ADVENTUROUS THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE
ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL 2015
THE FIRST DECADE
1
2006 - 2015
4
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE FOR
ADVENTUROUS TEAMWORK Adventure Film Festival adventurefest.co.uk Festival Director Jim Odoire jim@blackdiamond.co.uk Programme Editor Charmaine Niewerth charmaine@blackdiamond.co.uk Designer Craig Johnson craig@blackdiamond.co.uk Website Anton Morrison & Alex Kempton Printer Four Corners Print Printed on Carbon Captured paper
Contributing photographers Tero Repo (Mission Antarctica) Chris Burkard (CRADLE OF STORMS) Samuel Crossley (SUFFERFEST) Tom Allen & Leon McCarron (KARUN) Dan Milner (FORGOTTEN DIRT) Sam Hardy (UNDO EUROPE) Claudia Ziegler (CONTINUE) Andrew Miller & Jeff Curley (HIGHER) Brett Lowell, Glen Denny, Charlie Row & Lincoln Else (VALLEY UPRISING) Special thanks to Nissan The Telegraph Yosemite Mariposa County Salomon Mammoth Lakes, California Bon Voyage
ADVENTUROUS THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE
ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL 2015
THE FIRST DECADE
1
2006 - 2015
Published by Black Diamond 15 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9HE. Telephone: 020 7240 4071 www.blackdiamond.co.uk Š2015 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.
6
THESE ARE THE FILMS THAT MAKE FOR
ADVENTUROUS CONTENT 6 THEMED ZONES OVER 300 EXHIBITORS 50+ INSPIRING SPEAKERS INDOOR OBSTACLE COURSE SUPERBLOC CLIMBING COMPETITION LOTS TO SEE AND DO FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
10
THESE ARE THE MEMORIES THAT MAKE FOR AN
ADVENTUROUS DECADE 1 In 2006 the UK Film Council started its £11.7 million pound installation of a digital screen network in over 300 cinemas nationwide. This new digital projection would allow smaller, independent film makers the opportunity to distribute their content theatrically whilst avoiding the prohibitive costs associated with the production of 35mm film prints. Digital screen network cinemas were also encouraged to screen a greater variety of non-traditional films, so started to look for compelling niche film content to fill these screens. Black Diamond, long-
First to sign up to the AFF 2006 were Ewan Macgregor and Charley Boorman (PIC:1) who had produced a director’s cut of their
5
ANTHILL FILMS PRESENTS
PRODUCED BY BRYCE LOWE-WHITE DIRECTED BY BRYCE LOWE-WHITE & BEN WEILAND
his expedition to the unexplored centre of Papua New Guinea and Beserk, the story of
DRIVEN BY
19 year old Norwegian Jarle Andehoy who sells all his worldly possessions to buy and
1 Ticket, 4 Shows!
sail a 19ft yacht from Norway to Antarctica. The festival kicked off with a red-carpet premiere at the Vue West End in Leicester Square which featured a special cut of Long Way Round followed by a Q+A and UNICEF
Geographical, Active). The films themselves went from strength to strength with submissions from Dame Ellen Macarthur
As Hunter says: “This sucks.” However, the storm passes and the team make it into Big Pamir, with days of downhill riding to follow. Forgotten Dirt not only shares Hunter’s
in freezing waters, we also share their fresh perspective for Mother Nature in all her
Canada through Turkey and Tajikistan. Once there, Hunter and his small team spend five
rugged, brutal splendour.
days crossing mountainous, river-punctured terrain in 4x4s to reach the start of their 12day bike trail. The team’s exhilaration on
in search of good breaks, the trio discover perfect barrelling waves and dream slabs, which they share with each other, some reindeer and the occasional Arctic fox or eagle.
FOLLOW US ONLINE!
SOME OF THE MOST VOLATILE WATERS IN THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH OF THE SUN [NORWAY]
HIGHER [SWITZERLAND]
CRADLE OF STORMS [ALASKA]
ADVENTUROUS LOCATIONS
[SWITZERLAND] [ITALY]
FORGOTTEN DIRT
[COLORADO]
[AFGHANISTAN]
As the first people to attempt this trail by bike, the journey was never going to be easy. Helmet-cam footage of Hunter hurtling along dramatic trails is accompanied by scenes of the team labouring up steep mountains
17
26
SUFFERFEST
This stylish film features climbers Cedar
KARUN [IRAN]
HIGHER [WYOMING] [NEPAL]
The Thrillseekers Adventure Film Festival
line-up yet. Featuring three world premieres
UNDO EUROPE
PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY JAY EISENBERG
climb /bike
SEVENTEEN MINUTES
BEAUTY OF THE IRRATIONAL [SOUTH AFRICA]
including interviews with this year’s AFF stars
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
and special offers.
Jim Odoire, Festival Director
panel has selected 15 films to inspire, excite
AFF encourages audiences to explore and enjoy the world through adventure film. Full film listings, venue details and
and entertain, and create the festival’s best
tickets are available at adventurefest.co.uk
twitter.com/AdventureFF
UK audience with screenings at more than 30 cinemas across the nation from Exeter to Inverness. From hundreds of submissions, the AFF
Wright and Alex Honnold on an epic three-
experiences of my life.” Despite the pain, danger and exhaustion the pair endure as they bike over 750 miles, hike over 100 miles and climb over 100,000
to the very limits of endurance. Add a dash
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,
its accessibility) and the growing number
From 14th October, our three film programmes will bring the widest variety of adventure film content to the widest possible
of life & death thrill to the challenge, they also make technical free soloing ascents of the peaks (climbing without ropes). As with every mammoth adventure, there are highs and lows: summiting five peaks in one day in the Palisades has Wright and Honnold whooping with joy. Misjudging
MISSION ANTARCTICA [ANTARCTICA]
the route up Middle Palisade a few days later, summiting the wrong peak and then having to negotiate a loose, exposed knife-
We look forward to seeing you at the show.
edge ridge traverse to summit the correct
facebook.com/AdventureFilmFestUK
16:17
one, is less fun. A gruelling, unexpectedly long 14-hour bike ride up White Mountain
feet, they remain witty and upbeat, confident they’ll look upon the journey as a highlight of their lives - once the pain has gone.
