FOR members of the Kayak4Youth team, paddling down the Katherine River means a lot more than experiencing the stunning Top End landscape from the water level.
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The paddlers set off on their four-day journey on Saturday morning to raise awareness about youth suicide and fundraise for prevention programs.
Kayak4Youth was founded by police officer Andy Warton in 2012 and began with a solo paddle around Samoa last year, and he explained it was a very personal crusade.
“I’ve lost a number of mates over the years to suicide,” he said.
“I was 20 years in the federal police and five years ago, a friend posted overseas took his life the day before his mission was due to finish.”
The Northern Territory has a suicide rate double the Australian average and Mr Warton said he believed the statistic made Katherine an ideal place to run the 2014 event.
“It’s all about adventure but, at the same time, it’s all about youth,” he said.
The team comprised of an eclectic mix of ages and backgrounds but the majority of paddlers had witnessed the effect suicide had on families and communities.
“It’s more than fundraising and awareness for these guys,” Mr Warton said as Lifeline and emergency service volunteers cooked a departure breakfast.
Darwin students Stephanie Packwood and Taylah Maurice, both 16, said they joined the paddle after a school friend took their own life last year.
“We lost a friend just over a year ago and we really support the cause,” Miss Packwood said.
“We want to do it for our friend.”
For urgent support in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.