A veteran kayaking across Bass Strait to raise awareness for post traumatic stress disorders, has made it to Flinders Island.
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Kirby Stocks is fundraising for Whiskey’s Wish, which provides training and support for service dogs assisting veterans.
His 350 kilometre journey started on Sunday from Little Musselroe, with a “hard paddle” to Preservation Island.
After a few days rest he continued another 50 kilometres onto Whitemark on Flinders Island – a section that took about eight hours to complete.
“The sea started out very calm, you could see the bottom of the ocean floor,’ he said.
“The first hour of paddling was in flat water conditions, and it was so relaxing.
“It was a relief after combating the ocean during the previous days of paddling.
“During the following five hours of paddling, we had a headwind of eight to 10 knots.
“It was a grilling on our bodies, pushing against the wind and water.”
Given the weather forecast, Mr Stocks said he would spend about a week on Flinders Island, but was making the most of it and enjoying some sight seeing.
He is now hoping to commence his journey on Thursday, continuing another 35 kilometres to Roydon Island.
“Roydon Island is located on the north west of Flinders Island and is our jump off point to do the longest crossing over to the Kent Group of islands,” he said.
“This crossing is about a 65 to 70 kilometres.
“Fingers crossed for light South-East wind behind us, to assist us on our journey and a little closer to our final destination Port Welshpool.”
Mr Stocks is hoping to raise $25,000 – donations can be made here.