Yamaha Melanoma NZ Ski-NZ Max’ – riding 1,400km for the cause

by Kim Fox on 8 Dec 2016 On Sunday March 5th, a group of personal watercraft riders will embark on an epic journey to raise money for Melanoma New Zealand.

For the first time the ‘Yamaha Melanoma NZ Ski-NZ Max’ event will run for two weeks, beginning in Stewart Island and ending in Auckland, covering a staggering 1,400km on the water.

Approximately 60 participants from all over the country will experience the action-packed fun filled ride as they navigate the coastline of New Zealand, stopping at 13 ports along the way, taking in iconic spots and breath taking scenery.

Riders of all abilities are able join in, from recreational to regular racers, as they are grouped according to ability for the journey and supervised by professionals. For those that don’t have time to participate in the full two weeks there is the option to join in at any point along the way, and one day riders are also welcome.

Organizer, Jeremy Burfoot has been running this event for the last four years. “If you are an adrenalin junkie or just love cruising around some of New Zealand’s most iconic spots, with a like-minded group of adventurers, then this is a must do event of 2017. This is the longest ride that we have ever done and a unique opportunity not to be missed” says Burfoot.

As well as having fun each rider will be raising funds to help Melanoma NZ to prevent avoidable deaths from melanoma. New Zealand has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world and given that the rate is going to continue to rise over the next two decades’ education and awareness of the dangers of melanoma and importance of early detection is crucial in this fight.

“The ‘Yamaha Melanoma NZ Ski-NZ Max’ has raised over $325,000 for Melanoma since it first started, a fantastic achievement by all those involved! The event is a great way to explore New Zealand’s coastline and enjoy the ocean with mates or to meet new people, all whilst raising funds for an important cause”, said Yamaha’s National Manager for Marine, Matt Walton-Smith.

For more information and registration visit https://www.melanoma.org.nz/news-events/upcoming- click here or email: admin@melanoma.org.nz

Itinerary:
Sat 4th March: Scrutineering & registration at Invercargill followed by briefing & dinner.
Sun 5th March: Ride to Oban (Stewart Island)
Mon 6th March: Ride to Balclutha Tue 7th March: Ride to Dunedin Wed 8th March: Day off in Dunedin Thurs ninth March: Ride to Timaru Fri 10th March: Ride to Akaroa
Sat 11th March: Drive to Wellington
Sun 12th March: Ride Wellington to Paraparaumu
Mon 13th March: Ride to Whanganui
Tue 14th March: Day trip Whanganui River with pillions Wed 15th March: Endurance ride to New Plymouth (Event auction night)
Thurs 16th March: Day off New Plymouth
Fri 17th March: Endurance ride to Raglan
Sat 18th March: Ride Raglan to Auckland and ‘Final Function’

Melanoma NZ is the only melanoma specific consumer group operating in this country and it receives no government funding; all campaigns and initiatives are made possible through the generosity of ambassadors, sponsors, grantors, fundraisers, and donors. www.melanoma.org.nz

Money raised from the Yamaha Melanoma NZ Skin-nZ Max 2017 will be used to:
• Increase awareness of melanoma prevention and early detection in NZ
• Advocacy for patients
• Support families affected by melanoma
• Improved outcomes for people with melanoma
• Facilitate clinical melanoma research in NZ