When Xavier de le Rue, arguably the world’s
The Captain, what de le Rue describes as “the steepest thing I’ve ever seen”: this is where snowboarding crosses over into mountaineering and exploration. With
Lucas Debari to join him, director Guido Perrini and a select film crew to journey to Antarctica with him on what proves to be the
Perrini’s stunning footage complementing toe-curlingly gnarly descents, this film is as much about the pristine beauty, rich wildlife
adventure of a lifetime.
its majesty captured in immaculate detail by Perrini’s superb cinematography. Despite the beauty of the surroundings, however, snowboarding conditions are far from perfect and the mood hits rock bottom. After 13 days, however, the weather clears, conditions improve and de le Rue and Debari’s long uphill climbs are rewarded with countless first descents. Touring past penguins on the ice cap, riding down
KARUN
virgin slopes to the ocean and tackling
best freeride snowboarder says: “It’s getting really serious now”, you know you’re in for something special. Thirsting for adventure, de le Rue invites fellow freestyle snowboarder
A stormy five-day crossing of the infamously treacherous Drake Passage brings the crew to the Antarctic Peninsula,
18:19:20:21
snow board
PRODUCED BY BLACK DIAMOND DIRECTED BY TOM ALLEN & LEON MCCARRON
journey
A down-to-earth British film, Karun follows seasoned traveller Tom Allen and his friend
paddle or a bicycle to borrow, the locals are unfailingly eager to help, showing that the ancient Persian practice of helping strangers is still very much alive.
inflatable kayaks and on bicycles to complete their mission within the one-month timeframe
and sheer scale of Antarctica as it is about
imposed by their tourist visas. Having prepared for the trip by learning
snowboarding.
FIFTEEN MINUTES AND NINETEEN SECONDS
Leon McCarron on a fascinating journey from the source of Iran’s 450-mile long Karun river to its mouth at the Persian Gulf. Starting in a snow blizzard in the Zard Kuh mountains, the intrepid adventurers travel on foot, in
THE STEEPEST THING I’VE EVER SEEN
a bank of cloud, at others we fly directly behind (or is it in front of?) a fellow BASE jumper back onto the platform, and at others again we jump and fly in groups of seven. The unadulterated joy and enthusiasm of the jumpers pervades the film, leaving you with a sense of having lived life with them for a few brief moments.
NORTH OF THE SUN
PRODUCED BY ANNE BERGSENG DIRECTED BY INGE WEGGE AND JØRN RANUM
BLACK DIAMOND PRESENTS
THIRTY EIGHT MINUTES
and action-packed, with mostly point of view segments giving a real sense of the sensation and speed of flying, albeit in reverse. At one point we fly upwards through
Farsi, Iran’s primary language, Allen explains that travelling along the river is essentially an “excuse” to discover the local culture and meet its people. And, as the pair navigate through snow-clad mountains, along turbulent rapids in deep gorges and on treacherous roads winding high above
This inspirational film follows two friends,
HAVING PREPARED FOR THE TRIP LEARNING IRAN’S PRIMARY LANGUAGE
Shot and edited with skill, artistry and wit by Wegge and Ranum, this account of their extraordinary undertaking showcases their
Wegge and Ranum are drawn to the bay for its surf. Arriving in autumn, the break basks in sunshine until winter sets in: it’s north of the Arctic Circle and soon the boys are surfing in sub-zero temperatures in semidarkness, lit only by the Northern Lights. Melting snow dripping through the roof into their cabin heralds the arrival of spring and jubilation as the sun returns to the bay for the first time in months. Throughout their
42:43:44:45
surf
from the beach, amassing 3 tonnes, which is collected by helicopter to be destroyed, ensuring their tenure not only enriches them but helps preserve their “paradise.”
oven, from debris found on the beach and restrict themselves to buying food from the “local” shop (several hours’ hike away) that’s beyond its sell-by-date and would otherwise
to sleep at night, a replacement kayaking
FORTY SIX MINUTES
stay, Wegge and Ranum collect rubbish
Inge Wegge (25) and Jorn Ranum (22), as they live for nine months on an uninhabited bay on Norway’s remote north coast. The enterprising duo build a cabin, complete with
be discarded. Beyond the challenge of leading a selfsufficient existence in this barren spot,
the Karun, they’re welcomed by those locals with remarkable warmth and generous hospitality. Whether looking for a safe place
30:31:32:33
base jump -ing
42
TIMELINE MISSIONS PRESENTS
MISSION ANTARCTICA
to take stand on the rocky outcrops and landing platforms from which they originally launched themselves. The footage is gritty
THREE MINUTES AND FIFTY FIVE SECONDS
JOY AND ENTHUSIASM PERVADES THE FILM
38:39:40:41
30
PRODUCED BY MATTHIEU GIRAUD AND XAVIER DE LE RUE DIRECTED BY GUIDO PERRINI
method of depicting jumps in reverse. With the lush valleys and sheer granite rock faces of Switzerland spread out below us, we watch as wing-suited athletes fly backwards
BIKE AND CLIMB ALL FIFTEEN OF CALIFORNIA’S 14ERS
26:27:28:29
18
Short and sweet, this film from veteran BASE jumper Jay Eisenberg adopts the unusual
delivers what Honold calls “among the worst
week mission to bike and climb all fifteen of California’s 14ers (peaks of 14,00ft and over). No strangers to physical pain, the duo make self-deprecating jokes about their everyday struggles (sun burned thighs and saddle soreness) while actually pushing themselves
and whilst you’re there, don’t forget to enter
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
powered by Nismo returns for an 8th year in 2013, showcasing the finest adventure films from across the globe.
warmth of its people.
38
CEDAR WRIGHT MEDIA PRESENTS
VALLEY UPRISING [CALIFORNIA]
ambitious journey but communicates the rarely-seen beauty of Afghanistan and
GLACIAL RIVERS AND YAK HERDERS PROVIDE THE BACKDROP
34:35:36:37
PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY CEDAR WRIGHT
UNDO EUROPE SUFFERFEST
rivers and yak herders provide the backdrop to the single trails they speed along.
under their bikes, pushing them through snowstorms and being forced to retreat
22:23:24:25
16
mounting up their bikes after the epic journey is tangible: blue skies, snowy peaks, glacial
After three unusually balmy days, a storm hits, suspending surfing adventures and
10:12:13:14
mount -ain bike
from the 16,416ft Karabel Pass when the porters’ mules grind to a halt in deep snow.
legendary mountain biker and filmmaker Matt Hunter as our guide. We cross real and intangible borders with Hunter, taking three days to reach Afghanistan, travelling from
snow-clad Alaskan volcanoes. Spending up to five hours a day riding ATVs through mud
*OFFER APPLIES TO ADVANCE ADULT TICKETS ONLY. BOOKING FEE APPLIES. † THE 1 TICKET 4 SHOWS OFFER INCLUDES THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL DIVE SHOW, WHICH IS ONLY OPEN FROM SAT 14 TO SUN 15 FEBRUARY 2015.
