Families combine their individual strengths to overcome Steelman challenges and obstacles.
Families combine their individual strengths to overcome Steelman challenges and obstacles.
Fundraiser focuses on exercise and teamwork needed in long road to recovery from illness.
When Lindsay Grobler was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, she had no idea it would be the catalyst for discovering a new passion in sport.
Grobler joined the Pinc and Steel cancer rehabilitation programme, a team of qualified physiotherapists dedicated to guiding people through cancer treatment and recovery.
Pinc and Steel founder Lou James explains: "In NZ we have a great [funding] system - ACC - if you have an accident. But there is no funding if you have cancer, and there are over 100 different types of cancer.
"Everyone has different needs following their cancer treatment to get themselves back up and doing the things they love. The Pinc and Steel Trust helps subsidise people for their rehabilitation."
In October 2013 Grobler's cancer went metastatic, meaning a long road of chemotherapy lay ahead for the North Shore local. Pinc physiotherapist Megan Schmidt continued to provide rehabilitation support to Grobler through one-to-one sessions and twice-weekly pilates.
James is enthusiastic: "Exercise is proven to increase your chance of surviving cancer, reduce your chance of getting cancer again, and help with your physical and emotional recovery." Grobler agrees: "I have always kept physical and worked hard to do this. It is good to be fit going into treatments and Megan has worked hard with me to achieve this."
Early this year Pinc and Steel launched a new research and rehabilitation initiative called PaddleOn, and Grobler was one of 45 women who joined the pilot programme: "Being outside and in touch with nature is very important for me. The more I move around, the better I feel."
Designed by physiotherapists and in association with qualified Stand Up Paddle (SUP) instructors, the programme teaches SUP-specific exercises and skills for men and women who have experienced breast cancer.
On Sunday May 24 Pinc and Steel host the second annual Steelman Challenge at Takapuna Beach, and Grobler plans to bring her family.
The fun teams event consists of seven obstacles with a short SUP lap between each obstacle. Each team complete the whole course as a relay.
Challenges test strength, balance, flexibility and fitness - all elements compromised with cancer treatment.
Obstacles include dragging a brick along sand, climbing a rock wall, balancing on one leg, scrambling over barriers, running through tyres, sprinting uphill and grinding like an America's Cup sailor.
Last year the inaugural Steelman raised more than $15,000 for cancer rehabilitation, allowing more than 50 cancer sufferers to join the Pinc and Steel rehabilitation programmes.
James says: "When you are diagnosed with cancer you get thrown off-balance, and the cancer treatments can really knock you down. The Pinc and Steel physiotherapists help people get back up and take the first steps on their road to recovery. Every $300 a team raises puts a patient through cancer rehabilitation."
The goal this year is to raise $40,000, which will allow 150 people to start their rehabilitation journey.
Steelman encourages families and friends to work together, to identify each other's strengths and help and support each other through the challenges - much like one would support a friend with cancer.
Event director Penny Comins hopes Steelman will appeal to families: "All ages and skill levels are welcome, and it's a really fun thing for families to do together. Some of the challenges may be easier for kids, some they may need help with."
Children under 10 can paddle tandem or solo, but must wear a flotation device and be with an adult.
Beginners are welcome and boards will be available to use.
PaddleFit training sessions will be held on Takapuna Beach between 7 and 8am until the event, and beginners are encouraged.
SUP is a relatively new sport in New Zealand but is rapidly growing in popularity. Eleven Kiwis will be heading to the ISA World Stand Up Paddle and Paddleboard Championships in Sayulita, Mexico from May 10 to 17. Current Steelman champions Penelope Strickland and Armie Armstrong will be among them, but will be back on Takapuna Beach the next Sunday to defend their titles.
