OCEAN adventurers James Castrission and Justin Jones will attempt to fulfil a childhood ambition as they ‘cross the ditch’ from Australia to New Zealand in a kayak.
The pair set off from the Forster Marina yesterday afternoon on their 3540 kilometre (2200 mile) trek to Auckland bay amidst a barrage of media.
If successful, James and Justin will be the first to kayak across the Tasman Sea.
The Sydney-based pair have been kayaking offshore for about six years. Their previous ocean voyages include crossing Bass Strait and paddling from Brisbane to Papua New Guinea.
“We were paddling down the Murray River in 2001 and we thought – why not give it a go?” James said. “At first it was more of a joke, but as time went on we became more and more serious about doing it.”
Justin and James have spent the past 18 months in full-time preparation, consulting with marine meteorologists, leading sailors and navy doctors to gain a full understanding of the health and safety requirements.
“From a safety point of view, we’ve done the same amount of preparation and survival training a round-the-world-yachtsman would undertake,” James said.
They expect the trip to take about 40 days, and hope to reach Auckland by Christmas.
“It would be nice if we finished before then,” said James. “But we’ve got a few presents on board just in case.”
Visit www.crossingtheditch. com.au to keep track of the boys as they make their way across the Tasman Sea.