Scan for more. Fuel consumption figures for Juke range: URBAN 28.8-48.7mpg (9.8-5.8L/100km), EXTRA URBAN 47.1-67.3mp MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing, in accordance with 2004/3/EC and intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. (Optio Park, Denham Way, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 9YS.
PERFORMANCE UNLEASHED INTRODUCING NISSAN NISMO Nissan Motorsports-engineered cars, fusing performance with technology. Sporting an immense heritage in innovation and design. Fully equipped with the digital soul of the gaming world. It’s the power of Nismo. Now unleashed in Juke. Visit www.nissan.co.uk/juke-nismo
pg (6.0-4.2L/100km), COMBINED 38.2-58.9mpg (7.4-4.8L/100km), CO2 emissions 169-124g/km. nal
equipment, maintenance, driving behaviour, road and weather conditions may affect the official results). Information correct at time of going to print. Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, The Rivers Office 303139
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ADVENTURE IS CONTENT TH ERE IS A DVENTURE TO B E F OUND ON EVERY P A GE
Published by Black Diamond
15 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9HE. Telephone: 020 7240 4071 www.blackdiamond.co.uk Š2013 Black Diamond. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used, reproduced, stored in an information retrieval system or transmitted in any manner whatsoever without the express permission of the publishers. This Publication has been produced wholly upon information received from contributors and while the publishers trust their content will be of interest to readers, the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The publisher cannot accept, and hereby disclaims, any liability for the consequences of inaccuracies, errors, omissions or opinions in such information for publication or otherwise. No representations, whether within the meaning of the Misrepresentation Act 1967 or otherwise, warranties or endorsements of information contained herein are given or intended and full verification of all information must be sought from the respective contributors. The publication of the articles herein does not necessarily imply that the opinions are those of the publishers.
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l Adventure is teamwork...................................................... 6
n STEALTH....................................................................... 40
l Adventure: FILMED ALL OVER THE WORLD.................................. 10
n FLOW HUNTERS.............................................................. 42
n WAY OF LIFE................................................................... 12
n INTO THE EMPTY QUARTER................................................. 46
n CASCADA...................................................................... 16
l Adventure is discovering more with ALASTAIR HUMPHREYS & LEON McCARRON.... 50
n NOT BAD....................................................................... 20
n WHY............................................................................ 54
n THE LAST GREAT CLIMB..................................................... 24
n HOW OF WHY................................................................. 58
n INTO THE WILDERNESS..................................................... 28
n THE KYRGYZSTAN PROJECT................................................ 60
l Adventure is discovering more with Frank Dias & Mungo..................... 32
n DUCT TAPE SURFING........................................................ 64
n MOONWALK.................................................................... 36
n THE BEGINNING.............................................................. 66
n KARAKORAM HIGHWAY...................................................... 38
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ADVENTURE IS TEAMWORK TH E T H RI L L SEEKERS C REW A ND T H E C ONTRI B UTORS
n Festival Director Jim Odoire jim@blackdiamond.co.uk n Programme Editor Siobhan Burke siobhan@blackdiamond.co.uk n Designer Craig Johnson craig@blackdiamond.co.uk 6
n Website Anton Morrison & Alex Kempton n Trailer Editor: Peter J Mountford Animation: Rob Jones n Adventure Film Festival Black Diamond 15 Bedford Street London WC2E 9HE adventurefest.co.uk
n Contributing photographers: Mark Fisher (WAY OF LIFE) Tim Kemple (CASCADA) Sterling Lorence (NOT BAD) Alastair Lee / posingproductions.com (THE LAST GREAT CLIMB) Mungo / Frank Dias (INTO THE WILDERNESS) Mikey Schaefer (MOONWALK) Pank Sethi (STEALTH) Red Bull (FLOW HUNTERS) Alastair Humphreys (INTO THE EMPTY QUARTER) Corey Rich (WHY + HOW OF WHY) John Dickey (THE KYRGYZSTAN PROJECT) Claudia Ziegler (THE BEGINNING) n Special thanks to: Nissan Salomon The Telegraph Mammoth Lakes, California Mammoth Mountain Ski Area n Printer Four Corners Print Printed on paper made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste
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STILL TAKEN FROM ‘THE BEGINNING’ (PAGE 66)
