One of the biggest learning curves for me has been that this solo adventure of mine is just not possible without the support and generosity of people.  My heartfelt thanks go to the following people:

THANK YOU TO CONRAD EDWARDS. Conrad is a Feldenkrais practitioner and an active sportsman:

• kayaking: one of New Zealand's most experienced expedition sea kayakers, and paddle racing and surf kayaks too
• martial arts: a nidan black belt in aikido and head of a dojo (try it - Aikido's almost as good for posture and movement as Feldenkrais, although a lot more energetic!)
• running, cycling, tramping and skiiing.

His profession, other than learning and applying the Feldenkrais method, is as a mathematician.  He thus knows about movement, and about the theory of feedback and feed forward systems, such as your central nervous system.

THANK YOU TO ANDY BLAKE,  owner/operator of Canoe & Kayak Wellington. Andy is lending me his boat for the crossing!  Andy, I am so grateful as this was one of the biggest barriers to completing the project. Andy circumnavigated D’Urville Island, Stewart Island, Kapiti Island and the Kadavu Island group in Fiji. The boat he is lending me is the Southern Skua made by QK, and is really nice and comfortable. It is really awesome, and expensive. The one condition he gave me was that if I break it I buy it. He tells me this boat has not yet done Raukawa Moana so I intend to get that done for him!   His shop is in Ngauranga Gorge, Wellington and his contact number is 04)4776941.  Email: wellington@canoeandkayak.co.nz

THANK YOU TO CYCLE SCIENCE in Lower Hutt. They gave us a 10% discount when we went in to get energy gels for the long haul!  Thanks!  They are at 127 Queens Drive, phone 04 5892822

THANK YOU TO BRENDON HANNAH from Capital Comms, 24B Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington. Brendon loaned me the VHF radio, allowing me contact with the coastguard during training, and on the crossing itself.  Awesome! Thanks!