"My first thought was 'I never wanted to paddle to Tasmania'," the 63-year-old laughs.

"(My wife) Annette asked me if I had enough life insurance, (sons) Henri wasn't so sold on the idea and Jack said go for it."

At the end of last year, good mate Matt Flower asked Stuart if he'd like to paddle with him to Tasmania.

The pair has paddled thousands of kilometres together on the Murray River over the years and competed in many endurance events.

But ... still, tackling the notoriously volatile open waters of the Bass Strait was another thing entirely.

"It was never on my bucket list," Stuart admits.

"I know it's a very serious venture; but once I thought about it and made the decision I'm really excited about it."

Matt and Stuart are set to be joined by another pair of paddlers in Col Brown, from Torquay, and Albury solicitor James Sloan (depending on work commitments).

Stuart points out all three of his companions have represented Australia on the water; this is no foolish frolic.

"At 13, Jim was the youngest to compete in the 400-kilometre Murray River Marathon; I was the second youngest," Stuart says.

"Jim has attempted the Bass Strait crossing twice already: the first time one of the guys was so sea sick they couldn't continue, and the second time, a guy had a bad back."

The plan is for the group of four to take off from the Wilsons Promontory area on April 7, travelling in sturdy double sea kayaks.

Unaccompanied, they will have to carry all their own gear, food and camping equipment as they cross via a series of islands.

"We won't be taking any risks; and if we have to wait (for the weather) and take our time, that's what we will do," Stuart says.

"One of our strengths is we should be able to make good time if the conditions are correct."

The crossing is expected to take about seven days, with the longest stretch a 70-kilometre paddle for the day.

"It will be a challenge and a lot of the time I expect it will be sheer grind," Stuart says.

At the forefront of his mind will be the cause he's paddling for.

The Albury-Wodonga Winter Solstice co-founder is raising funds for mental health and to support the 2021 event after its major fundraiser, The Big Splash, had to be cancelled this year due to COVID-19.

He is hoping the community groups and businesses that have been so generous in their support of The Big Splash each year will dive in to donate to this fundraising adventure.

This quest, called Survivors Crossing, is a deeply personal one for Stuart.

"When (our daughter) Mary died by suicide, Matt was the person who was there for me," he says.

"He put me back in a boat; he was an absolute comfort.

"If I was ever going to do anything like this, it would be with Matty."