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STEALTH [UK]
THE BEGINNING
INTO THE WILDERNESS
[SWITZERLAND]
[ALASKA]
MOONWALK
WAY OF LIFE
[CALIFORNIA]
[ALASKA] [BRITISH COLUMBIA] [USA] [AUSTRIA]
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CASCADA
WHY
+ HOW OF WHY
[MEXICO]
[UTAH] [CALIFORNIA] [MEXICO]
The Thrillseekers Adventure Film Festival powered by Nismo returns for an 8th year in 2013, showcasing the finest adventure films from across the globe. From 14th October, our three film programmes will bring the widest variety of adventure film content to the widest possible UK audience with screenings at more than 30 cinemas across the nation from Exeter to Inverness. From hundreds of submissions, the AFF panel has selected 15 films to inspire, excite and entertain, and create the festival’s best
line-up yet. Featuring three world premieres and four UK premieres, the quality of the content at this year’s event is a testament to the increasing skill of adventure filmmakers, the ever-improving technical equipment (and its accessibility) and the growing number of skilled athletes and artists setting out to make this type of film. From the white water of New Zealand to the peaks of Pakistan, the AFF encourages audiences to explore and enjoy the world through adventure film. Full film listings, venue details and tickets are available at adventurefest.co.uk
and whilst you’re there, don’t forget to enter the competition to be in with a chance of winning a brand new Nissan Juke Nismo. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for a range of exclusive content, including interviews with this year’s AFF stars and special offers. We look forward to seeing you at the show. Jim Odoire, Festival Director facebook.com/AdventureFilmFestUK twitter.com/AdventureFF
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ADVENTURE: ALL OVER FILMED
THE WORLD
THE KYRGYZSTAN PROJECT [KYRGYZSTAN]
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KARAKORAM HIGHWAY [PAKISTAN]
FLOW HUNTERS
INTO THE EMPTY QUARTER [OMAN] [UNITED ARAB EMIRATES]
THE LAST GREAT CLIMB [ANTARCTICA]
DUCT TAPE SURFING [AUSTRALIA]
NOT BAD
[NEW ZEALAND]
[NEW ZEALAND]
PRODUCED BY TETON GRAVITY RESEARCH 30 MINUTES
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Way OF LIFE 6 0 °47’ 55” NORTH 153°232’3 8 ” WE S T + 4 9 0 °0 6 ’1 0 5 ” NORTH 1 1 7 °4 9 ’1 3 ” WE S T + 4 3 ° 3 1 ’ N O RT H 1 1 0 3 ° 5 0 ’ W E S T + 4 7 ° 2 7 ’ 5 9 ” N O RT H 1 2 ° 3 3 E A S T
[FESTIVAL EDIT]
For some, embracing the mountains is not just part of life, it’s a way of life. The search for snow shapes how they approach these peaks, and how they approach the world. Whether athletes spend their days dropping first descents in Alaska, lapping the local mountain or training for the Olympics, they’re part of a community built around a shared passion. The bonds that form from this community transcend continents and cultures, transforming strangers into friends. After all, a smile on a powder day needs no translation. Shot on location in 2013, Teton Gravity Research’s Way of Life takes you on a journey
to the mountains and inside the minds of today’s top athletes. With stunning imagery created with GSS, Red Cinema and the Sony Action Cam, this film explores the origins of skiing in Austria, the search for original lines in Alaska and the U.S. Freeskiing Team’s quest for Olympic gold. The adventure also leads athletes to the rugged terrain of Jackson Hole and the Tetons, as well as the backcountry of British Columbia. Regardless of the terrain they ride, the athletes featured in Way of Life push the boundaries of what’s possible. This journey takes them across the globe as they form a brotherhood that needs no language.
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It’s no surprise that when you follow your passions and live the life that you wanna live that you encounter others that are doing the same, reinforcing that it’s a righteous path
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DIRECTED BY ANSON FOGEL & SKIP ARMSTRONG PRODUCED BY SHANNON ETHRIDGE CAMP 4 COLLECTIVE & FORGE MOTION PICTURES 8 MINUTES
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CASCADA 1 9 ° 2 6 ’ 0 5 ” N O RT H 9 6 ° 2 2 ’ 5 9 ” W E S T
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A team of kayakers and filmmakers, including Erik Boomer, Tyler Bradt, Galen Volckhausen, Tim Kemple, Anson Fogel, Blake Hendrix and Skip Armstrong, head to Veracruz State in Mexico in search of the perfect waterfall and the perfect shot. Delving into the heart of the remote Mexican jungle they battle with endless rain, mud and biting insects in pursuit of their passion. Whilst they take on epic waterfalls and confront Mexico’s natural surroundings, they meet with an unexpected world filled with fascinating native people (who live so well in the jungle as to practically become it) and find a smile at the end of every dirt road. Yet, in spite of the bug bites, the aggressive viruses and the ceaseless rainfall that hinders filmmaker and kayaker, the team find perfection. This is it: Cascada.