DURATION : 14,256 FRAMES @ 24FPS
to hit the icy waters again, catching barrel after barrel in a bay near their hut. Sharing their unadulterated joy in discovering these waves, riding for some five hours at a time
accustomed to cold water surfing in Scotland or Scandinavia than at the feet of
WWW.TELEGRAPHOUTDOORSHOW.CO.UK
AFF magazine was picked up by renowned publisher - Circle Publishing (Dive, National
This film takes us on a journey to Afghanistan’s remote Wakhan Corridor with
Wieland, this film travels far from the exotic climes that provide the usual “Endless
Alaska towards Russia in some of the most volatile waters in the North Pacific. It’s a pioneering quest: we’re more
BOOK IN ADVANCE AND SAVE
2007
exposing the true nature of the Aluetians. However, a break enables the intrepid surfers
Summer” backdrop for surf flicks, deep into Alaska. We follow pro surfers Alex Gray, Josh Mulcoy and Peter Devries on a journey deep into the Aleutian Islands, which arch from
INCLUDING THE LONDON BIKE SHOW, THE TRIATHLON SHOW: LONDON AND THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL DIVE SHOW†
1
charity auction hosted by Ewan and Charley.
FORGOTTEN DIRT PRODUCED & DIRECTED ANTHILL FILMS
surf
TWENTY SIX MINUTES AND THIRTY SIX SECONDS
Brought to us by Surfer magazine, under the direction of Bryce Lowe-White and Ben
In 2007, momentum started to build. The
2006
31/01/201
34
SURFER MAGAZINE FILMS PRESENTS
CRADLE OF STORMS
hugely successful Long Way Round. Also featured were Crampons & Cannibals starring Bruce Parry, in a documentary about
time distributor of action sports films, were approached by Vue Cinemas and the Adventure Film Festival was born.
22
BOO ADVANCK IN SAVE* E &
ADULT TICKET
Thurs / Fri S £13 Sat / Sun £15 Quote AFF01
Offer expires
passion for surfing and the outdoors as well as their enterprising self-sufficiency.
NINE MONTHS ON AN UNINHABITED BAY
DESIGNED FOR FREEDOM
COPYRIGHT© SALOMON SAS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PHOTOGRAPHER: SCOTT MARKEWITZ. LOCATION: VALLÉE DE LA CLARÉE, FRANCE. SKIER: MARK ABMA.
Air, powder or big turns down mountains. Salomon’s Rocker2 collection allows you to move intuitively to express your own version of freedom from gravity.
8
THESE ARE THE REST OF THE FILMS THAT MAKE FOR
ADVENTUROUS CONTENT CONTINUED
46
58
SENDER FILMS PRESENTS
DEAP PRESENTS
CONTINUE
VALLEY UPRISING
DIRECTED BY GREG LAUT
PRODUCED BY DEAP DIRECTED BY WARREN VERBOOM
canyon -ing
DURATION : 24,244 FRAMES @ 24FPS
What this film of extreme canyoning might lack in cinematography, it more than
ONE HUNDRED MINUTES
This award-winning, feature-length movie about the turbulent history and enduring love
reveals just how close to the rocks these daredevils land and, when head-cams sink
climb
Harding were drawn to Yosemite by the words of Jack Kerouac and John Muir,
makes up for in relentless, adrenalinepumping action. ‘Continue’ is the second
you down into the water with them, it’s hard to stop yourself holding your breath until they
affair with rock climbing in Yosemite is also an exploration of America’s counterculture
seeking to live life pushing the limits of their own capabilities, and authority. The 1970s
film put together by the Swiss-based Deap Canyoning crew, following ‘The Beginning’,
come up for air.
through the past 60 years. The constantly evolving “outlaw activity” of rock climbing in
brought the next phase of the “revolution”: the Stonemasters, who evolved rock
California’s legendary valley emerges as the ideal reflection of the issues generations of
climbing to new levels of athleticism, daring and celebrity. By the late 1990s, the Stone
which garnered success at several outdoor film festivals. Warren Verboom, the leader of Deap Canyoning, features in, films and directs this on-the-edge-of-your-chair account of his team’s exploits in the Swiss Alps. With their death-defying leaps, eye-popping back flips and graceful dives, the Swiss/Brazilian gang redefine canyoning, displaying unparalleled athleticism and acrobatics. Different segments of the film focus on the skills of
RELENTLESS, ADRENALINEPUMPING ACTION
Americans have experienced with authority, asserting personal freedom and pushing boundaries. That’s not to say Sender Films takes itself too seriously: by tweaking 1960s silver gelatin prints with Wes Andersonstyle artistry and wit, using death-defying freeclimbing and BASE jumping footage, and bringing Yosemite’s climbing legends alive through interviews and personal accounts - all set to a great soundtrack - the film remains entertaining throughout. The film starts in the 1950s during the
various members of the team - Verboom, Lars Nobs, Laso Schaller and Börni Marsden among them - as they roll, slide, run, abseil
Beatnik era: penniless bums such as the pioneering Royal Robbins and Warren
and hurl themselves down sheer rock faces into pristine glacial pools. The gin-clear water
46:47:48:49
Monkeys had taken over, with climbers such as Dean Potter and Alex Honnold continuing to drive climbing forward with dizzying free climbs, speed climbing and BASE jumping.
PERSONAL FREEDOM AND PUSHING BOUNDARIES
58:59:60:61
50
62
63
OPEN WATER
TETON GRAVITY RESEARCH PRESENTS
HIGHER
SO WHAT DO YOU DO, WHEN TEDDINGTON, WIMBLEDON OR WHEREVER YOUR LOCAL BATHS ARE, SIMPLY DON’T EXCITE YOU ANY MORE? YOU MAY HAVE FELT THE EXHILARATION OF SURFING, KITESURFING AND WINDSURFING, BUT WHERE DO YOU GO NOW AS FAR AS YOUR SWIMMING GOES?
PRODUCED BY TODD & STEVE JONES AND JEFF HARASIMOWICZ DIRECTED BY TODD JONES & STEVE JONES
There has been a surge of interest in open
snow board
DURATION : 73,871 FRAMES @ 24FPS
This slick film featuring Jeremy Jones and
water swimming through both the growth
sees Jones fall thousands of feet in a sluff,
Luca Pandolfi comes from the masters of
highlighting the danger of this challenge. On
adventure movies, Teton Gravity Research (TGR). It’s part biography of Jones (younger brother of TGR founders Todd and Steve
day 32, Jones and Pandolfi shelter by the summit for over 3 hours waiting for clouds to clear from the face. Out of luck, they’re
Jones) and part account of his audacious bid to climb and snowboard Shangri La, a 21,400-ft peak in the Himalayas. Using
faced with a perilous hike down. Undeterred, Jones returns alone to summit Shangri La once more and is rewarded with success,
old family photos, film and interviews with Jones’ family, his deep-rooted passion for snowboarding is laid bare. From backyard riding aged nine, Jones went on to dedicate his life first to competitive riding and then to pioneering professional big mountain riding. Inspired by an old photograph of the towering spines of Shangri La sent to him by a friend, Jones determines to travel to Nepal, climb the peak and ride down it. It’s no mean feat: it takes Jones, Pandolfi and the film crew 3 weeks just to reach base camp and acclimatise. An early foray onto Shangri La, some 60 degrees pitch in places,
albeit in the form of some 22,000 feet of icy, hard-packed, no-fall zone riding. Just be warned: Jones’ helmet cam footage will induce vertigo.
