Inspired to Kayak
What inspired Andrew to kayak?
Following a rock climbing accident, in which Andrew smashed his right patella (knee cap), he found it difficult to climb for a while, so he took up kayaking on the suggestion of his wife Vicki. A strong swimmer, Vicki initially out-paddled Andrew, but he soon caught up and became impassioned by his new sport. Once he started, it opened up a lot of possibilities to push new boundaries in a sport that was otherwise perceived as quite a safe sport.
Why the Tasman Crossing?
It had been attempted to cross the Tasman Sea before, but never successfully crossed. Crossing it was the next logical step from all the other exploratory crossings that had done. Andrewly was instantly drawn to the wildness and extremity of the idea - to push his personal physiological and psychological boundaries. After deciding to go on this adventure, Andrew chose to do the trip entirely below the 40th Parallel, as it was more challenging than doing it at more northerly latitudes. It had a reputation as a wild body of water, and he was drawn to the challenge.
Casper the Cockpit Canopy
Designed and constructed by Andrew specifically to self right the kayak, if capsized, there is no real significance of the name Casper. It just became ‘casper the cockpit canopy." Made from fiberglass it trapped air to force the kayak to stay upright if flipped upsidedown.
The NGC Blog is very proud and honored to have a contribution from Vicki McAuley, Andrew's wife, as she opens up about her thoughts on the film and her late husband.
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