Black and Blue Horizons (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780957466463)

Jacob, a troubled teenager, wakes to find himself on a plane bound for the South Pacific island of Samoa and a reform school camp dubbed 'Black and Blue Horizons'. His parents have had enough of his defiant attitude and behaviour. His life up until this point in California is one of surfing, gaming, fights and family conflict. The secluded camp serves to reform wayward youth who have lost their place in the world, where camp staff ground the youth in the family and community-centered Samoan culture. It's a shock to the system for Jacob, who dreams of escaping the spartan camp. That outlook takes a new turn when a teacher introduces him to the unique paddle sport of outrigger canoeing. More than a sport, outrigger canoeing serves as a cultural touchstone bonding many indigenous cultures of Oceania through its physicality, teamwork and spiritual connection to the seafarers of ancient Pasifika. Black and Blue Horizons follows Jacob's story as he embarks on the most challenging journey of his young life, paddling towards the discovery of his better self.