[polylureosis]

I know there was a post about kayaking from Tassie to the mainland a while back. From memory there were a few keen starters.

Well how keen is this?

Andrew McAuley, is about to launch himself, solo, across the Tasman, in a kayak. Andrew estimates that it will take about 21 days. Weather reports permitting, he will be leaving on Saturday at 7.00 am, from Fortescue Bay in Tasmania.

Mind you his CV is pretty impresive.....

"Andrew McAuley’s kayaking resume is long and varied, and reflects his passion for the sport. Andrew has three crossings of Bass Strait to his credit by three different routes, including the first ever direct, non-stop crossing in 2003. This crossing remains unrepeated by anyone. In 2004 he paddled across the Gulf of Carpentaria, an open ocean crossing of 530km over 6.5 days, battling salt sores, fever, and encounters with sharks and sea snakes along the way. In 2006 he led a team of Australia's leading sea kayakers on an expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, paddling over 800km to the Antarctic Circle. Andrew is currently regarded as one of Australia’s most accomplished expedition sea kayakers."

Keep up with him online here....

http://www.andrewmcauley.com/

Wonder if he packed a rod?

 

[simond11]

If he hasn't maybe we should remind him. Bugger...pity our T-shirts aren't ready, otherwise he could have done a bit of free advertising for us. In return....well, no..bugger that..It's a privilege to wear one of our shirts, and he should be so lucky.
Now where is his e-mail address so I can remind him of the fishing rod. And now the big question. As he will be limited for space, what 3 lures should he take with him if he wants to get a fish feed on the way??
Over to our contestants........
Cheers

Simon
Prowler 15

 

[polylureosis]

1. Sabaki bait jigs and a few live bait hooks.
2. Rapala Magnum X-rap
3. Halco trembler

 

[Davey G]

lunatic :shock:

 

[Freak]

i might give it a go too once i learn how to effectively manage a shore break.

 

[JB]

Crazy :shock: The tasman is a wide stretch. those SW flows that come up from the deep south then up the west coast of NZ..mmmmm

And in end of Nov / December where the tasman weather is not settled. March may be but now :shock: Oh well each to their own.

The only disappointing part is that I hope he does not need to use any rescue services as its a longway. Plus costly for the tax payer over hear. :twisted:

 

[Davey G]

JB, he's coming to get your SNAPPER!!!!!

This stretch of water is a very bad place to be caught in bad weather. Just look what happened to the Sydney-Hobart fleet a few years ago (and they were in 100ft multi million $$ maxi yachts with the latest safety gear, liferafts, etc etc).

As I said before, LUNATIC :roll:

 

[Dodge]

Just went to check progress on this one, and find he's turned back after the attempt...an interesting read

http://www.andrewmcauley.com/index.html

 

[Zed]

yeah, definite lack of follow-thru.

 

[andybear]

Yes, it was an exciting start, and I reckon he will do it soon. I think his move was smart, and postponed the mission until the problem gets resolved. Having people have to come out and risk their lives to rescue you, is alway a poor thing. When he mentions "cold", I dont think he means just uncomfortable cold, he probably means slow death cold.
Still, its too far for me, after 10 hours, I need to walk.

Cheers all Andybear :lol:

 

[sam60]

A difficult choice to make I agree....If he had attempted to continue and ended up losing his life or had to be rescued would we say he was a wanker and should not have attempted it in the first place but if he did manage to finish the trip and landed in NZ would our opinion change? He found his limits early and decided to return but I can imagine he went through a range of emotions as well and perhaps if he makes another attempt he may be able to find a solution to the heat loss problem.
He may be mad but he is still alive.