INSPIRED BY THE TOWERING SPINES OF SHANGRI LA
of the “Wild Swimming” phenomenon and popularity of triathlons. Cutting through the crystal clear waters of the med along the Riviera, swimming in the sea around Burgh Island or another iconic UK landmark, or slicing through the calm waters of a beautiful lake such as Shepperton Lake, can take you into another world. Not since Lord Byron’s swim in the footsteps of Greek Legend with his swim from Europe to Asia across the Hellespont, has there been so much interest in the sport. Open Water Swimming is the ultimate adventure sport. There is something for all ages and abilities that can take you safely in stages out of your comfort zone. From making that first small swim in a lake, to swimming the Dart 10k, or even making an epic and iconic crossing such swimming from Alcatraz to the mainland. So why is Open Water Swimming good for you? 1. Its cheap and easy to get into. 2. It is perfect for all ages and levels. 3. Exercises all the muscle groups in a low
50:51:52:53
62:63
54
THE AFRICAN ATTACHMENT PRESENTS
THE BEAUTY OF THE IRRATIONAL PRODUCED BY GREG FELL DIRECTED BY DEAN LESLIE
DURATION : 8,905 FRAMES @ 24FPS
One of South Africa’s leading adventure
Sandes’
canyon -ing
remarkable
feat,
The
Beauty of the Irrational strives for even greater perspective, extending his battle to overcome adversity in Fish Canyon to relate more generally to life’s struggles. “Which set
and beauty. The film encapsulates the grandeur of Fish River Canyon, the world’s second largest canyon, through Leslie’s
of footprints do you take?” Sandes asks as the camera pans out from him running along a dry riverbed to take in the vast canyon. “Or
distinctive
do you make your own path…”
cinematography:
sweeping
landscape shots and time lapse sequences set the scene, and scale, of Sandes’ mission. Sandes talks candidly about his failed attempts to break the 10hr 54mins record for running the 85-km trail (completed in five days by hikers). His meticulous planning and respect for the canyon are apparent, yet his exuberance as he runs down Hiker’s Descent and up knife-edge ridges is infectious and inspirational. When he completes the course in just 6hr 57mins, his celebration is understated yet heartfelt.
54:55:56:57
Despite
filmmakers, Dean Leslie imbues this account of the battle of his compatriot and friend, ultrarunner Ryan Sandes, against Namibia’s infamous Fish River Canyon Trail with passion
WHICH SET OF FOOTPRINTS DO YOU TAKE?
impact way. 4. By being conducted outdoors, you have a bonus endorphin rush.
prolonging your life! Not bad for a not so new sport? It does help to sort that stroke out. With
5. It is good for mind, spirit and body. 6. It can save your life
Winter upon us, now is the time to sort out an efficient and beautiful front crawl, so you can hit the ground/water, swimming next
There is no substitute for mastering the art of
season!
cruising in the great outdoors. Once you’ve done it a few times, swimming in a pool will be like running on a treadmill. In many ways
Swim Lab organise a Winter Swim clinic every Sunday (^30-730pm) at the gorgeous,
it can be easier too. Swimming in salt water and or with a wetsuit gives you increased buoyancy, and many (especially men) find
‘heated’ open air Hampton Pool It is aimed at those wanting to improve that stroke, or simply get fit for that first Tri.
they unlock their super-swimmer persona
There are also intense weekend Swim
once in open water. Then of course there is the sheer romance swimming. Lord Byron was onto something,
Clinics at the epic Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall, and of course coaching from intro to Ironman at the secluded Shepperton Lake
and was at pains to point out that he wanted to be recognised as Britain’s greatest swimmer rather than poet. Swimming albeit
from May 2015.
Durdle Door, or around Burgh Island, or the
or call 07966 161 295
bays around Portofino and the Cinque Terre, add a completely new dimension to a sport, that can sometime hardly feel like one you’re
www.swimlab.org.uk
having so much fun. Throw in epic local cuisine and culture and your open water hobby can will be rattling off those items on your bucket list ticking, whilst enhancing and probably
Contact: salim@swimlab.org.uk
The ultimate Winter playground
Spring heightens all the senses
Summer’s perfect for scaling new heights
Autumnal magic at its glorious best
I T ’ S
M O R E
T H A N
Y O U
I M A G I N E
w w w.y o s e m i t e e x p e r i e n c e . c o m
10
THESE ARE THE MEMORIES THAT MAKE FOR AN
ADVENTUROUS DECADE 1 In 2006 the UK Film Council started its ÂŁ11.7 million pound installation of a digital screen network in over 300 cinemas nationwide. This new digital projection would allow smaller, independent film makers the opportunity to distribute their content theatrically whilst avoiding the prohibitive costs associated with the production of 35mm film prints. Digital screen network cinemas were also encouraged to screen a greater variety of non-traditional films, so started to look for compelling niche film content to fill these screens. Black Diamond, longtime distributor of action sports films, were approached by Vue Cinemas and the Adventure Film Festival was born.
2006 First to sign up to the AFF 2006 were Ewan Macgregor and Charley Boorman (PIC:1) who had produced a director’s cut of their
hugely successful Long Way Round. Also featured were Crampons & Cannibals starring Bruce Parry, in a documentary about his expedition to the unexplored centre of Papua New Guinea and Beserk, the story of 19 year old Norwegian Jarle Andehoy who sells all his worldly possessions to buy and sail a 19ft yacht from Norway to Antarctica. The festival kicked off with a red-carpet premiere at the Vue West End in Leicester Square which featured a special cut of Long Way Round followed by a Q+A and UNICEF charity auction hosted by Ewan and Charley.
2007 In 2007, momentum started to build. The AFF magazine was picked up by renowned publisher - Circle Publishing (Dive, National Geographical, Active). The films themselves went from strength to strength with submissions from Dame Ellen Macarthur
1
6 THEMED ZONES OVER 300 EXHIBITORS 50+ INSPIRING SPEAKERS INDOOR OBSTACLE COURSE SUPERBLOC CLIMBING COMPETITION LOTS TO SEE AND DO FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
BOO ADVANK IN C SAVE* E &
ADULT TIC
Thurs / Fr KETS Sat / Sun £i £13 15 Quo Offer expite AFF01 res 31 /01/2015
DRIVEN BY
1 Ticket, 4 Shows! INCLUDING THE LONDON BIKE SHOW, THE TRIATHLON SHOW: LONDON
AND THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL DIVE SHOW†
BOOK IN ADVANCE AND SAVE
WWW.TELEGRAPHOUTDOORSHOW.CO.UK FOLLOW US ONLINE! *OFFER APPLIES TO ADVANCE ADULT TICKETS ONLY. BOOKING FEE APPLIES. † THE 1 TICKET 4 SHOWS OFFER INCLUDES THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL DIVE SHOW, WHICH IS ONLY OPEN FROM SAT 14 TO SUN 15 FEBRUARY 2015.
