Kayakers begin Tasman Sea attempt

By Phil Mercer
BBC News, Sydney

The men hope to paddle 14 hours a day in their specialised kayak

Two young university graduates from Sydney have begun an attempt to become the first kayakers to paddle between Australia and New Zealand.

Justin Jones and James Castrission, who are both in their mid-twenties, have set off in their twin kayak from a small coastal town north of Sydney.

They hope to complete their 2,200km (1,370 mile) journey by Christmas.

The two kayakers aim to conquer one of Australia's last great untamed adventures, the mighty Tasman Sea.

Their voyage to New Zealand's biggest city, Auckland, is expected to take between 40 and 50 days.

They will be at the mercy of the weather. Conditions in the Tasman can be extremely inhospitable, with waves up to 10 metres high and gale force winds.

The Australian kayakers hope to paddle for up 14 hours a day.

'Looks impossible'

Justin Jones says they want to make history.

"First and foremost is for the pure adventure of it all. I mean, everybody, inside anyone has got a little bit of adventure in them and we've just got to go out and follow that. It would be a crime not to," he said.

"Another reason is an expedition like this looks impossible - paddling to New Zealand we first thought, I mean, 'You're kidding. That can't be done'.

"Only by looking at all the little steps along the way and each little problem can we actually piece together a responsible, safe way to do this."

The pair have been planning the trans-Tasman crossing for the past five years.

Their custom-built kayak is equipped with solar panels, satellite tracking and navigation as well as plenty of food.

The young adventurers have embarked on a hazardous voyage. Earlier this year a fellow Australian went missing after attempting the same journey.

It is thought Andrew McAuley, who was 39, drowned off New Zealand's South Island after falling from his kayak in rough seas. His body has never been found.