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Crawling through the heart of the place, staring through lenses, off the bow of a kayak, covered with the blood of it, head to toe, mud, river water, rain, leaves, bugs and viruses. But we’re so damned lucky
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We’re finding magic everywhere down here
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DIRECTED BY ANTHILL FILMS PRODUCED BY ANTHILL FILMS 25 MINUTES
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NOT BAD 46°29’ SOUTH 168°42’ EAST + 46°3’ SOUTH 168°27’ EAST
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Not Bad is a tale of seven riders who come together for 30 days of bicycle tomfoolery in New Zealand. Featuring members of Trek’s talented and diverse C3 Project Team, including Brandon Semenuk, Brook MacDonald, Brett Rheeder, Cam McCaul, Andrew Shandro, René Wildhaber and Ryan Howard, Anthill Films set out to capture them pushing the limits of biking, whilst having an all-round good time. From their base in Queenstown, the crew and riders were able to access a huge diversity of locations from epic alpine singletrack and dirt jump heaven at the Gorge Road jumps, to awesome stunts on the famous Frew Farm. With five cameras rolling at all times, the crew catch both the adventures outside and the ‘extra-curricular’ activities that the team indulge in during the time spent under one roof. From food fights to exploring the trails of the Remarkables, it’s amazing what you can see and do in just thirty days.
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There is a session going on, it’s the story of my life right there
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DIRECTED BY ALASTAIR LEE PRODUCED BY POSING PRODUCTIONS 30 MINUTES
THE LAST GREAT CLIMB
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The Last Great Climb is the latest instalment from Alastair Lee and Posing Productions, the team that brought you Autana and The Asgard Project. Set to be the epic to end all mountain epics, the film documents top adventure climber Leo Houlding as he takes on the stunning mountains of Queen Maud Land, Antarctica. Along with his tried and tested team of Jason Pickles and Sean ‘Stanley’ Leary, Leo attempts to make the first ascent of the North
East ridge of the masterpiece of this Antarctic mountain range; the majestic Ulvetanna Peak. This is one of the most technically demanding climbs in one of the world’s harshest environments. As we witness the 2013 team on their struggle up the peak, the film also treats us to interviews from Sir Chris Bonington, Doug Scott, Conrad Anker, Ivar Tolleffsen and Robert Caspersen, who share their personal experiences of Queen Maud Land, having first explored the area in 1994.
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20° WEST 45° EAST
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It’s as close to being on a different planet as I can imagine one could be
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DIRECTED BY MUNGO PRODUCED BY JIM ODOIRE & SIOBHAN BURKE BLACK DIAMOND 15 MINUTES
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INTO THE WILDERNESS 6 3 °4 7 ’2 0” N O RT H 1 5 0 ° 1 1 ’ 3 0 ” W E S T
In Into The Wilderness, Frank Dias jets far away from his 9 to 5 desk job and heads into the Alaskan wilderness. Inspired by the life of Christopher McCandless, well-known as the subject of book and film Into the Wild, Frank sets out to hike the strenuous Stampede Trail in Christopher’s footsteps, seeking to explore his own version of McCandless’ story and discover the meaning of adventure. In 2013, Nissan granted one person the chance to live out their ultimate adventure. That person was Frank Dias whose entry into the Nissan Juke Built to Thrill competition
led him to Alaska in search of Bus 142, home and final resting place of Christopher McCandless. From a normal life in London to the vast outdoors of Alaska, Frank was faced with no easy hike, crossing two large rivers, walking for miles over uneven terrain and battling with plagues of mosquitos, all the while being filmed by adventure cameraman, Paul “Mungo” Mungeam. Nevertheless, the poignant arrival at the bus reminds Frank that his real triumph is in sharing this adventure, echoing McCandless’s words: “Happiness is only real when shared”.
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If he was successful, I would have never heard about this story because there are just so many people doing similar things, but they survive and that’s the difference
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ADVENTURE IS DISCOVERING MORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ PROGRAMME EDITOR, SIOBHAN BURKE, DEVOTES SOME DOWN TIME TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT INTO THE WILDERNESS WITH NISSAN JUKE BUILT TO THRILL COMPETITION WINNER FRANK DIAS AND FILMMAKER & CAMERAMAN MUNGO
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AFF: Frank, you were the lucky winner of Nissan Juke’s Built to Thrill competition to win your ultimate adventure filmed by Mungo. What inspired you to enter? Frank: Batman! Nissan ran a promotion linked with Chris Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises film where they created a special edition Dark Knight car which I searched for online. I then saw the advert on their website about the Built to Thrill competition which asked the simple question: “How much of a thrill seeker are you?” I clicked on it and the rest is history. I won!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AFF: You wanted to follow in the footsteps of Christopher McCandless and experience wild Alaska. What was it about McCandless and his adventures that you wanted to explore? F: Christopher did a lot of thinking and writing during his adventures and one of his musings really struck me: “Happiness, only real when shared”. Those five simple words really got me thinking about what adventure means to me, particularly when I share my every day stories with others. I thought the best way to find out was to see what Chris saw and experienced on his way to Bus 142, and to pay my respects.