12
ADVENTUROUS DECADE CONTINUED
2
3
and the UK premieres of BBC Monty Halls’ brand new underwater film Swimming with Giants and Ocean Rescue the incredible story of Mike Golding’s dramatic southern ocean rescue of Alex Thomson in the Velux 5 Oceans race. The Gala premiere proved to be the biggest advance for the AFF brand. During the evening an invited audience of over 500 people were treated to shortened versions of four AFF films followed by Q+As with stars from each film. These included the multi award-winning Alain Robert (PIC:2), the French Spiderman whose urban climbing exploits have landed him in jail over 20 times in over 15 countries and Red Bull basejumper Karina Hollekim (PIC:2) speaking of the life changing injuries she sustained in the practice of the sport she described as her ‘great escape’.
2008 In a departure from the norm, the Gala in 2008 contained only one film - the AFF was privileged to host the UK premiere of Stranded the feature-length documentary of the harrowing tale of the 1972 Andean plane crash in which the survivors were forced to eat their dead colleagues in order to survive the 72 days until they were rescued. The audience at the AFF Gala was treated to a Q+A by one of those survivors - Coche
Inciarte and the documentary’s Oscar nominated director, Gonzalo Arijon (PIC:3). One could have heard a pin drop during the screening of the film. Stranded was undoubtedly the cornerstone production for 2008 but there were some other jewels in the festival: the newest release from Sony Classics, Steep, the official story of the birth of extreme skiing and Sharkman, the remarkable portrait of one man’s quest to change our perception of the Great White, and finally Oil and Water, a 21,000 mile petrol-free road and kayak trip in a vintage fire truck converted to run on chip oil!
2009 2009’s AFF was a record breaker in many ways. It received a record number of film submissions (118); visited a record number of UK cinemas (31) and played to record audiences (over 23,000). Audiences were treated to films like To the Rock and back (directed by Black Diamond’s Craig Johnson - who has been the designer behind the AFF for the last decade) - documenting Alex Thompson’s quest to win the 2009 Fastnet Race on the 30th Anniversary of the 1979 tragedy that killed over 20 competitors and rescue servicemen. The film went on to win the Award of Merit at the IndieFest in 2011. The
13
1 Gala Premiere in London’s Leicester Square was another highlight. The invited audience of over 400 were treated to film shorts and live Q+As by the stars of a selection of AFF films including Matthew Sheahan (PIC:4) (a survivor of the Fastnet tragedy); Alex Thomson (PIC:4) (skipper of the Hugo Boss boat) Graham Bell (PIC:4) (TV presenter and UK Downhill Skier, who was invited to crew on the Hugo Boss boat) and the star of Adrenaline Junkie, Jack Osbourne (PIC:5), who flew in from LA to appear in person and talk about how his love of dangerous pursuits lead him to seek out and share a worldwide feast of some of the most crazy, thrill-spiked activities with like-minded celebrities.
2010 In 2010 and 2011, the look and feel of the AFF shifted slightly, with Canada’s West now our lead sponsor, we became known simply as Adventurefest. Also new for 2010 was a series of six regional ‘talker’ screenings presented by Windhoek Lager, which let audiences marvel at Madagascar Maverick the extraordinary story of Riann Manser (PIC:6) and his 5,000km kayaking expedition around the island of Madagascar (the follow up to his 37,000km bike ride around the coast of Africa) and then have the opportunity to put questions
to the man himself. At the Gala Premiere, Riann was joined onstage by Ian Richardson (BASE-jumper and start of The Men Who Jump Off Buildings) and Alastair Lee (the director of The Asgard Project, featuring world class British climber Leo Houlding who was known for racing Jeremy Clarkson up a cliff face in Verdon Gorge on the BBC’s Top Gear).
2011 The 2011 AFF saw the welcome return of one of its closest supporters: Charley Boorman. An exclusive preview of Extreme Frontiers: Canada was the special treat for audiences nationwide. Made for Channel 5, the complete series of four episodes was screened the following Spring. The shows were once again directed by Russ Malkin and produced by Big Earth (Long Way Round, Long Way Down) with all post-production carried at Black Diamond’s in-house facilities in Covent Garden. Once again Charley (PIC:7) (and Russ this time too) joined us for an exclusive Q&A at the Gala Premiere. The Gala stage was also graced by Mark Beaumont, who was the expedition cameraman on Rowing the Arctic. The film followed renowned Scots adventurer Jock Wishart, as part of a crew attempting to row to the North Pole.
4
5
6
14
ADVENTUROUS DECADE
1
CONTINUED
2012
7
In 2012 Nissan once again took over the mantle of lead sponsor and with that came another slight shift in the name to Thrillseekers Adventure Film Festival. The AFF was honoured to add Al Humphreys (PIC:8) to the distinguished list of guest speakers. Al was one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the year in 2011 - so was a perfect addition to the AFF Gala. The second guest speaker was pioneering ski mountaineer, Chris Davenport, who shared his stories of skiing all the big volcanoes in the Pacific North West. With Nissan, the AFF also launched an new competition, with the winner offered the chance to not only embark on their own adventure, but to have it filmed - by legendary adventure-cameraman ‘Mungo’.
2013 8
And the winner was: Frank Dias. Frank’s dream adventure was to follow in the footsteps of Christopher McCandless (whose heartbreaking story was the subject of Sean Penn’s film ‘Into The Wild’) out in the Alaskan wilderness. The resulting film ‘Into The Wilderness’ became an integral part of the 2013 AFF. Frank took to the London stage to answer questions from a
9
captivated audience (PIC:9). Frank was joined by Britain’s top speed and solo climber, Leo Houlding, who spoke of his latest climb, a world-first ascent of the Ulvetanna Peak in Antarctica; and Sage Cattabrigga-Alosa, one of the world’s best known skiers.
2015 For the new year, a new name for the magazine: ADVENTUROUS; same size, same informative content and same stunning photography. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many inspirational brands that have supported the AFF over the last decade. Without them, it simply wouldn’t have been possible. Finally, there’s one more group we have to thank for this last 10 years, and that’s you. Whether it’s been changes of name, changes of style or changes of venue, the one constant has been our audience. May you continue to seek out the adventure!
