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Sponsors
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Unwired
Unwired is an Australian public company dedicated to building a nationwide, fixed wireless telecommunications network offering carrier grade Internet services and voice services in the future. Their philosophy is SIMPLICITY, they make it as easy as possible for the consumer to use their services, minimise stress and reduce confusion.
silver SPONSORs
Fibreglass International
Fiberglass International is Australia's leading supplier of composite materials. Whether your material requirements are for a large ocean going vessel, a chemical storage tank or a small 'one-off' component, the FGI teams around the country can help you achieve the most appropriate and cost-effective solution. These guys have been great in providing the materials for this unique kayak- just wait till you see it!
Pretorius
Pretorius has been a leader in innovative complimentary supplements exclusively for the health food industry for over 30 years. Founded by Martin Pretorius, a leading advocate of nutritional therapy. They have joined us in Crossing the Ditch not only financially, but also by keeping us healthy during our training and our expedition.
Eptec
EPTEC represents a new generation of engineering that specialises in the high technology aspects of major infrastructure and defence projects. Their work involves the use of specialised products and equipment varying from resins, cement grouts, high tech reinforcement such as carbon-fibre and many other innovative and specialised products. They specialise in corrosion protection, waterproofing, reinforced composites, asset maintenance, thermal insulation and project management.
Enrico, Joe, Tim and the rest of the team at EPTEC have been right behind us in our bid to kayak across the Tasman Sea providing us with both financial support and technical knowledge that comes from being the leader in their field. Thanks guys!
Solar Sailor
With the recent price hike of fossil fuels, Solar sailor has harnessed the power of the sun and wind to power vessels as large as ferries! We are fortunate enough to have the experience and expertise of these guys, who are providing our solar panels. These will help charge our communications, water desal unit and bilges. Look out for their distinctive ferries around Sydney Harbour!
community business partners
Resi Mortgage Corporation
Property buyers today need finance that is more competitive, imaginative and efficient. Founded by Peter James and Jim Christie, resi Mortgage Corporation delivers innovative loan products that give borrowers maximum flexibility. This is why resi is now one of Australia and New Zealand's leading mortgage managers. resi has a well-earned reputation and we are honoured to be sponsored by this great financier.
s direct - create > innovate > deliver
SDirect provides leading Australian companies with advanced marketing tools, approaching each customer as unique and individual.
crossing the ditch gear sponsors
Australlian National Maritime Museum
The ANMM are an event partner of Crossing the Ditch. Our departure will be from their steps at Cockle Bay, as will our media launch and post expedition functions. It’s great to have the support of the museum behind us- they are out there supporting not just past endevors but current maritime history. Get down there to check out some of there exhibitions- it’s a great day out.
Australian Geographic
The Australian Geographic Society is dedicated to supporting scientific research, protecting and fostering a love for our environment and natural heritage, and encouraging the spirit of discovery and adventure. Since 1996, the Australian Geographic Society has sponsored more than 1000 individuals and organisations. We are stoked to be one of these lucky groups and have AG supporting our expedition to kayak across the Tasman Sea.
Solution
Solution Paddle Gear is an Australian company that has specialized in the manufacture and design of high quality paddling products for the past 9 years.Solution products are tested and worn by some of Australia's and the world’s premier kayakers; from the whitewater of Norway and coastal regions of Australia to the pinnacle of slalom kayaking at the Olympic Games. As paddlers we all have dreams. Whether it’s first descents or cruising on the harbour, our aim is to design paddling products that will help you fulfil your dreams and enjoy your paddling experience.
Suunto
We are excited to have strapped to ourselves the finest wristwatch computers in the world. We have been supplied with 2 Suunto X6 HRM. During our intensive pre-expedition training these watches are providing us with crucial heart rate data and are a tool to warn us of approaching squalls. Out in the Tasman we will be able to monitor air pressure amongst many other functions. Seriously, these watches belong in a James Bond movie!