AFF: Mungo, how did you feel about heading into the Alaskan wilderness with Frank? Mungo: I had always dreamed of going to Alaska, so to get the chance to go on this project with Frank was fantastic. I was interested to see how Frank would cope as it was quite a change from his normal, everyday life – evidently he did really well.
friends. That was very powerful and will remain with me forever.
you have to embrace it, the best you can. After such a long, heavy laden hike, once your legs recover (overnight) they just get stronger and stronger.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AFF: Is Alaska as great as you’d expect? M: Exactly... a huge, beautiful country... with less people than wildlife. It did not disappoint. F: That’s an interesting question. I love the great outdoors so to come to the final frontier was amazing. You usually imagine Alaska being snow covered so when I arrived during the summer time I was amazed at how green everything was. Alaska is an incredibly beautiful, serene and mesmerising place. I loved it. It was more than I expected. I’ll be back. AFF: Mungo, how did this expedition compare with others that you’ve completed in the past? M: This expedition was short, but sweet. The ground underfoot was relatively easy, so physically it was more of a route march. I enjoyed having just the four of us [Frank, Mungo and two Alaskan guides] and fortunately we all got on famously.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AFF: Frank, how has this adventure altered your life? If at all! F: Since coming back it has made me focus a lot more on the things that are important to me; family and friends and, most importantly, about what happiness means to me, that I must be true to myself and strive to achieve that as a goal in my life. Do the things that make you happy.
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AFF: It looks like you had to deal with some pretty nasty bugs. How did you deal with all the pains and strains that come with an expedition like this? F: The most important thing in any expedition is your mind – to have a positive attitude about whatever you are setting out to do. The wild has a lot of romance about it, particularly for us city folk but the reality that I saw and experienced was that you can quite easily hurt yourself (or worse) if you don’t respect the elements. I dealt with everything mentally by looking at everything positively. For example, with the 24/7, 80100 personal mosquitoes that followed me around, I said to myself, I’m here to donate blood to the local wildlife! Giving back to nature. M: The mozzies were with us in plagues of biblical proportions! Wearing a ‘bug suit’ 24/7 became quite tiresome, but ultimately it’s all part of the wilderness experience, so
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AFF: What was the highlight of the expedition along the Stampede Trail? M: I love nothing more than being in the great outdoors. On top of that, I revel in some good physical exertion, so putting on a heavy pack, getting my head down and walking for mile after mile was great. The scenery was just how you would expect it... epic! Plus the company was excellent and we shared more than a few laughs along the way. F: Getting to Bus 142 - no doubt. It is very rare that you get to visit a place that someone died in, particularly when it has been kept almost exactly the same as when that person was around. I didn’t think I would get emotional about it, but I did. I had read the book and seen the film, I got to know a small piece about a young man who was searching for answers, found them and then sadly died, when all he wanted to do was to go home to see his family and
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_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AFF: The film beautifully explores the meaning of adventure. Can you each leave us with one bit of adventurous wisdom from your experience in the Alaskan wilderness? F: Mini adventures are taking place everywhere, whether it’s getting to work,
popping to the shops or escaping into the Alaskan bush. So my wisdom is to take someone with you. Get yourself a travel companion. Adventures are better with two - just like happiness, it’s best when shared
with others (and you have someone to talk to other than yourself). M: True happiness is only found when shared. Enough said.
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AFF: Has this inspired you to head out on more adventures in the future? Where would you ideally like to head next? F: 2013 has been an amazing year for me. I have had adventures in Nepal, India and now Alaska. I also met my fantastic girlfriend this year, so have a partner in my life to share more adventures with. I have always wanted to do what I call my cultural roots tour, so Malaysia in 2014 and Sri Lanka in 2015. I would also like to discover more of hidden Britain and maybe take part in one of Alastair Humphreys’ microadventures - that would be cool.
