Don Chapman has packed up his jet ski and headed south for the 600 kilometre 2014 Yamaha Melanoma Foundation Ski-nZ challenge next week.

Don Chapman on the jet ski he will ride in the 600 kilometre 2014 Yamaha Melanoma Foundation Ski-nZ challenge next week.

The well-known designer and builder of dairy parlours says he's both excited and a little apprehensive about the challenge, especially the final leg across Cook Straight on Saturday March 15.

However, he's spent much of the summer training for the event and testing his endurance on the jet ski, including in the Tauranga Harbour, out to Motitii Island and up and down the coast.

'We will do about 100km a day and depending on conditions that can take up to two and a half hours. It certainly tests your fitness.

'Crazy as it may seem at my age, the challenge inspires me. My first-hand experience as a melanoma survivor from 30 years ago, makes me as passionate about this worthwhile cause, as I am about every day I get that I otherwise might not have,” says Don.

The last few weeks have been frantic with final preparation, including a full service for the jet ski, which has been fitted with a special box at the back to carry some extra fuel.

Billed as an adrenalin packed adventure on personal watercraft, travelling some of the most amazing coastline and scenery that the top of the South Island has to offer, the event from March 9 to 15 is an important fundraiser for the Melanoma Foundation.

Don and others taking part in the challenge will navigate the coastline eastbound from the Whanganui inlet, located west of Farewell Spit, to Nelson, French Pass, around D'Urville and Stephens Islands, then on to Picton, followed by a Cook Strait Crossing to finish in Wellington.

On the way they'll be taking in amazing sights and raising funds to help the Melanoma Foundation to 'create excellence in the awareness, education, prevention, treatment and research of melanoma in New Zealand”.

Participants can expect to ride to many iconic spots on the way with a like-minded group of adventurers, organiser say.

Travelling with the participants in the Ski-nZ will be an experienced team, including medical support, mechanics and on-water recovery crews.

In keeping with the high safety standards and given that this event is helping to promote awareness of melanoma, participants will be required to wear a life jacket, full face helmet, eye protection, gloves, shoes, and a full length rash suit or wet suit for sun protection.

Coastguard boats from the Nelson, Picton and Wellington units will be providing ‘support boat' services.

Don says he's taking part not only to raise funds for melanoma research, but also to raise awareness of the cancer.

'Mine probably began when I was a young builder, working outside in a singlet, with no sunscreen. My message to everyone is to take care in the sun and have your doctor regularly check your own skin for melanoma and other skin cancers. A timely check may save your life."

Don already has a host of sponsors but he's keen to raise as much as he can for the Melanoma Foundation. To find out more email Don at [email protected] or go to www.melanoma.org.nz