THE thought of being surrounded by ocean with nothing more than your kayak, best mate and five litres of fresh drinking water would spur many people to reminisce of movie scenes involving Tom Hanks and a sturdy volleyball named Wilson.
This scenario is set to be the reality of Toowoomba local Matt Martin and his mate Jeremy Todd from Sydney, as they complete a bold expedition across the Torres Strait to raise awareness for millions of people around the world who don't have access to clean water.
Paddling return from Cape York to Papua New Guinea, the trip will focus on having limited access to clean water and having to search for water along the way, experiencing what many less fortunate countries have to deal with every day.
After preparing for the trip since March, the two 25-year-olds were scheduled to embark on the 10-day adventure late October, but due to rough conditions, were forced to postpone until February next year.
"We went up to the Cape and figured we'd have a go at the first day of the trip and it was really quite rough," Matt said.
"There was no way we could complete it."
On the advice of water police, the duo returned home.
Though Matt said it was "very disappointing" to have prepared for so long only to have to turn back, he knows "it will be a sweet victory when it eventually happens".
Partnering with Charity Water, the mates hope to raise more than $5000 to help bring clean and safe drinking water to developing countries.
"We want to raise awareness for those that don't have access to clean water. The idea behind that is just using the things we love to help those in need," Matt said.
"We also love the ocean and we love kayaking."
As part of the journey the duo plan to take only five litres of drinking water each and will then rely on sourcing water elsewhere to survive.
"We prefer to get inland sources, but if have to desalinate then we'll do it.
"It's about putting ourselves under the same conditions that people right around the world have to endure. So we can identify with them."
The pair are experienced adventurers and have done a number of trips over the years since 2009, though nothing as testing as this one.
Speaking to Queensland Country Life before the first attempt, Matt said he was wary of the weather, but the crocodiles and the inevitable exhaustion were also playing on his mind.
Though on their own in many ways, a support boat will be with them as they attempt the crossing.
"We're going to create a documentary, just to follow the trip," Matt said.
"There'll be guys filming from the support boat so it gives us the opportunity to create some great content."
They are hoping the release of the documentary, to be screened in Toowoomba, Brisbane and Sydney, will help them raise further funds to a total of $10,000.
But for now, they are just looking ahead for their next attempt at completing the expedition.
"To be honest, it's so much planning, so much risk assessing and strategies for scheduling and insurance and all of that.
"I'm just excited to get on the water with my best mate, to sit in the kayak with Jeremy and finally get out on the water and give it a good shot," Matt said.
