Leap of faith

Annabel: When Lucy called to ask if I wanted to climb Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge then abseil off it as part of a ‘Bucket List’ story I jumped at the chance. Three minutes later I was in panic mode as the reality of my decision began to sink in: I had just agreed to climb 80m above sea level then proceed to scale the last 33m down.

The Style team found it very amusing when I announced I was having nightmares of being fired if I pulled out at the last minute. Needless to say, the nerves were not helped by my editor’s text message to jokingly remind me to "abseil or you're fired” (thanks Claire).

It was impossible not to feel excited as the passionate team at the Story Bridge Adventure Climb walked, talked and joked with us throughout the afternoon. As Brad and Simon led us up those silver stairs, I found myself laughing rather than screaming as I took in the beautiful view of the Brisbane skyline. The abseil was just as thrilling as I safely stepped over the ledge and floated down to complete the challenge.

It was the fantastic team at Story Bridge Adventure Climb who truly made the experience both memorable and magical and, I have to admit, I think I could almost attempt a death-defying sky dive with a team like that to guide me through… just don’t fire me if I back out!

Lucy: It’s one thing to have a bucket list – but another thing entirely to tick them off! At the end of last year I was fortunate to tick off a couple of adrenalin pumping activities – a safari in Africa and completing a few hot laps around a race track. Climbing the Story Bridge was something I’d always wanted to do, so when I discovered I could climb it, then scale 33 meters down the side of the pile-on while taking in breath-taking views of the city scape, I was pumped - I guess you could say I always had lofty aspirations.

Climbing the bridge itself is enormously exhilarating, and it can get quite windy! As for the abseil itself, it’s initially very daunting. Opening the gate and stepping out onto the angled platform is the scariest bit, but you’re reassured by the abseil guides, and the fact that the body-harness you’re wearing is super snug! As you slowly lower yourself down, the views are awe-inspiring. It’s a truly liberating feeling to be suspended in mid-air with traffic rushing above your head and nothing but parkland below you. Once you’ve reached the ground, the feeling is overwhelming elation, coupled with the sensation that just about anything is achievable.

Story Bridge Abseil Climb
P 1300 254 627
www.storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au