After a lifetime of outdoor adventures, Lisa thought she knew what it meant to challenge herself...

Then, at 64, she discovered Region X’s Young at Heart kayaking program. What started as a six-week course has led to new friendships, her own kayaks, longer adventures and even eight days paddling the Yasawa Islands of Fiji. This is the story of what happened when Lisa finally bought herself the gift she had been giving everyone else.

A lifelong craving for the ocean

My name is Lisa, I’m 64 and I’m retired. My last role before retirement was as a Manager of a small Legal Practice.

I’ve always led an active outdoor life, riding horses, playing comp tennis, swimming, surfing, walking and for a brief few years, paragliding.

As a child, my family lived at Austinmer before moving to Canberra. I have had a life-long craving to return to the sea ever since and was finally able to do this in 2022, relocating to our place at Guerilla Bay on the NSW south coast.

Taking a leap of faith

On still, clear, mornings, I would watch the Region X van and trailer turn into our driveway and reverse its precarious kayak-laden way down Bay St to the rocky cove at Guerilla Bay. I’d bought kayaking tour gift cards for our kids and with my husbands birthday approaching, decided to get him a voucher too. There must be a name for that syndrome where you buy for other people the presents you really wish for yourself!

Consequently, when an email about a six week kayaking course with Region X landed in my box, I knew I was going to get that wished for gift.

“Young at Heart”, just the name is enticing! Out on the water, learning, honing kayaking skills, safety and reading conditions; paddling through some of this regions extensive and beautiful waterways. It ticked all the boxes.

A whole new world

The course proved to be everything I had hoped. The group was a neat 8 participants each with varying levels of skill and experience. Every week we tackled new waterways, weather conditions and different kayak types. Some weeks posed greater challenges than others while our guides/ instructors, Garran and Mike, were forever kind, helpful, considerate and great fun to be around.

For me, the journey has been about extending myself. Getting out of my comfort zone and learning a new skill. I love being on the water & feel completely at peace as I take that first deep breath when we push off and get the paddle rhythm going. I feel ‘home’.

Since completing the Young at Heart Program, I’ve gone on to complete the follow-on Remastered Program; regularly attend social paddle & organised longer trips; been gifted a kayak and bought a new kayak and I’ve just returned from 8 days sea kayaking around the Yasawa Islands in Fiji.

Lisa’s Advice: take the leap!

Seriously consider learning, or relearning to kayak. Even if you choose not to get serious afterwards you will see the most beautiful places, meet new people and make good friendships. Kayakers are, by necessity, a mindful and conscientious group. They have to work together!

I feel so lucky to have found this adventure/ sport/ fun through Region X Young at Heart Program.