Skater boy: Aaron Salta pulls a move on Geelong’s waterfront.
ERIN PEARSON
WHEN Aaron Salta’s mates told him he couldn’t skateboard across the Nullarbor he did what any 30-year-old male would do.
Begin drawing up a plan to prove them wrong.
The Geelong musician plans to leave the city in March on a quest to skate the 2000km across the inhospitable Nullarbor Plain.
He will use the journey to raise $10,000 for mental health.
Mr Salta said he was ready to hit the long road on his outback adventure after two years of planning.
“About two years ago the idea went though my head after a few beers at the Nash one Wednesday night and I said it kind of jokingly.
“Then within a week I’d done some research and realised it was possible.
“When I first came up with the idea the negativity people gave me was why I wanted to do it. No one thought I could do it.
“I’ve always been the kind of guy to throw myself into a challenge.”
Mr Salta said he used music to cope as he battled depression for two years.
The Nullarbor attempt would help him with the success of his recovery with other Australians, he said.
“I’m in a really good place and want others to feel like this as well.
“Because I understand what depression feels like it’s given me more drive to do this.
“I’m prepared for the heat, the loneliness and the road trains.
“It’s going to make me a stronger person.”
Mr Salta said he had stepped up his training regime in preparation for the ride.
He was now feeling “fitter than ever” as the departure day loomed.
Mr Salta said he planned to skate 10km stretches at a time and rest alongside a van carrying his support team.
Proceeds would go Mental Health Research Institute, which investigates causes of depression, bi-polar and schizophrenia disorders.