NATIONWIDE SKI FILM CINEMA TOUR WINTER 2013 PRESENTS
POWERED BY
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS:
WARRENMILLER.CO.UK
DIRECTED BY MIKEY SCHAEFER PRODUCED BY BRYAN SMITH 4 MINUTES
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MOONWALK 3 7 ° 5 0 ’ 5 2 ” N O RT H 1 1 9 ° 2 4 ’ 2 0 ” W E S T
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The sun sets on a beautifully clear evening in Yosemite National Park, California. As the moon rises behind Cathedral Peak, Dean Potter climbs to the top and highlines with one of the most spectacular backdrops imaginable. Dean Potter is a free climber, BASE jumper and highliner from the USA with several first ascents to his name. Known for speed and solo climbing, and for many feats in his favourite climbing spot, Yosemite, Dean continues to push the boundaries of free climbing to their limits. This short piece is no less daring or creative than we would expect, so sit back and revel in its serene and dangerous beauty.
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DIRECTED BY OLIVIER BOONJING SEARCH PRODUCTIONS 40 MINUTES
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KARAKORAM HIGHWAY 3 5 ° 3 6 ’ ″ N O RT H 7 4 ° 3 9 ’ E A S T
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In June 2011, three experienced paragliding pilots, Thomas de Dorlodot, Horacio Llorens and Hernan Pitocco arrive in the Karakoram mountain range in Northern Pakistan aiming to break records. Follow them as they explore the legendary Karakoram Highway, seeking to break the world record for the highest altitude and longest distance Himalayan flight. Their journey takes them deep into the mountain communities of Pakistan, where Thomas, Horacio and Hernan are welcomed by the local people, invited into a way of life that has existed for centuries. From the
ground, these communities guide them and stand in awe as they soar above glorious peaks, the highest concentration of 7,000 metre peaks in the world. Mixing sheer distance and height with astounding aerobatics (Horacio and Hernan are known for their ‘acro’ skills), the team revels in the freedom that these vast landscapes offer. As they fly cross country surrounded by alpine scenery and reaching distances of over 200km, it becomes apparent that in this remote corner of the world they have found some of the earth’s finest paragliding.
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These are simply the highest mountains on earth and flying here makes you feel very, very small
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DIRECTED BY HAYLEY EASTON STREET PRODUCED BY LORRAINE EDWARDS 5 MINUTES
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STEALTH 5 1 ° 3 0 ’ ′ 5 2 ” ″ N O RT H 0 0 ° 0 4 ’ ′ 4 9 ” ″ W E S T
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Stealth is a slick, short thriller set in the lively heart of London that follows Josh, a young man who seeks to break into a bank during the early hours of an urban morning. Evading the patrolling security guards with a display of incredible parkour skills and athleticism, as we reach inside the building it soon becomes apparent why Josh is really here. This short film features an exciting soundtrack and modern feel that provides non-stop action in pursuit of the ultimate thrill.
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So many people spend their entire lives asleep while only a select few know what it is like to be truly awake
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DIRECTED BY BEN BROWN PRODUCED BY JON FORDER 25 MINUTES
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FLOW HUNTERS 51°3 0 ’ ′ 5 2 ”″NORTH 0 0 °0 4 ’ ′4 9 ”″WE S T
Pro-kayaker Ben Brown had a dream to chase and paddle some of the biggest and most dangerous white water found in his native home, New Zealand. When Ben called on some friends to share in this passion for adventure and discovery, they had no hesitation in accepting – and so began a 35 day adventure that spanned both islands of New Zealand. Joined by Rafa Ortiz (Mexico), Rush Sturges (USA) and Jared Meehan (New Zealand), Ben set out on his dream journey, an expedition that eventually saw them travel over 8,000km, paddle for 24 days and descend 17 rivers. Witness as the
team reach new kayaking frontiers from remote parts of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, through the big water runs of South Otago and across the North Island’s central volcanic plateau. No easy expedition, the pros are often reminded of their vulnerability as the river asserts its control. Despite mental and physical challenges, the huge runs, epic white water and thrilling achievements combine to make one thrilling adventure. This is Flow Hunters.
