Now, if you Google ‘Castrission’, the first page of results is articles about his voyage with best friend Justin Jones.

Both return to Forster this month at the invitation of Anaconda Adventure Race organisers, but Castrission wasn’t sure if either will race the kayaking leg.

“I’m not quite sure yet. I think Justin knows more about that than me.”

The Anaconda kayak section is 13 kilometres, compared to Jones and Castrission’s 3300km. If the Tasman crossing were an Olympic marathon, the Anaconda paddle would be a 160 metre sprint. Is 13km a walk in the park now?

“I wouldn’t say a walk in the park. To tell you the truth, neither of us has done much kayaking since we got back from New Zealand,” Castrission said.

“We both love our paddling, so we’ll see.”

Great Lakes mayor John Chadban will unveil a plaque at Cape Hawke Harbour in the pair’s honour when they visit on August 28.

“It’s an honour to welcome back the adventurers,” Cr Chadban said.

“Many Great Lakes residents will be keen to meet Justin and James and hear their many fascinating stories.”

Castrission never thought he’d get his own plaque.

“It’s pretty surreal, actually,” he said.

“It’ll be amazing in years to come to visit and see the place we started our voyage, and maybe eventually show the grandkids.”

The pair chose Forster as a launch point because of strong sea currents, and this will be the first time either has come back.

“I’m really excited. I’ve given it quite a lot of thought actually, and I think I’ll get quite emotional,” Castrission said.

“We popped into [New Zealand’s] New Plymouth, and it was incredible to return to the place where we landed. It holds a special place in our hearts, and we hold Forster exactly the same.”

Since completing their crossing in Lot 41 – their two-man sea kayak named after Phar Lap’s holding stall – Castrission and Jones have been working the motivational speaking circuit.

Corporate managers rave about their ability to inspire cubicle-weary staff, and the duo are special guests at the Anaconda pre-race dinner.

“We’ll talk about our trip and our experiences out there, and we’ll show some previously unseen pictures,” Castrission said.

“We’ll show footage of 10 metre seas and that kind of thing, and what it was like holed up in Lot 41 with a couple of blue sharks swimming round giving us grief.”