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE HOLIDAY from
£1,695 per person 9
Experience California’s Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes on this fly/drive holiday full of activity and variety. Climb, hike, ride and raft with a backdrop of rugged mountain terrain, pristine wilderness and stunning views. From rock climbing to horseback riding; hiking to white water rafting and mountain biking to fly-fishing this trip brings you the great Californian outdoors. And visit America’s city by the bay, San Francisco too.
V6171
For more information on this 12-night adventure go online at www.bon-voyage.co.uk/adventure or call our friendly team of experts on 023 80 248 248.
2913
16
NORTH OF THE SUN [NORWAY]
HIGHER [SWITZERLAND]
CRADLE OF STORMS [ALASKA]
UNDO EUROPE [SWITZERLAND] [ITALY]
SUFFERFEST [COLORADO]
VALLEY UPRISING [CALIFORNIA]
HIGHER [WYOMING] [NEPAL]
The Nissan Adventure Film Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with 11 of the world’s most pioneering adventure and action sports films. For 5 weeks from 8th January 2015 our three film programmes will bring a wide variety of adventure film content to nationwide audiences with festival screenings at 30 cinemas from Exeter to Inverness. From hundreds of film submissions, the AFF panel has selected these 11 films to inspire, excite and entertain - creating
our strongest line-up yet. 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 and inspire others to do the same. With Himalayan snowboarding with Jeremy Jones in ‘Higher’; the wild history of rock climbing and counter culture in Yosemite in ‘Valley Uprising’ ; an epic mountain biking journey into Afghanistan’s remote
Wakhan Corridor in ‘Forgotten Dirt’ and an inspirational tale of 2 surfers who spend 9 months in the arctic circle living off the land and surfing under the northern lights in ‘North of the Sun’ (to name but a few) 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 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.
ADVENTUROUS LOCATIONS FORGOTTEN DIRT [AFGHANISTAN]
KARUN [IRAN]
BEAUTY OF THE IRRATIONAL [SOUTH AFRICA]
MISSION ANTARCTICA [ANTARCTICA]
17
18
TIMELINE MISSIONS PRESENTS
MISSION ANTARCTICA
PRODUCED BY Matthieu Giraud and Xavier de Le Rue DIRECTED BY Guido Perrini
When Xavier de le Rue, arguably the world’s best freeride snowboarder says: “It’s getting really serious now”, you know you’re in for something special. Thirsting for adventure, de le Rue invites fellow freestyle snowboarder Lucas Debari to join him, director Guido Perrini and a select film crew to journey to Antarctica with him on what proves to be the adventure of a lifetime. A stormy five-day crossing of the infamously treacherous Drake Passage brings the crew to the Antarctic Peninsula, its majesty captured in immaculate detail by Perrini’s superb cinematography. Despite the beauty of the surroundings, however, snowboarding conditions are far from perfect and the mood hits rock bottom. After 13 days, however, the weather clears, conditions improve and de le Rue and Debari’s long uphill climbs are rewarded with countless first descents. Touring past penguins on the ice cap, riding down
DURATION : 50,467 FRAMES @ 24FPS
snow board
virgin slopes to the ocean and tackling The Captain, what de le Rue describes as “the steepest thing I’ve ever seen”: this is where snowboarding crosses over into mountaineering and exploration. With Perrini’s stunning footage complementing toe-curlingly gnarly descents, this film is as much about the pristine beauty, rich wildlife and sheer scale of Antarctica as it is about snowboarding.
THE STEEPEST THING I’VE EVER SEEN
MISSION ANTARCTICA
22
SURFER MAGAZINE FILMS PRESENTS
CRADLE OF STORMS
PRODUCED BY BRYCE LOWE-WHITE DIRECTED BY BRYCE LOWE-WHITE & BEN WEILAND
Brought to us by Surfer magazine, under the direction of Bryce Lowe-White and Ben Weiland, this film travels far from the exotic climes that provide the usual “Endless Summer” backdrop for surf flicks, deep into Alaska. We follow pro surfers Alex Gray, Josh Mulcoy and Peter Devries on a journey deep into the Aleutian Islands, which arch from Alaska towards Russia in some of the most volatile waters in the North Pacific. It’s a pioneering quest: we’re more accustomed to cold water surfing in Scotland or Scandinavia than at the feet of snow-clad Alaskan volcanoes. Spending up to five hours a day riding ATVs through mud in search of good breaks, the trio discover perfect barrelling waves and dream slabs, which they share with each other, some reindeer and the occasional Arctic fox or eagle. After three unusually balmy days, a storm hits, suspending surfing adventures and
DURATION : 34,726 FRAMES @ 24FPS
surf
exposing the true nature of the Aluetians. However, a break enables the intrepid surfers to hit the icy waters again, catching barrel after barrel in a bay near their hut. Sharing their unadulterated joy in discovering these waves, riding for some five hours at a time in freezing waters, we also share their fresh perspective for Mother Nature in all her rugged, brutal splendour.
SOME OF THE MOST VOLATILE WATERS IN THE NORTH PACIFIC
CRADLE OF STORMS
26
CEDAR WRIGHT MEDIA PRESENTS
SUFFERFEST
PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY CEDAR WRIGHT
This stylish film features climbers Cedar Wright and Alex Honnold on an epic threeweek mission to bike and climb all fifteen of California’s 14ers (peaks of 14,00ft and over). No strangers to physical pain, the duo make self-deprecating jokes about their everyday struggles (sun burned thighs and saddle soreness) while actually pushing themselves to the very limits of endurance. Add a dash of life & death thrill to the challenge, they also make technical free soloing ascents of the peaks (climbing without ropes). As with every mammoth adventure, there are highs and lows: summiting five peaks in one day in the Palisades has Wright and Honnold whooping with joy. Misjudging the route up Middle Palisade a few days later, summiting the wrong peak and then having to negotiate a loose, exposed knifeedge ridge traverse to summit the correct one, is less fun. A gruelling, unexpectedly long 14-hour bike ride up White Mountain
DURATION : 25,535 FRAMES @ 24FPS
climb /bike
delivers what Honold calls “among the worst experiences of my life.” Despite the pain, danger and exhaustion the pair endure as they bike over 750 miles, hike over 100 miles and climb over 100,000 feet, they remain witty and upbeat, confident they’ll look upon the journey as a highlight of their lives - once the pain has gone.
