NZ News
Newest First
Oldest First
