Mark Kalch - paddler, storyteller
Paddling the longest river on each continent from source to sea. In 2012 I made a 117 day, 3780 mile descent of the Missouri-Mississippi River in the US. In 2008 a 153 day descent of the 4130 mile Amazon River in South America. In 2010, I walked alone across the entire Islamic Republic of Iran. I use my journeys to bring stories to life through images and word.
DAMOCRACY The Movie - Find time over your weekend to watch this amazing doco. It really re-enforces to me, that simply paddling downstream as fast as I can on my 7 Rivers 7 Continents project is simply not enough.
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If you have ever paddled a kayak for more than a day or two in your life then you no doubt have heard of Steve Fisher. The South African kayaker is a paddling legend and a bit of a hero of mine.
The Grand Inga Project which took place on the Congo River was truly epic. The interview below came out about a month ago, but I just keep going back to it again and again. A good lesson about what goes in to planning and executing a big river expedition. Take a listen!
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In May, Suunto are set to unleash the second generation of the Ambit - the Ambit2. I have used the Ambit for the last 1.5 years on adventures big and small and it really does rock. Funny to think that the original Suunto Vector was my previous go to watch! If the Ambit2 (and Ambit2 S, pictured above) can improve upon the first offering then we are in for a treat! Check out details here.
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Kiwi river running legend and the driving force behind Ultimate Descents, Dave Allardice passed away yesterday after battling cancer. I wasn’t fortunate enough to ever meet Dave in person but I have many friends who did. The closest I got was reading and watching, enthralled, as he and other elite paddlers made first descents on some of the most amazing rivers all over the world, notably the Himalayas.
Another legend, Steve Fisher, recalls Dave handing out some sage advice on their 2002 Yarlung Tsangpo first descent in Tibet, which he retold in the kayaking film, Black Book. Something to remember.
You can find more Dave Allardice stories here. NB. Not all are as deep as the above! More whiskey and beer involved!
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Now that’s a styling t-shirt! Grab one for yourself from Sports Science.
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Awesome old school newspaper ad for Klepper folding kayaks. Since 1907, the German company has been making folding boats which have been used on expeditions all over the world including multiple Atlantic crossings!
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When you rate sponsored kit people find it hard to take you seriously. So, I always dig giving props to gear from companies who just make awesome stuff and aren’t my partners. No one can argue the toss with me then!
I have used a bunch of different headlamps over the years but just keep coming back to Petzl. On my 3780 mile paddle across the US last year I used the Tikka XP2. Whether I was paddling at night and in torrential rain or moving about camp it proved to be the best all-round hands free lighting system I have ever used. Trust me!
Brendan Leonard is a funny dude. His website semi-rad.com is packed full of stories that resonate even if you only spend a few days out in the wilderness at a stretch. Teaming up with another champion storyteller, Fitz Cahall (the man behind dirtbagdiaries.com and epic short film series The Season) he has just released, “35”. Just a little reminder to keep climbing (or paddling, running, cycling, anything that makes you happy) and stay stoked.
Check out Brendan’s behind the scenes breakdown here.
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The United Nations World Water Day (22nd March 2013) is about, “focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources”. The hugely negative impact we, as humans, are having on the finite supply of freshwater available on the planet cannot be ignored. I firmly believe that the more people we can have appreciate this resource the more positive action will take place in order to preserve it. Not surprisingly, I reckon one of the best ways to dig freshwater more is to paddle it!
68 year old Rob Elliot has guided more than 200 trips on the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in Arizona. I think he might have played his part in getting people amped about freshwater and rivers, don’t you?
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