NZ man to river sled entire Waikato River

Frank Way. Photo / Supplied

A Papamoa man is setting out to river sled the length of the Waikato River in a fundraising effort for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Frank Way will begin his journey from Taupo on December 12 and travel up the country's longest river, culminating at Port Waikato.

Although no one has ever attempted such an undertaking, Mr Way estimates the 425km trip will take around 12 days to complete.

A river sled is similar to a snow sled and is propelled solely by leg-power as it has no energy source.

"The hardest parts are going to be the lakes, as there are over seven lakes to cross and there will be no or minimal flow. It will be all kicking and no play," he said.

Mr Way said he was hoping 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," he said.

"There are many New Zealand men that are affected by prostate cancer including my dear father Frank Way snr."

Mr Way was inspired by Mike Horn, an extreme adventurer who has travelled down the Amazon and trekked to the North Pole during the Arctic winter.

"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."

HOW TO HELP

Call 0900 454 454 to donate $20 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or visit the event website.

A support crew will also be collecting donations as he travels down the river.

- NZ HERALD STAFF