Nine months after Australian adventurer Andrew McAuley died on a similar mission, James Castrission, 25, and Justin Jones, 24, plan to take a different approach to "crossing the ditch"."There's been a range of emotions, but I'm just keen to get out there, really keen to get out there," Mr Jones told AAP shortly before setting off at 1pm on Tuesday.

I believe anyone is capable of doing anything in their life if they truly believe it.

The friends hope their attempt will end a succession of failed bids by other kayakers and make them the first to achieve the crossing by kayak. Mr McAuley, 39, was nearing the end of his journey to Milford Sound on the South Island's west coast when he made a distress call on February 9. His semi-submerged kayak was discovered the next day but his body has never been recovered, despite an exhaustive search and rescue mission. "Obviously it's a very tragic thing that happened with Andrew," Mr Jones said. "He was an amazing adventurer, but we've tried to learn as much as possible from that experience and also we're taking a vastly different approach to the way he did it."

The pair believe that travelling together in a custom designed double kayak for the 2,200km unaccompanied crossing to Auckland will give them an "inherent level of safety" which Mr McAuley did not enjoy. "Also, his starting point was down in Tasmania where the water is 10 degrees colder," Mr Jones said. "Having someone out there with you to keep you in check and to work with you can bring the other one back up."

The duo first thought up the mission six years ago and have been in serious preparation for the past four years. They have taken part in sleep deprivation, endurance and isolation training, as well as completing a Bass Straight kayak crossing and a kayak paddle from Port Stephens to Sydney. The trans-Tasman trip has been delayed twice in the past year to ensure the team has the right equipment, conditions and safety practices in place. Preparation has included extensive risk management research and talks with various specialists, including marine meteorologists, navy doctors and leading sailors.

Mr Jones said he and Mr Castrission expected to be hit by severe storms during the anticipated 40 to 50-day voyage in the self-righting kayak, "Lot 41".

The kayak is designed to take 10 to 12 metre breaking waves, and we've got all the safety features we need so we'll be able to ride out the storm,

If they succeed in crossing the Tasman, the pair will complete the longest trans-oceanic expedition ever made in a double kayak by two expeditioners.

The team will keep in touch by satellite phone twice a day and a tracking beacon on board will transmit a signal to base every six minutes.

To track the progress of the trip visit: www.crossingtheditch.com.au

© 2011 AAP/SMH