BIKE AND CLIMB ALL FIFTEEN OF CALIFORNIA’S 14ERS
SUFFERFEST
30
BLACK DIAMOND PRESENTS
KARUN
Produced by BLACK DIAMOND DIRECTED BY Tom Allen & Leon McCarron
A down-to-earth British film, Karun follows seasoned traveller Tom Allen and his friend Leon McCarron on a fascinating journey from the source of Iran’s 450-mile long Karun river to its mouth at the Persian Gulf. Starting in a snow blizzard in the Zard Kuh mountains, the intrepid adventurers travel on foot, in inflatable kayaks and on bicycles to complete their mission within the one-month timeframe imposed by their tourist visas. Having prepared for the trip by learning Farsi, Iran’s primary language, Allen explains that travelling along the river is essentially an “excuse” to discover the local culture and meet its people. And, as the pair navigate through snow-clad mountains, along turbulent rapids in deep gorges and on treacherous roads winding high above the Karun, they’re welcomed by those locals with remarkable warmth and generous hospitality. Whether looking for a safe place to sleep at night, a replacement kayaking
DURATION : 23,003 FRAMES @ 24FPS
journey
paddle or a bicycle to borrow, the locals are unfailingly eager to help, showing that the ancient Persian practice of helping strangers is still very much alive.
HAVING PREPARED FOR THE TRIP LEARNING IRAN’S PRIMARY LANGUAGE
KARUN
34
ANTHILL FILMS PRESENTS
FORGOTTEN DIRT PRODUCED & DIRECTED ANTHILL FILMS
This film takes us on a journey to Afghanistan’s remote Wakhan Corridor with legendary mountain biker and filmmaker Matt Hunter as our guide. We cross real and intangible borders with Hunter, taking three days to reach Afghanistan, travelling from Canada through Turkey and Tajikistan. Once there, Hunter and his small team spend five days crossing mountainous, river-punctured terrain in 4x4s to reach the start of their 12day bike trail. The team’s exhilaration on mounting up their bikes after the epic journey is tangible: blue skies, snowy peaks, glacial rivers and yak herders provide the backdrop to the single trails they speed along. As the first people to attempt this trail by bike, the journey was never going to be easy. Helmet-cam footage of Hunter hurtling along dramatic trails is accompanied by scenes of the team labouring up steep mountains under their bikes, pushing them through snowstorms and being forced to retreat
DURATION : 14,256 FRAMES @ 24FPS
mount -ain bike
from the 16,416ft Karabel Pass when the porters’ mules grind to a halt in deep snow. As Hunter says: “This sucks.” However, the storm passes and the team make it into Big Pamir, with days of downhill riding to follow. Forgotten Dirt not only shares Hunter’s ambitious journey but communicates the rarely-seen beauty of Afghanistan and warmth of its people.
GLACIAL RIVERS AND YAK HERDERS PROVIDE THE BACKDROP
FORGOTTEN DIRT
38
UNDO EUROPE
PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY JAY EISENBERG
Short and sweet, this film from veteran BASE jumper Jay Eisenberg adopts the unusual method of depicting jumps in reverse. With the lush valleys and sheer granite rock faces of Switzerland spread out below us, we watch as wing-suited athletes fly backwards to take stand on the rocky outcrops and landing platforms from which they originally launched themselves. The footage is gritty and action-packed, with mostly point of view segments giving a real sense of the sensation and speed of flying, albeit in reverse. At one point we fly upwards through a bank of cloud, at others we fly directly behind (or is it in front of?) a fellow BASE jumper back onto the platform, and at others again we jump and fly in groups of seven. The unadulterated joy and enthusiasm of the jumpers pervades the film, leaving you with a sense of having lived life with them for a few brief moments.
DURATION : 5,614 FRAMES @ 24FPS
JOY AND ENTHUSIASM PERVADES THE FILM
base jump -ing
UNDO EUROPE
42
NORTH OF THE SUN
Produced by Anne Bergseng DIRECTED BY Inge Wegge and Jørn Ranum
This inspirational film follows two friends, Inge Wegge (25) and Jorn Ranum (22), as they live for nine months on an uninhabited bay on Norway’s remote north coast. The enterprising duo build a cabin, complete with oven, from debris found on the beach and restrict themselves to buying food from the “local” shop (several hours’ hike away) that’s beyond its sell-by-date and would otherwise be discarded. Beyond the challenge of leading a selfsufficient existence in this barren spot, Wegge and Ranum are drawn to the bay for its surf. Arriving in autumn, the break basks in sunshine until winter sets in: it’s north of the Arctic Circle and soon the boys are surfing in sub-zero temperatures in semidarkness, lit only by the Northern Lights. Melting snow dripping through the roof into their cabin heralds the arrival of spring and jubilation as the sun returns to the bay for the first time in months. Throughout their
DURATION : 68,367 FRAMES @ 24FPS
surf
stay, Wegge and Ranum collect rubbish from the beach, amassing 3 tonnes, which is collected by helicopter to be destroyed, ensuring their tenure not only enriches them but helps preserve their “paradise.” Shot and edited with skill, artistry and wit by Wegge and Ranum, this account of their extraordinary undertaking showcases their passion for surfing and the outdoors as well as their enterprising self-sufficiency.
NINE MONTHS ON AN UNINHABITED BAY
NORTH OF THE SUN
46
DEAP PRESENTS
CONTINUE
Produced by DEAP DIRECTED BY Warren Verboom
What this film of extreme canyoning might lack in cinematography, it more than makes up for in relentless, adrenalinepumping action. ‘Continue’ is the second film put together by the Swiss-based Deap Canyoning crew, following ‘The Beginning’, which garnered success at several outdoor film festivals. Warren Verboom, the leader of Deap Canyoning, features in, films and directs this on-the-edge-of-your-chair account of his team’s exploits in the Swiss Alps. With their death-defying leaps, eye-popping back flips and graceful dives, the Swiss/Brazilian gang redefine canyoning, displaying unparalleled athleticism and acrobatics. Different segments of the film focus on the skills of various members of the team - Verboom, Lars Nobs, Laso Schaller and Börni Marsden among them - as they roll, slide, run, abseil and hurl themselves down sheer rock faces into pristine glacial pools. The gin-clear water
DURATION : 24,244 FRAMES @ 24FPS
canyon -ing
reveals just how close to the rocks these daredevils land and, when head-cams sink you down into the water with them, it’s hard to stop yourself holding your breath until they come up for air.
