Lake Bolac s Mark Veale takes part in the inaugural Ski For Life, a 500-kilometre water ski marathon aimed at raising awareness and money for male depression and suicide.
REGION - Earlier this month three Lake Bolac and Wickliffe families - the Veales, Walkers and Neumanns - participated in the inaugural Ski For Life event.
The relay consisted of two boats towing skiers for five consecutive days, covering 500 kilometres along the Murray River.
The event began in Renmark and finished at Murray Bridge, with the aim of raising awareness and money for male depression and suicide prevention.
Mark Veale, who was a part of the team called 'Just Hangin In', said the event was a great experience.
"There was eight adults and 10 children in all in our team and all but two children skied at some stage over the five days," he said.
"The goals of the trip were firstly to be able to tow water skiers all the way from Renmark to Murray Bridge, this ranged from up to three single skiers behind one boat to a four-year-old on a kneeboard as well.
"In the process the group raised money to go towards running the Men's Watch Program in South Australia, which educates men on identifying their mates and people in their community who could be at risk and helping them to seek the help they need.
"It was an extraordinary achievement by all families and all involved and an adventure we will never forget."
A crew of 35 adults and children were involved from Victoria and South Australia during the event.
Ski For Life will become an annual event and next year organisers hope to attract many more boats and people to help raise awareness of the important issue of men's health.
"Originally I heard about the event from a friend who had been asked to ski in it," Mr Veale said.
"I also knew some of the people organising it and I asked if I could enter our boat and a team of skiers. We have a keen group of friends that ski with us and some were up for the adventure of skiing such a beautiful part of the Murray River.
"On top of this the reason behind the event is a massive issue in rural communities and we were only too happy to support it."
The total amount raised from the event was still being calculated, with organisers hoping to raise about $10,000.
Mr Veale said team 'Just Hangin In' would be back on the water again next year for the event and he encouraged other water skiing enthusiasts from the area to give it a go.
"We certainly plan to enter another team next year and help where we can to organise the event," he said.
"I think there are other families keen to put in teams too."