Companies that have helped me on my journey
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Rowing the North Atlantic
Rowing the North Atlantic is a monumental feat that requires incredible physical and mental endurance. The North Atlantic is known for its challenging weather patterns, strong currents, and unpredictable conditions, making it one of the most demanding bodies of water to cross. On 28th Jan 2016, approaching midnight – I was sitting in my rowing position on the “Toby Wallace”, a light-weight ocean rowing boat; ‘primed and ready for an attempt’ on a world record. Our challenge was to Row across the North Atlantic, setting off from Marina Puerto De Mogan Gran Canaria, 4815Km. / 2992 miles to Port St Charles Barbados faster than anyone before. I was musing !!!! Rowing the Atlantic…
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Climbing, Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure, Essential Rope Knots, How To's, My Blog
Climbing Carabiners / Karabiners
Locking Screwgate Carabiners serve as essential tools for climbers and mountaineers, facilitating the secure connection of various equipment pieces, thereby ensuring their safety during ascents. Typically crafted from durable metal, these versatile devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, though commonly feature an oval design with a spring-loaded clip mechanism, ensuring firm closure unless intentionally opened. They have a wide range of uses across various activities and industries, including: Climbing and Mountaineering: Carabiners are crucial for connecting ropes to harnesses, securing climbers to anchors, creating belay systems, and linking different pieces of climbing equipment such as cams, nuts, and quickdraws. Rigging and Rope Work: They are employed in…
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Due Diligence for the Adventurous
Exercising due diligence concerning health and safety is paramount. Risk Assessments is required for all Adventurous Activities; especially in environments like mountains or during activities such as an Atlantic row. Neglecting safety measures in these settings could potentially lead to severe consequences. Reflecting on past experiences, particularly the tragic loss of a fellow oarsman during the Atlantic row in 2016, and the significant dropout rate in Rugby on Everest 2019 has significantly impacted my perspective. The incident underscores the importance of ensuring comprehensive safety measures are in place. The Skipper and owner of the vessel faced legal consequences, pleading guilty to failing to ensure the safe operation of the vessel. Their…
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Rock Scrambling
Scrambling lies in that grey area between the simplicity of hill walking with the technicality of rock climbing. Basic Guide to Scrambling How to Navigate Scree Loose Scree / friable rock is hair-raising, it makes the scramble tougher mentally Carefully maneuver your boots into the scree, especially effective when it’s just a few inches deep. Engage the front of your boot, securing a stable foothold, and meticulously shift your weight before replicating the process with the other foot. Keep your center of gravity low by slightly bending your knees and leaning forward. This helps you stay stable on shifting surfaces. Moving slowly with shorter, deliberate steps reduces the risk of…
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Water Crossings: Techniques and Tips
Water crossings offer a mix of excitement and challenge. There are various factors range from navigating shallow streams to traversing deep rivers. Whether one opts for fording, using a bridge, or sailing across in a boat, the primary focus remains on assessing the environment and choosing the safest approach. Essential considerations: Depth of the water , current intensity, and the nature of the terrain; emphasizing the paramount importance of prioritizing safety above all else. Look downstream; consequences are crucial if you get swept away by the current Slow, deep water is often safer than shallower, swift water!! Guidelines for Safe River or Stream Crossings: Prepare for Quick Release: Loosen your…
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Knife Care and Usage Guide
“Your knife is your life”: You’re only as sharp as your knife and your survival knife is the one that you have on you at the time. Stephen Nowacki. Taking care of your knives and using them correctly is essential for their longevity and your safety. Knives are versatile tools, but they have their limits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide valuable advice on knife care and usage to help you make the most of your tools while ensuring their durability. Section 1: Proper Knife Usage Section 2: Knife Maintenance Section 3: General Care Section 4: Maintenance and Sharpening Proper knife care and usage are vital for your safety and…
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Safeguard your Mobile Phone.
In today’s interconnected world, effective ‘communication’ takes center stage. My colleagues and I have taken our mobile phones to diverse environments and engaged in a wide array of activities. From the icy reaches of the North Pole to the scorching sands of the Sahara Desert, we’ve braved it all. Our phones have accompanied us on water-based adventures such as kayaking and swimming, and they’ve even faced the arduous ascents of Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro. Our mobile phones require robust protection against a range of elements, encompassing water, sand, snow, and shocks, while still maintaining seamless functionality for speaking, listening, and dialing. Kevlar mobile phone cases offer several advantages, one…
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London 2 Paris Rowing Challenge
The London 2 Paris Challenge in 2010 requires extreme physical endurance and considerable mental strength. It’s the perfect example of open water rowing’s most demanding aspects; a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I looked forward to an interesting and equally punishing journey from Big Ben, down along the River Thames, across the English Channel to La Havre and up the Seine to the finish at the Eiffel tower, a distance of 440 nautical miles. We rowed an old-fashioned traditional Thames Waterman Cutter; 34ft long, with a beam of 4ft 6”, in timber (clinker-built). We started from Big Ben, London, rowing our Thames Cutter towards the sea. Rotating six rowers and…
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Water & Hydration Bladder System
A backpack/rucksack with a Hydration Bladder System is a fantastic choice for outdoor activities such as when hiking, camping, or even on long walks. The hydration bladder, usually positioned inside the backpack, allows you to sip water through a tube without having to stop and open a water bottle; convenient and efficient giving you constant access to enjoy a drink hands free. Ideal choice while you are trekking in the mountains, scrambling over dunes and for runners. Plus, it’s a lifesaver in hot weather—enabling you to enjoy a steady flow of refreshing sips, shielding your water from the sun, and outperforming traditional water bottles with its generous capacity. Stay hydrated…
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Camping, Camping / Equipment & Accessories, Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure, My Blog
Hatchet / Axe
Your Hatchet / Axe, is an indispensable item for your Camping and Bushcraft needs; it’s an essential item to be included in any backpacking survival kit. The fibreglass axe handles are durable and take rough abuse; also have great shock absorption properties. It’s an ideal in length, 355 mm and weight 0.7 kg; with a protective safety holster with clip for carrying with you and a lanyard hole in the handle. It’s versatility is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, from cutting down trees and bushes; requires less of backswing when preparing and splitting your firewood in tight spaces. Handy, when building an impromptu shelter from the elements. Effective for self-defence against 2…