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It was just the river reminding me that it’s the boss and that at any moment, it can take you and it can show you how powerful it is
PERFORMANCE UNLEASHED INTRODUCING NISSAN NISMO Nissan Motorsports-engineered cars, fusing performance with technology. Sporting an immense heritage in innovation and design. Fully equipped with the digital soul of the gaming world. It’s the power of Nismo. Now unleashed in Juke. Visit www.nissan.co.uk/juke-nismo
Scan for more. Fuel consumption figures for Juke range: URBAN 28.8-48.7mpg (9.8-5.8L/100km), EXTRA URBAN 47.167.3mpg (6.0-4.2L/100km), COMBINED 38.2-58.9mpg (7.4-4.8L/100km), CO2 emissions 169-124g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing, in accordance with 2004/3/EC and intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. (Optional equipment, maintenance, driving behaviour, road and weather conditions may affect the official results). Information correct at time of going to print. Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, The Rivers Office Park, Denham Way, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 9YS. 303139
DIRECTED BY ALASTAIR HUMPHREYS & LEON McCARRON BLACK DIAMOND 20 MINUTES
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INTO THE EMPTY QUARTER 2 0 ° NORTH 5 0 ° E A S T
Into the Empty Quarter follows hardened British adventurers Alastair Humphreys and Leon McCarron on their latest quest to follow in the footsteps of one of their heroes, Wilfred Thesiger. Thesiger, an Ethiopian-born British man, was a renowned explorer who spurned modern technology, convenience, speed and luxury. In some of his most famous adventures, he spent time travelling across the Empty Quarter, the Rub ‘al Khali Desert, where the sheer hardship and simplicity of life repeatedly drew him back. In the spirit of Thesiger, Alastair and Leon set out on their
own adventure to walk 1,000 miles across the Arabian Peninsula, through the Empty Quarter from Oman to the United Arab Emirates. With little around to distract them except the empty, open and monotonous desert spaces, Alastair and Leon discover their own hardships, discontent, excitement, boredom and happiness in the simplicity of walking across the desert. Occasionally meeting with local people, they learn to appreciate not just the goal, but the journey itself, a personal venture that brings them closer to Thesiger than ever before.
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Nothing changes and the horizon doesn’t get any neareryou just start questioning, what on earth is the point?
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ADVENTURE IS DISCOVERING MORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ PROGRAMME EDITOR, SIOBHAN BURKE, DELVES A LITTLE DEEPER INTO THE EMPTY QUARTER WITH ADVENTURERS, ALASTAIR HUMPHREYS & LEON McCARRON
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AFF: Tell us a little bit about your lives as full-time adventurers. How did it all start? Alastair: I began by cycling around the world. I did this because I wanted an adventure, not because I wanted it to become my “job”. After that trip I wrote a book and then began to consider if I could turn what I loved into a job. Leon: When I graduated from university I started work as a cinema manager and quite quickly lost the will to live! My two passions were filmmaking and being in the outdoors, so I decided to save up for one big adventure and see what happened after that. I saved for a year, bought a bicycle and flew to New York; 14 months and 14,000 miles later I ended up in Hong Kong and I was hooked! I showed the video footage from the trip to a friend who had previously made a show with National Geographic. We teamed up and six months later we set off on a commission to walk across China and make a TV series. Now I make a living by making adventure TV shows/films, writing articles for newspapers and magazines and giving talks about the journeys I’ve been on.
AFF: We know that the inspiration behind your latest adventure was the renowned explorer, Wilfred Thesiger. When did you first encounter his books and what is it about him that really grips you? A: I read ’A Life of My Choice’ at university. I was just getting interested in travel and physical challenges. I loved his ascetic,
tough approach to life. I even briefly joined the Oxford University boxing club because he had boxed there! L: I first read Thesiger’s book, ‘Arabian Sands’, at school and remember vividly his descriptions of the desert. Something about the empty barren places really got to me. For a long time I wanted to go to the South
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AFF: The film shows you both pushing yourselves through extreme conditions for many days – how do you each deal with the strain of expeditions? L: I find normal life much more strenuous! The expeditions are easy, but there are nice, simple goals - walk as far as possible each day, reach the next fold on the map by Day X, finish before our food runs out etc. Each day is a self-contained event and you learn to daydream like a trooper. Controlling negativity is key; with so many hours to walk and think each day it can really spiral out of control. It was great to do the trip with someone else, especially Al with all his experience, as another person can make the hard bits much more bearable. A: You need a sense of humour and the age-old cliché of just trying to take one day at a time.
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AFF: Of all of Thesiger’s journeys, what made you choose The Empty Quarter Desert? A: It was his most iconic journey. It was a part of the world I had never been to and a landscape I did not know much about. L: ‘Arabian Sands’ was the book I read most and our route was really an amalgamation of a few different journeys he made. We couldn’t get into Saudi Arabia, so were limited to Oman and the UAE. Salalah was an obvious starting point as Thesiger describes it so well, and we decided to finish in Dubai (as opposed to Abu Dhabi,
as Thesiger did) because it is the new, mad, glitzy antithesis of the desert!