RELENTLESS, ADRENALINEPUMPING ACTION
CONTINUE
50
TETON GRAVITY RESEARCH PRESENTS
HIGHER
Produced by Todd & Steve Jones and Jeff Harasimowicz DIRECTED BY Todd Jones & Steve Jones
This slick film featuring Jeremy Jones and Luca Pandolfi comes from the masters of adventure movies, Teton Gravity Research (TGR). It’s part biography of Jones (younger brother of TGR founders Todd and Steve Jones) and part account of his audacious bid to climb and snowboard Shangri La, a 21,400-ft peak in the Himalayas. Using old family photos, film and interviews with Jones’ family, his deep-rooted passion for snowboarding is laid bare. From backyard riding aged nine, Jones went on to dedicate his life first to competitive riding and then to pioneering professional big mountain riding. Inspired by an old photograph of the towering spines of Shangri La sent to him by a friend, Jones determines to travel to Nepal, climb the peak and ride down it. It’s no mean feat: it takes Jones, Pandolfi and the film crew 3 weeks just to reach base camp and acclimatise. An early foray onto Shangri La, some 60 degrees pitch in places,
DURATION : 73,871 FRAMES @ 24FPS
snow board
sees Jones fall thousands of feet in a sluff, highlighting the danger of this challenge. On day 32, Jones and Pandolfi shelter by the summit for over 3 hours waiting for clouds to clear from the face. Out of luck, they’re faced with a perilous hike down. Undeterred, Jones returns alone to summit Shangri La once more and is rewarded with success, albeit in the form of some 22,000 feet of icy, hard-packed, no-fall zone riding. Just be warned: Jones’ helmet cam footage will induce vertigo.
INSPIRED BY THE TOWERING SPINES OF SHANGRI LA
HIGHER
54
THE AFRICAN ATTACHMENT PRESENTS
THE BEAUTY OF THE IRRATIONAL PRODUCED BY GREG FELL DIRECTED BY DEAN LESLIE
DURATION : 8,905 FRAMES @ 24FPS
One of South Africa’s leading adventure filmmakers, Dean Leslie imbues this account of the battle of his compatriot and friend, ultrarunner Ryan Sandes, against Namibia’s infamous Fish River Canyon Trail with passion and beauty. The film encapsulates the grandeur of Fish River Canyon, the world’s second largest canyon, through Leslie’s distinctive cinematography: sweeping landscape shots and time lapse sequences set the scene, and scale, of Sandes’ mission. Sandes talks candidly about his failed attempts to break the 10hr 54mins record for running the 85-km trail (completed in five days by hikers). His meticulous planning and respect for the canyon are apparent, yet his exuberance as he runs down Hiker’s Descent and up knife-edge ridges is infectious and inspirational. When he completes the course in just 6hr 57mins, his celebration is understated yet heartfelt.
canyon -ing
Despite Sandes’ remarkable feat, The Beauty of the Irrational strives for even greater perspective, extending his battle to overcome adversity in Fish Canyon to relate more generally to life’s struggles. “Which set of footprints do you take?” Sandes asks as the camera pans out from him running along a dry riverbed to take in the vast canyon. “Or do you make your own path…”
WHICH SET OF FOOTPRINTS DO YOU TAKE?
THE BEAUTY OF THE IRRATIONAL
58
SENDER FILMS PRESENTS
VALLEY UPRISING
DIRECTED BY GREG LAUT
This award-winning, feature-length movie about the turbulent history and enduring love affair with rock climbing in Yosemite is also an exploration of America’s counterculture through the past 60 years. The constantly evolving “outlaw activity” of rock climbing in California’s legendary valley emerges as the ideal reflection of the issues generations of Americans have experienced with authority, asserting personal freedom and pushing boundaries. That’s not to say Sender Films takes itself too seriously: by tweaking 1960s silver gelatin prints with Wes Andersonstyle artistry and wit, using death-defying freeclimbing and BASE jumping footage, and bringing Yosemite’s climbing legends alive through interviews and personal accounts - all set to a great soundtrack - the film remains entertaining throughout. The film starts in the 1950s during the Beatnik era: penniless bums such as the pioneering Royal Robbins and Warren
DURATION : 133,980 FRAMES @ 24FPS
climb
Harding were drawn to Yosemite by the words of Jack Kerouac and John Muir, seeking to live life pushing the limits of their own capabilities, and authority. The 1970s brought the next phase of the “revolution”: the Stonemasters, who evolved rock climbing to new levels of athleticism, daring and celebrity. By the late 1990s, the Stone Monkeys had taken over, with climbers such as Dean Potter and Alex Honnold continuing to drive climbing forward with dizzying free climbs, speed climbing and BASE jumping.
PERSONAL FREEDOM AND PUSHING BOUNDARIES
VALLEY UPRISING
62
OPEN WATER There has been a surge of interest in open water swimming through both the growth of the “Wild Swimming” phenomenon and popularity of triathlons. Cutting through the crystal clear waters of the Med along the Riviera, swimming in the sea around Burgh Island or another iconic UK landmark, or slicing through the calm waters of a beautiful lake such as Shepperton Lake, can take you into another world. Not since Lord Byron’s swim in the footsteps of Greek Legend with his swim from Europe to Asia across the Hellespont, has there been so much interest in the sport. Open Water Swimming is the ultimate adventure sport. There is something for all ages and abilities that can take you safely in stages out of your comfort zone. From making that first small swim in a lake, to swimming the Dart 10k, or even making an epic and iconic crossing such swimming from Alcatraz to the mainland. So why is Open Water Swimming good for you? 1. Its cheap and easy to get into. 2. It is perfect for all ages and levels. 3. Exercises all the muscle groups in a low
So what do you do, when Teddington, Wimbledon or wherever your local baths are, simply don’t excite you any more? You may have felt the exhilaration of surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing, but where do you go now as far as your swimming goes?
impact way. 4. By being conducted outdoors, you have a bonus endorphin rush. 5. It is good for mind, spirit and body. 6. It can save your life There is no substitute for mastering the art of cruising in the great outdoors. Once you’ve done it a few times, swimming in a pool will be like running on a treadmill. In many ways it can be easier too. Swimming in salt water and or with a wetsuit gives you increased buoyancy, and many (especially men) find they unlock their super-swimmer persona once in open water. Then of course there is the sheer romance swimming. Lord Byron was onto something, and was at pains to point out that he wanted to be recognised as Britain’s greatest swimmer rather than poet. Swimming albeit Durdle Door, or around Burgh Island, or the bays around Portofino and the Cinque Terre, add a completely new dimension to a sport, that can sometime hardly feel like one you’re having so much fun. Throw in epic local cuisine and culture and your open water hobby can will be rattling off those items on your bucket list ticking, whilst enhancing and probably
prolonging your life! Not bad for a not so new sport? It does help to sort that stroke out. With Winter upon us, now is the time to sort out an efficient and beautiful front crawl, so you can hit the ground/water, swimming next season! Swim Lab organise a Winter Swim clinic every Sunday at the gorgeous, ‘heated’ open air Hampton Pool. It’s aimed at those wanting to improve that stroke, or simply get fit for that first Tri. There are also intense weekend Swim Clinics at the epic Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall, and of course coaching from intro to Ironman at the secluded Shepperton Lake from May 2015. Contact: salim@swimlab.org.uk or call 07966 161 295 www.swimlab.org.uk
63
ADVENTUREFEST.CO.UK PHOTOGRAPH BY BRETT LOWELL (VALLEY UPRISING)
DON’T WAIT FOR THE ADVENTURE TO FIND YOU