Man Attempts Solo River-Sled Down Waikato River

MEDIA RELEASE
8 December 2009

Man Attempts Solo River-Sled Down Waikato River

On the 12th of December, local Papamoa beach man Frank Way, is attempting something no one has attempted before, that is to river sled the entire length of the Waikato River. At 425kms it is the longest river in New Zealand.

‘Kicking off’ from Taupo, Frank estimates it will take him approximately 12 days to complete his journey to Port Waikato. Although he will be doing it solo, a support crew will accompany him and he be carrying all his equipment in his board and backpack to set up a solo camp on the side of the river.
A river sled is much like a snow sled except that it is powered entirely by leg-power.

“The hardest parts are going to be the lakes, as there are over 7 lakes to cross and there will be no or minimal flow, it will be all kicking and no play!”

Earlier this year Frank was fortunate enough to meet extreme adventurer, Mike Horn, who has been on expeditions all over the World, including travelling down the Amazon and trekking to the North Pole during the Arctic winter in entire darkness. Mike Horn’s words stuck in Frank’s head: “If you are properly prepared and you have the right gear, you can achieve anything”, and this became the inspiration for this expedition.

“I pondered what I could do to challenge myself in the same kind of way and it struck me, why not river sled the length of the Waikato River? While not quite the Amazon, it is still a big challenge and something that no one has done before”

But the trip is about more than thrills and adventure, Frank is doing it to support a cause close to his heart: prostate cancer.

“From the beginning I wanted to use this trip as an opportunity to raise awareness for a good cause. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ has backed the expedition and I believe they are doing a great job. There are many New Zealand men that are affected by prostate cancer including my dear father Frank Way (senior)”

People can show their support by calling 0900 454 454 to donate $20 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or visit http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/frankway/ to sponsor the Foundation per kilometre Frank goes down the river. Frank’s support crew will also be collecting donations as he travels, so the public are encouraged to come down to the river side and show their support.

Photos of Frank’s journey will be uploaded daily onto his website www.waikatoriverexpedition.co.nz/ and his daily progress will be mapped out using a S.P.O.T tracker.

ENDS

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