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Pole (I also read Ernest Shackleton a lot,) but then I remembered I don’t really like the cold, so deserts became more attractive! I still find Thesiger’s writing to be among the most evocative I have ever read. When Al emailed me to ask if I was interested in this journey, I don’t think he knew I was also a huge Thesiger fan. I couldn’t say no.
AFF: Would you ever return to The Empty Quarter as Thesiger did? L: Yes, definitely, though for slightly different reasons than Thesiger did perhaps. He returned and spent so long there because he didn’t enjoy ‘normal’ life and all the trappings of cities etc. I do like all that stuff, but I also feel the need to get away regularly. I wouldn’t return for permanent escape, but I would like to go back and find some more real wilderness. Al and I were disappointed in some ways to keep encountering roads and oil facilities. We couldn’t be too annoyed, that’s just how the Arabian Peninsula is these days, but it was different from the trip we’d imagined with endless wilderness as Thesiger found. I think we’d both like to hunt for that again. A: I would love to. As you can see in the film we have some problems which meant my original plan of being far out in the middle of nowhere for 1000 miles was a little compromised. So I would love to return, to explore deeper into the desert, and to get into Saudi Arabia. AFF: Alastair, you say you have an incurable wanderlust; do you have an adventure bucket list or do you take each new adventure as it comes? A: A bit of both. I have a long list in my mind of trips and places and books that I’d like to do. But then opportunities sometimes just pop up: this desert trip was all a bit rushed because I was supposed to be going to the South Pole! When that trip fell through I quickly contacted Leon and we put this project together.
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AFF: Is there one dot on the World map that (if money and time were no object) you would jump on a plane tomorrow to explore? A: South Pole! L: No – not just one. I get very excited about lots of places, all the time! If money and time were no object I would jump on a plane tomorrow to explore, sure, but it wouldn’t really matter which plane.
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AFF: Between you you’ve conquered the desert, cycled the world, rowed the Atlantic and walked over 3,000 miles across China. What’s next for you?
A: I am writing a book about Microadventures - my attempt to encourage people to seek out adventure and wildness close to home. L: And I’m writing my first book, which is a very different challenge. I’ve also just come back from a shorter, more local adventure – travelling around the British Isles by folding bike, climbing the highest peak in each of the Six Major Regions. I hope to do another big trip at the start of 2014, but nothing is concrete yet…
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AFF: What else is important to you in your lives aside from adventure? A: Friends and family, of course. Also photography, reading books, drinking beer and watching sport! L: I try to think of adventure as a lifestyle - attempting to make the most of life by pushing and challenging myself. So in that respect, hopefully adventure can translate into every aspect of life! But I also think creativity in other forms is very important to me - writing, music. And of course people friends and family keep me sane.
AFF: What advice would you give to any aspiring adventurers or adventure film makers? L: Al is very good at delivering this message! A: Just get started! Start with whatever budget, equipment and skills you have. Build up a CV of adventure and film making. Little by little your journeys and your films will increase in quality. And one day, maybe, you might make a living from it. But do it because you love it, not because you want it to be your job. L: It’s quite simple - just go and do it. There are no excuses not to have adventures, certainly not money, time or equipment. If you want to be a film maker, make a film – show it to people, listen to feedback, and make another, better film. Repeat until rich and famous (this is my plan, anyway…)
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DIRECTED BY COREY RICH PRODUCED BY COREY RICH PRODUCTIONS 7 MINUTES
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WHY 3 8 °34 ′21″ N 109°32 ′59″ W + 3 3 °4 7 ′1 8 ″N 1 1 5 °5 3 ′ 5 4 ″W + 1 9 °2 6 ′0 5 ″NORTH 9 6° 2 2 ′ 5 9 ″ W E S T
What drives some of the world’s most talented adventure athletes to do what they do? That is the question asked by filmmaker Corey Rich in WHY. This film follows kayaker, Dane Jackson, climber, Alex Honnold and mountain biker, Rebecca Rusch as they explore their own motivations for living the extreme lives that they do. Set amongst the beautiful rock of California’s Joshua Tree National Park; the incredible stone arches of Moab, Utah and the epic waterfalls of Veracruz, Mexico, we see the athletes in the environments that
they call home. Whether in the water, on the rock or on two wheels, it is pushing their physical boundaries, exploring new places and finding that simple focus that continues to drive Dane, Alex and Rebecca and inspire those around them. WHY features beautiful cinematography from Corey Rich and his team as they attempt to portray the world as seen through the eyes of these exceptional athletes. Be sure to check out HOW of WHY to see just how those superb shots were achieved.
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I think I learned how to kayak long before I could talk and walk, that’s for sure!
