THE inaugural big surf ski paddle from Bega to Bondi is on!
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At the end of April, keep your eyes out for paddlers making their way from Bega to Bondi.
The Heli 400 surf ski relay will raise much needed funds for the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter.
Ten crew members will take turns paddling the 370 kilometer distance in nine days.
Westpac Life Saver Helicopter CEO Stephen Leahy launched the event yesterday in Batemans Bay.
“There are 39 legs - the longest solo leg is 45 kilometers around Jervis Bay,” he said.
“We will kick-off at Bermagui on Anzac Day after the Dawn Service.
“Not only is it important for us, but it is our way to remember the Anzac centenery.”
Mr Leahy hoped to raise $20,000.
“The two engines on board the Heli3 have to be replaced by July 1.
"We don’t have an option and that will cost us just over $1 million.
“We hope the community will get behind us.”
He said the idea was the brain child of the crew.
“I am in absolute admiration,” Mr Leahy said.
“It just shows how passionate they are about the service.”
The paddlers will hit the water at 6.30am most days and plan to finish at 1pm.
“We will be in a different community each day talking about what the service does and raising vital funds,” Mr Leahy said.
“There will be community events all the way up the coast.”
Driving force, Pilot Matt O’Brien said, on paper, it was achievable.
“There are some very challenging lengths, including North Head at Batemans Bay,” he said.
Mr O’Brien said if the ocean became too rough, they could ride a bike.
“Whoever is paddling will have the option to do ride along the coastline.
“We will do every leg with human power."
Crewman Euan McKenzie said the crew had trained for months.
“We are experiencing extra camaraderie as we paddle together.”
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