Role: Logistics
Hometown: Northampton
University: Cambridge
Degree: Electrical Engineering
Year of study: 4th
Kayaking Background: I started kayaking when I was thirteen with Northampton Canoe Club and slowly did less and less playboating and more proper paddling.
Previous Trips: I went to Nepal after my A-levels and liked it so much I returned the following monsoon to see how big it really can get. Since then, I have been to New Zealand, India, Venezuela and back to Nepal again!
Favourite destination so far: Nepal
Previous media coverage: Somehow on previous trips, I’ve ended up in the Indian national press and on Venezuelan TV. I produced these notes on paddling in India.
Other Interests: Climbing, mountain biking, windsurfing, travelling.
Music of choice: Meat Loaf – Paradise by the dashboard lights.
Most exhilarating boating moment: Finally reaching the lake on our first descent of the Rio Mucachachi, Venezuela. The most terrifying, yet amazing river I have ever paddled; the stuff of dreams and nightmares.
What has been your worst boating moment? Cutting across the back of a large terminal hole on the Rio Mucachachi, I completely misjudged the tow back and spent some long moments paddling for all I was worth. I was in a gorge, in deep jungle and the rest of the group was out of sight downstream; I felt very much alone.
When and where was your last swim? A tiny tributary of the Beas in India. I shot a weir with no speed, the tow-back was a good 5ft and completely uniform. After a couple of loops and realising I wasn’t going anywhere I was pulled out on a line. I had to live bait to get my boat out.
Most random / unusual thing you have ever done? Climbing a 20,000ft peak in river shoes…
What are you most looking forward to about the expedition? Russian helicopters!
What part of the expedition do you feel will be the biggest challenge? Keeping up with the locals drinking…
What will you cook when it’s your turn to feed the team? Surely instant noodles are the staple food on any expedition?
What piece of kit will you be sure you take on expedition? A tarp
What made you chose Siberia and Mongolia? Big mountains, awesome remote rivers and a fascinating part of the world.
How do you think the team will get on since most of them only met for the first time in November? Great, I had such a good weekend back in November; I can’t wait ’til the summer.
