There are easier ways to get to Melbourne but for Brian Kiss von Soly speed and comfort are not the main objective.
The 35-year-old set out from New Brighton Beach on the far north coast on December 28 intent on creating a new Guinness Book of World Records entry for the world's longest solo kite-surfing journey.
If things had gone to plan he would have probably have completed the 1300km journey this week.
Instead unfavourable southerly wind conditions have meant he has been stuck in Merewether since Australia Day.
"As I washed onto Merewether beach I met a lovely lady who offered me a place to stay," he said.
"I've just been here cooking and cleaning to pay for my stay."
Propelled by a strong northerly, he completed the Hawks Nest to Newcastle leg in five hours and 30 minutes.
To his relief he didn't encounter any sharks as he zig-zagged his way across Stockton Bight.
"I was told it was a popular spot for them," he said.
"But the other marine life out there is amazing - I see dolphins every day. The flying fish are crazy; they are airborne for literally 30 seconds. There are also turtles and seals."
When the wind does eventually swing around he hopes to complete the Newcastle to Sydney leg in about five hours.
"During those four days of howling north-easterlies I made more ground then than in the three weeks that I left," he said.
"If I get another three or four days of good wind I will definitely be in Victoria, but going at the pace I'm going, it's probably going to be at least another month before I get there."
He needs to reach Narooma on the south coast to beat the existing record.
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