Role: Web Monkey
Hometown: Ruthin, North Wales
University: University of Wales, Aberystwyth
Degree: Software Engineering MEng
Year of study: Industrial Year (effectively 3 of 5!)
Age: 22
Kayaking Background: I have been paddling since I was 14, but have been around the sport since a wee bairn as both of my parents used to paddle – my Dad still does! I am known mainly for my freestyle paddling as I have been involved with the GB Team for 5 or 6 years now and this year was crowned Ladies European Champion and British Champion. However, my roots are in river running and when the rivers are up I get my Magnum out and head to the hills!
Previous Trips: Before I started University, I had Year Out; in which I paddled in Nepal, New Zealand and Canada. In Nepal, I helped to set up the Peak UK Himalayan Challange and competed in the event. 
This is a fantastic event and creating a slalom course on grade 4+ white water using bamboo poles and bailing twine certainly provides entertainment. After this, the Peak UK contingent and I went on a fantastic multi-day trip down to Bhote Kosi and Sun Kosi, camping on golden sandy river beaches and eating fresh spare ribs. Happy days. I then flew to New Zealand where I spent 3 and a half months paddling and working in various rubbish fruit related jobs. Heli-boating on the West Coast was one of the highlights for me. Finally, I flew to Canada and bought a van in Vancouver, which I used to travel all around BC and Alberta then drive ALL THE WAY to Toronto where I stayed with family and picked up my brother before spending my final 3 weeks on the Ottawa River and surfing the waves of Montreal.
I have also paddled in several places across Europe on many occassions.
Favorite destination so far: Nepal for sure. The people were amazing; happy, friendly, helpful and always smiling despite having nothing compared us Westerners. The fact that the scenery was immensely beautiful and the white water classicly memorable just put the icing on the cake.
Extra Skills: I have had many articles published in all UK canoeing magazines over the years, including a monthly slot with Paddles back in 2002/2003. Many of these articles (and other people’s) have been accompanied by my photography. I enjoy taking photos and own a lovely Canon 350D. I have experience of giving presentations to a wide range of audiences. I am also our resident Web Designer.
Previous media coverage: As mentioned above, I write regularly for UK canoeing magazines, 
but I am also often the subject of articles, interviews and have even been on the front cover! I have appeared on TV several times, including being interviewed on Sky Sports after winning the European Championships. I have featured in newspapers and in adverts for anything from kayaking kit to holidays in Wales!
Other Interests: I enjoy many outdoor sports such as climbing, snowboarding, mountain biking, skateboarding, ultimate and anything else fun!
Music of choice: Anything with a good beat – funky house, drum and bass, dance and punk/rock… but I also like stuff like Jack Johnson, ALO and the Bedouin Sound Clash to chill out to.
Most exhilarating boating moment: Probably winning the European Championships!!
What has been your worst boating moment? Being in New Zealand when Eleanor Rutter died.
When and where was your last swim? Sadly, I think it was lamely at Holme Pierrepont White Water Course! I passed out in my boat at GB Team Training – a very worrying experience!
Most random / unusual thing you have ever done? This is a toughie! Plummeted 192 metres to the ground from the top of the Sky Tower in Aukland, NZ – perhaps?
What are you most looking forward to about the expedition? Seeing a completely different part of the World, meeting the people there and exploring areas that most other people will never have the chance to see… from a kayak!
What part of the expedition do you feel will be the biggest challenge? Probably the border crossing between Russia and Mongolia.
What will you cook when it’s your turn to feed the team? Chilli is always good.
What piece of kit will you be sure you take on expedition? A spork with serated edge. Spoon, knife and fork all in one – genious! And tea bags – always essential.
What made you chose Siberia and Mongolia? The rivers have the potential to be very exciting but they are set in an amazing environment. The photos I have seen of the Altai Mountains are stunning. The cultures of Siberia and Mongolia are also very interesting and I am looking forward to immersing myself in it.
As a team, you have a lot to live up to after the success of the 2005 Kyrgyzstan trip. What do you think makes The Four Borders Expedition so special? The 2005 expedition had very little awareness before the trip took place. Their success has promoted the BUKE concept into the lime-light and so this second trip is being followed with great interest by a great array of people. Our team this year is made up of some exceptionally talented, experienced and skilled kayakers who are great, easy-going people to boot. This level of skill and experience will allow us to push the boundaries and explore places that other groups would not be able to.
How do you think the team will get on since most of them only met for the first time in November? We have a great rapport despite having only met as all together on a few occassions. We are regularly in contact and plan to meet as a team for several events such as First Aid Courses, SRT, National Student Rodeo and such as well as paddling together in smaller groups whenever possible. I should hope we will all get on brilliantly – perhaps we’ll have the odd tiff, which we can blog about in a Big Brother-stylee…
Personal website: www.lowridavies.co.uk