Icebreaker
Out in the Tasman we will be wet, but thanks to Icebreaker not cold. Icebreaker make the world's leading insulation & thermal wear – with this we will be able to face the atrocious conditions out at sea with the sporting world's warmest performance underwear / thermals, made from the finest 100% Merino wool.
CDTL
CDTL is an independent accounting firm with offices in Sydney and on the Gold Coast. The firm was formed in 2002. They provide advice and services in the areas of audit and assurance services, business services and taxation. Thanks Carl for helping us set up our company structure and admin!
H20 Audio
For any paddlers, swimmers or surfers out there that dream of listening to Andre Bocelli when out there, H2O audios’ products are for you! Our ipods will be kept waterproof thanks to this great product.
Pittarak
Pittarak's heritage started over thirty years ago, when Australian adventurer and film maker Larry Gray, started travelling to distant oceans of the world, and required a durable, functional, performance based sea kayak. The Pittarak was born- a serious expedition kayak. We will not paddle anything other than a “Pitta” when it comes to venturing offshore. We both paddle a Pitta each and have a double which we took across Bass Strait- it handled the rough weather down there magnificently. You’ve gotta check out the Skinning Chickens trailer on the Pittarak website:
Pacific Sailing School
Located at Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Rushcutters Bay, Sydney, Pacific Sailing School is at the heart of recreational yachting and yacht racing. Whether your dream is to be "handy" sunset sails on the harbour, work aboard yachts around the world, or stand on the podium in Hobart we have a sailing program for you to learn and enjoy. The guys have been a wealth of knowledge in preparing and training us for all eventualities. Thanks to Terry and the Crew we will have all the qualifications that are need to race yachts offshore.
www.pacificsailingschool.com.au
Kokatat
Steve O’Meara started this company in 1971. 35 years later they have a fierce reputation for any paddler wanting the ultimate in shell functionality and performance when out on the water. Kokatat are the global leader’s providers of shell ware to all types of paddlers from Grade 5 white water to the demands of extreme sea kayaking.
Back Country Cuisine
We will be consuming approximately 5000 calories per day on the crossing. Food is an incredible source of motivation and we are fortunate enough to have a huge variety of meals ranging from Beef Teriyaki to Mexican Chicken! These meals are incredibly tasty light-weight and full of goodness!
Climb Fit
Sydney's premier climbing, bouldering and fitness gym. Keeping us in shape! Drop in and have a look - 12/4 Frederick st, St Leonards.
Pains Wessex
Pains Wessex is Australia's leading manufacturer and supplier of civilian and military pyrotechnics, marine distress and safety products. They will be providing us with all our distress signalling and pyrotechnics. They are also providing us with two Fastfind Plus with 406MHz Personal Location Beacons.
Panasonic
The crew at Panasonic have been fantastic! They are loaning us a Panasonic Toughbook CF-18 the most extreme laptop for the most extreme uses. This is the central hub for our primary communications with mainland and our navigation equipment and software. When the going gets tough...the tough get tough books.
Gear Shop NZ
Gearshop NZ is a quality NZ based distributor of quality recreational and professional equipment for just about everything in the outdoors. Their kit is used by emergency and military personnel over in NZ. Whether it be over in NZ or even here in Australia, Gearshop NZ can deliver the goods with no fuss. Thanks Hamish for helping us cross the ditch!
Series Drogue
The Series Drogue…the ultimate bit of safety equipment for heavy weather management and survival. The series drogue was developed by retired aeronautical engineer Don Jordan to perform two separate functions:
1. To prevent capsize in the event of a large breaking wave strike.
2. To improve the motion of the boat in storm waves and to reduce drift.
Without this bit of kit we wouldn't think of leaving on our trip.
Rudy Project
Rudy Project are the official eyewear supplier of Crossing the Ditch 2006/07. Their super high tech lenses will keep our eyes protected from the harsh sun and glare that we will face. There Polar FX lenses POLAR3FX ensures the complete and thorough elimination of glare, polarized light and harmful UV rays, and provides excellent eye protection- what’s more these lenses are 5 times more rugged than glass!
