Rowing: Quincey on solo transtasman row

SYDNEY - Auckland adventurer Shaun Quincey considered the consequences of failing in his bid to row solo from Australia to New Zealand.

But with his father as mentor, the 24-year-old was not deterred and on Wednesday morning he set off from Coffs Harbour on his ambitious and lonely voyage, which could last an exhausting 70 days.

His gutsy approach runs in the family. In 1977, Quincey's father, Colin, made history when he became the first - and only - person to row the exact same journey across the Tasman.

Since that journey, many rowers have embarked on failed attempts to make a solo crossing, perhaps the most infamous by kayaker Andrew McAuley, whose body has never been found.

McAuley was just 65km from his destination at Milford Sound on the South Island of NZ when he disappeared in 2007.

Quincey junior knows it's a possibility he could meet a similar fate.

"He didn't underestimate the seriousness of it ... it's a very dangerous trip," spokesman Patrick Brothers told AAP on Wednesday.

"He will be out of helicopter rescue range in two days (time) - a long way from help.

"In the last few days he was starting to consider the consequences of not pulling it off."

But Quincey is well prepared.

He has spent almost two years planning, building, training and preparing for the epic voyage, which Mr Brothers likens to completing the Tour de France.

"It's the same duration and intensity," he said.

"He will be aiming to cover about 40km a day, rowing for between 12 and 16 hours, and eating the equivalent of 25-30 Big Macs a day in terms of calories and energy."

If Quincey is successful, like his father, he will write his own name in the history books.

And he will be sharing his thoughts with the technology-savvy world along the way, tweeting from his 23-foot Woodvale ocean rowing boat.

Day one had been challenging, Mr Brothers said, with a northeasterly wind pushing him back towards Australia.

But the gruelling hours were brightened by a surprise visit from some much welcomed company.

About 10 hours into the trip, he tweeted: "As at 8pm NZ time -- have rowed approx 10nmiles into a NE headwind. Thanks to the pod of dolphins for the company this evening!"

Quincey can be followed at http://twitter.com/Tasmanrower

- AAP