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Jetski epic to raise funds for CANSA

25 January 2010

In mid-April this year, six South Africans on jet-skis will travel over 2 800 kilometres of coastline off three southern African countries in order to raise awareness and funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa.

The Coast2Coast4CANSA expedition, which is expected to last for up to four weeks, requires the pilots to be in peak physical and mental condition to cope with extreme ocean conditions on almost every step of their epic journey.

Pilots

The pilots, professional surfski paddler Barry Lewin, ex-Protea cricketer Daryll Cullinan, world renowned big wave surfer Jason Ribbink, ex-Protea cricketer Lance Klusener, marine conservationist Mark Addison and former Dolphins cricketer Russel Symcox, will begin their journey on their Yamaha WaveRunners on the Mozambique border on 20 April.

Over the four weeks, man and machine will travel up to 300 kilometres each day, with the aim of educating and raising funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

"CANSA plays an important 'watchdog' role for South Africans by acting proactively and educating the public on protecting themselves against cancer and this inaugural event will help to spread the word about making informed choices, such as safety in the sun, not using any tobacco products and encouraging South Africans to eat five fresh fruits and vegetables every day," says Sue Janse van Rensburg, CANSA's CEO.

"Up to 40 percent of cancers can be prevented by living a healthy, balanced lifestyle. We are very excited to be joining the expedition in the fight against cancer."

'Inherently dangerous'

The journey, which will end at the West Coast border of Namibia, is "inherently dangerous, physically gruelling and challenging on every level," says expedition leader and event organiser Russel Symcox.

However, according to Symcox, a mission of this magnitude is justifiable as "it will attract the necessary media attention, which in turn will provide a platform to raise funds and create awareness for cancer, its prevention, early detection and treatment, as well as encouraging all South Africans to pursue a healthy balanced lifestyle".

The approximately 1 511 nautical-mile journey involves more than just the six-strong "core" jet-ski crew. They will be accompanied by four support vehicles manned by support crew members, medical and safety personnel, a television and media production crew, media liaisons and logistics co-ordinators.

Stop-overs

During the treacherous journey, the crew will stop over in the major South African cities of Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, and make use of the opportunity to promote cancer awareness.

On their stop-over days, media interviews with local radio stations and regional or community newspapers will be facilitated through the media liaisons and, with the assistance of CANSA, educational visits to schools, hospitals, clinics and special care facilities will also be arranged, all designed to promote awareness about cancer and draw attention to the objectives of the Coast2Coast4CANSA (C2C4C) campaign.

Filming and photography

The entire journey is being documented by cameramen and photographers, for both the land- and sea-based expeditions. The video footage will be produced into a broadcast quality package for television, downloadable video clips on the website, and a DVD, which will generate further awareness and income for the campaign.

Photographs of the journey will also be featured on the campaign's official website and other online social media sites.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, to donate, or simply to track the progress of the crew both in the build-up and throughout the C2C4C campaign, visit the C2C4C website or the CANSA website for the latest updates, news, pictures and videos.

SAinfo reporter