Crossing the Ditch

by James Castrission

Two mates, a kayak, and the conquest of the Tasman.'this is the gripping and inspirational account of two ordinary blokes ... double-handedly proving that the Age of Adventure is not over!' PEtER FItZSIMONS With more than two thousand kilometres of treacherous seas and dangerously unpredictable weather and currents, it was little wonder no-one had ever successfully crossed the tasman by kayak. Australian adventurer Andrew McAuley had come close just months earlier - tragically, though, not near enough to save his life. But two young Sydneysiders, James Castrission and Justin Jones, reached the sand at New Plymouth - and a place in history - on 13 January 2008, 62 days after they'd set off from Forster on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. In the process, they had to face dwindling food supplies, a string of technical problems, 14 days trapped in a whirlpool, and two terrifying close encounters with sharks. When they arrived in New Zealand, their friendship stronger than ever, they were sunburnt, bearded, physically and mentally wasted ... and, most of all, happy to be alive. "... nothing prepared them for the 62 days of rapture, despair and euphoria ... ultimately this is a story of the triumph of the human spirit." Lincoln Hall

Genres: Travel, Adventure, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2009

Reviews

[Helrj · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible journey very well told. It covers the planning and the journey showing just how much goes into a trip like this. Really inspiring

[Karen Beath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've already read Cas and Jonesy's book about the Antarctica crossing so it was good to go back and read about where it all began. It was a really interesting and entertaining read. I can't believe how much effort went into doing what they did. While Cas occasionally comes across as being arrogant I admire his brutal honesty. Most author/adventurers wouldn't reveal the real them. I highly recommend this book.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing stuff. What a journey!

[ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody brillaint ending! Makes me want to head out into the bush right now... really inspiring couple of guys alright.

[Trucie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have to ask "Why?", then you're never going to understand.

Two mates in their twenties with no sea-kayaking experience decide to be the first people to cross the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand in a kayak.

They plan and prepare meticulously, which is a good thing since the Tasman is one of the least forgiving stretches of ocean on the planet, with giant breaking waves, ferocious currents, howling winds and, you guessed it, great white sharks.

A fascinating account (warts and all) of how they - and their friendship - survived and successfully accomplished an adventure that even their parents were against from the start.

[Ladybug33 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of two guys who decide they want to be the first to kayak across the pacific ocean from Australia to New Zealand. The book provides an insight into what kind of organisation which goes into getting a trip like this up and running. Followed up by the hardships and random events which happen when you are exposed to the elements for months at a time.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dealing with adversity in challenging situations, these guys are tough!

[Popi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great adventure, passionate and inspiring!

[Micheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharks, seasickness, storms, starvation, going the wrong way... Hardcore motherfuckers cross the Tasman Sea in a kayak, as you do, and nearly die. Lunatics.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous adventure.

[Matt Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

awesome, an inspiring tale of mateship and triumph

[Mark Squires · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the cliche's really - gripping, hard to put down, moving, inspirational. Just read it!