Jet skiing 600km to keep cancer charity afloat

Peter Whale is raising money for the Melanoma foundation by jet skiing up the north west coast of the South Island.

Jet skiing 600km is a way for Papamoa's Peter Whale to raise money for charity by doing something he loves.

The 53-year-old is taking part in the Yamaha Melanoma Foundation Ski-nZ next week. The event involves a six-day, 600km jet ski fundraiser along the South Island's northwest coast, starting in Takaka and crossing the Cook Strait to finish in Wellington.

Mr Whale, who was also a member of Tauranga Jet Sport Association, said he enjoyed long distance jet skiing.

"This is a marathon ride that I would like to do anyway so raising money for the Melanoma Foundation is a double whammy. It ticks all the boxes, I can do a marathon ride and raise money for charity."

Mr Whale also took part in the event last year, a journey from Tauranga to Russell.

Together with riding partner Callum Farnell of Russell, Mr Whale raised just over $16,000.

This year, the duo's efforts have already hit $12,720 so Mr Whale expected to beat last year's total.

"He and I fundraise together because within the group there is a competition to earn the most money. Last year we won it and this year we're going all out to win it again." Mr Whale said the event had almost doubled in size since last year's inaugural race.

"Last year there was about 15 skiers, this year there's 24. We raised between $60,000 to $70,000, so this year there's going to be a lot more than that purely because of numbers."

Mr Whale said melanoma was an important cause to fundraise for, particularly for jet skiers who were exposed to the sun for long periods. His father-in-law had also had a brush with the disease.

Event details

March 9: Muster in Takaka for registration

March 10: Whanganui Inlet around Farewell Spit and back to Takaka

March 11: Takaka through the Abel Tasman Park to Nelson

March 12: Nelson to French Pass

March 13: Day Trip around D'Urville and Stephens Islands

March 14: French Pass to Picton

March 15: Picton to Wellington via Cook Strait
To support Mr Whale's efforts, visit www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/spraytechfarnellracing