Lisa podlucky
Rafting her way to the top
school - and loved it. Through Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology(NMIT)’s Adventure Tourism programme, she’s been able to hone her rafting skills and will now represent New Zealand at the World Rafting Championships in Rotorua in November 2013 as part of the junior team.
The 20-year-old is in her second year of NMIT’s Diploma in Adventure Tourism – which she says has enabled her to take the sport to the next level. “Having rafting as part of the course and learning the necessary skills to become a rafter/ raft guide has really helped me become a better rafter – and also take it to a world champs competition,” says Lisa.
The challenge and sense of adventure/adrenalin rush are what Lisa loves most about the sport. “It’s also a great teamwork thing. The other thing that appeals is just ‘being at one with the river’ – that feeling of using the power of the river to guide you in the right direction,” she says.
NMIT’s popular adventure tourism programmes have been running since three year Diploma in Adventure Tourism Leadership. The programmes prepare students to work in the adventure tourism industry and students can elect to sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, snowboarding or ski instructing, hiking/ tramping, whitewater kayaking and rock climbing. Most of the course is delivered off campus in the stunning natural environment of the Top of the South which includes three diverse national parks – Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes. Students also undertake industry practice placements as part of their training.
“It’s a great adventure with the odd bit of paperwork every now and then! been great to have the outdoors as our classroom,” says Lisa.
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