Oceantalk
Oceantalk Pty Ltd are leading distributors of Marine Electronics throughout the Asia Pacific Region. With offices in Sydney & Singapore, Oceantalk distribute leading brands of marine electronics such as: Raymarine Electronics, MaxPower Fuel Cells & Bow thrusters, Comar AIS devices, Tacktick wireless instrumentation & NVTi thermal imaging. We are fortunate enough to have this crew on board who have provided critical advice and electronic gear for the crossing. For more information on any of the products distributed by Oceantalk, visit their website
Gatorade
Gatorade: The Original and the Best! Developed through sports science and proven on the sports field, Gatorade delivers maximum hydration for Maximum athletic performance. Get updated with the latest research articles from professionals at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI). Sports advice and nutrition information for coaches, kids , parents and all serious athletes.
Marlin Trailers
These guys up at Port Stevens have done a truly remarkable job on the Crossing the Ditch trailer. In less than 2 wks they had knocked up a trailer that deserves to be towed behind a Rolls Royce it looks so hot! Thanks guys for the super effort.
Garmin
Thanks to Garmin for supplying the GPS units that wil be used to cross the ditch. Thanks to Garmin we will know where we are every step of the way.
Protein FX
Protein FX is the ultimate protein snack for energy, recovery and muscle maintenance. Ideal for those who exercise or simply enjoy a busy, active lifestyle, Protein FX contains a balance of protein and carbohydrates that assists glycogen reload and protein synthesis after intense exercise. As well as all the good stuff, these bars taste amazing- For each of the 55 days of the crossing we are going to look forward to our “bar breaks” thanks to Protein FX.
http://www.healthbrands.com.au
Day Two
On the second day God created water and then the fun really started! Established in the late 80‚s Day Two manufacture quality handmade kayaking and watersports gear in New Zealand. They are New Zealand‚s leading kayak clothing brand and all their gear is designed and made by paddlers for paddlers. Thanks Andy for your support!!
Skwoosh
Skwoosh Paddling and Rowing cushions provide extremely lightweight cushioning through the use of patented gel TekPad® material. The gel in the cushion helps you to relieve pressure on your legs and those bony bits in your butt, so that you can either enjoy an intense training session or leisurely time in your craft.
Each of the Skwoosh Cushion covers is selected with the needs of the athlete in mind – less friction for the kayaker and more friction for the canoeist or rower, but each one has a rugged integrated non-skid bottom to keep it secure in your boat.
Activate Outdoors
I cannot recommend a better outdoor store and a better bunch of guys. It 's good to see that at least one Australian outdoor store is still holding true to its roots of great service and unbiased, practical advice on the outdoor gear that is available. To Brad, Ingrid and the rest of the team at Activate...Thank you, you're flying the flag high for the Australian Adventure community!!
Para Anchors
A parachute sea anchor is the ONLY device available that is capable of holding your bow to the wind, allowing you the safest and most comfortable position to ride out any storm.
media partners
Men's Health
We are pleased to have this major Australian Magazine as a media partner in crossing the ditch.
http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/mens-health/
NZ Adventure Magazine
is New Zealand's only true lifestyle adventure magazine that targets editorial, images and new products relating to our outdoor pursuits, both in New Zealand and overseas.
expedition partner
RaceRecon :: Expedition Capital
Race Recon is an international venture capital firm that invests in high risk expeditions.
They are a team of experienced finance, risk management, marketing and extreme sports professionals that have a hands-on approach and assists in building world-class expedition teams.
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graphic design and corporate advertising support
Ben Barin
A special thank you goes out to Ben Barin, our graphic designer and corporate advertising consultant. Ben has been the third leg of our tripod and has been with us from the very start; two year ago. Ben...thanks for your support!.
