Preparation key to conquering the Tasman Sea
In preparation for his attempt to row across the Tasman Sea solo Grant ‘‘Axe’’ Rawlinson has had his head down in a coroner’s report.
The extreme adventurer said reading about the death of Andrew McAuley, who died in 2009 while kayaking across the Tasman Sea, and other books from those who had completed the journey had given him plenty to ponder.
And while Rawlinson reckons he’s the most prepared person to ever attempt the 3000km task, which he will start in October, there was still an element of chance involved, he said.
‘‘That report I’ve just been through with a fine-tooth comb and and it’s been a massive effort with research,’’ Rawlinson said.
‘‘I really think with my preparations, when I start out in five weeks time I will be the most prepared rower that’s ever taken on the Tasman but at the same time you need a bit of luck with the weather.’’
Rawlinson was in New Plymouth on Thursday and Friday to catch up with members of the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust (TRHT), who he will be fundraising for along the way, and members of the Hurworth Community Callout Squad.
Rawlinson – who has previously climbed Mt Everest and walked, cycled and kayaked from Ruapehu to the top of Mt Cook – said he chose to support the chopper crew as they had transported his sister to hospital after a crash.
‘‘They’re just a great organisation and it makes me sad in a way to see that they seem to be continually struggling for support,’’ he said.
On January 3, Rawlinson began the start of his latest adventure – a human powered journey from Singapore to Stratford – by rowing the 4500km from Raffles Marina to Darwin, Australia. After reaching shore he then cycled for another 4500km to reach Coffs Harbour, 300km south of Brisbane. He is planning on leaving Coffs Harbour in five weeks with the aim of landing in New Plymouth in late November or early December before finishing the journey with another cycle ride to Stratford.
‘‘It’s on our door step, we live with it. We grew up with it all my life, the Tasman Sea, looking at it, swimming in it and I think it’s time someone from Taranaki took it on,’’ he said of the challenge ahead. But the weather would have to play ball for it to work out.
‘‘A good dose of westerly winds and not too many storms,’’ he said.
TRHT crew member and general manager Andy Cronin said they were more than happy to help with Rawlinson’s preparations and said they were grateful for the support.
‘‘We’d much rather share our knowledge with people ahead of time rather than waiting until it’s an emergency and then helping them,’’ he said. ‘‘We’ve covered if he was to require a helicopter evacuation and then the things that he needs to consider.’’