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Without the fear, it wouldn’t be the same
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I realised this was an amazing opportunity to do something that was more than just visuals put to music, but actually to tell a story with voice
DIRECTED BY COREY RICH PRODUCED BY COREY RICH PRODUCTIONS 11 MINUTES
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HOW OF WHY 3 8° 3 4 ′2 1 ″ N 1 0 9 ° 3 2 ′5 9 ″ W + 3 3 ° 4 7 ′ 1 8 ″ N 1 1 5 ° 5 3 ′ 5 4 ″ W + 1 9 ° 2 6 ′ 0 5 ″ N O RT H 9 6 ° 2 2 ′ 5 9 ″ W E S T
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Rarely do we get a chance to glimpse into the challenging and complicated lives of the production crew behind many of the world’s best adventure films. Following on from WHY comes Corey Rich’s HOW of WHY and an insight into the world of professional adventure camera crews. The police tickets, the bug bites, the rigging, the packing, the climbing, the sleep deprivation and the desire to obtain the perfect shot are all features of this film as we follow Corey Rich and his crew from
Mexico to Utah to California in just 13 days. Exploring the Nikon D4 camera and its technical capabilities to blur the boundary between still and motion pictures, Corey invites us behind the scenes to witness the challenges (and the fun) faced whilst making WHY. This is not just an illustration of the making of WHY; it’s a unique and inspiring portrayal of the dedication, multi-tasking and hard work that goes into any adventure production, and just how enjoyable it can be!
DIRECTED BY Jim Aikman & Matt Segal PRODUCED BY Jim Aikman & Matt Segal 17 MINUTES
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THE KYRGYZSTAN PROJECT 4 0 ° 4 2 ’ N O RT H 7 2 ° 5 3 ’ W E S T
In 2000, John Dickey went on an expedition to Kyrgyzstan and was kidnapped by violent militants who held him and his partners at gunpoint for six days - until the climbers made a harrowing escape through the mountains of the Kara-Suu valley. The Kyrgyzstan Project chronicles John’s return to Kyrgyzstan in 2012 and his quest for resolution through climbing. Joined by two elite climbers and close friends, Matt Segal and Eric Decaria, John
goes on a restorative journey back to the big granite walls of Kyrgyzstan. They each have a personal struggle at stake on their adventure in the wake of losing two of their closest friends to the mountains. This film follows the team on their ascent of The Russian Tower as we witness the healing power of climbing adventures.
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It’s important to my soul and who I am to be in those places
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The feeling of being away, of being cut off, you just can’t duplicate
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DIRECTED BY MARK TIPPLE PRODUCED BY MARK TIPPLE 5 MINUTES
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DUCT TAPE SURFING 3 3 °3 9 ’ S OUTH 1 3 4 ° 5 3 ’ ″ E A S T
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Eighteen years ago, Pascale Honore suffered a car accident that changed her life forever. She was diagnosed a T4 paraplegic and her dreams of surfing along the coast of South Australia were crushed. However, with the help of a family friend and a roll of duct tape, she can finally feel what it’s like to be amongst the waves. Pascale watched her two sons as they grew up surfing in their home town of Elliston, but it wasn’t until a close friend of theirs offered to strap Pascale to his back and
attempt to surf with her that she was able to ride alongside them. Tyron Swan, a big wave surfer and professional diver, saw the extra weight on his back as a new challenge, and a way to simply change the life of a woman who has always dreamed of surfing. Duct Tape Surfing has gone from grabbing local attention to inspiring thousands across the globe. Pascale and Ty continue to search for bigger waves and invite you to follow their journey at ducttapesurfing.com.
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I remember just looking up, the colour, the sound, it was like being part of everything, being part of the water
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DIRECTED BY WARREN VERBOOM PRODUCED BY THIERRY GRAF 20 MINUTES
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THE BEGINNING 4 6 ° 1 0 ’ N O RT H 8 ° 4 8 ’ E A S T
In The Beginning, Warren Verboom and his team take the sport of canyoning to a new level. Taking on ridges, slides and waterfalls with the skill and style of acrobats, this film combines traditional rappels with daring jumps, flips and dives. Exploring the world’s canyons by plunging headfirst into cold pools and streams, the Deap Canyoning team shows us how to perfectly blend mountain and water sports in pursuit of the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Warren Verboom grew up skateboarding and snowboarding before moving on to sky diving and BASE jumping. He claims it is his love of “jumping off something” that eventually drew him to the sport of canyoning, where he found a limitless playground for adults with a love for the extreme. Warren’s aim, along with his team, is to open up the sport of canyoning and fulfil its potential as a new extreme sport.
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Those canyons, where the forces of nature are unleashed, they are our stage
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