Throwback (and repost) to one of my more productive seasons in the Alpine Playground.
Originally shot on 960x720 (that seems to have been vogue in 1800!), insta really didn’t like the format (hence the repost)
Time marches on but these are great memories from the days when 9min videos were cool - of mates doing epic sh1t (the proximity flying is NOT me), and putting up with me in the hills.
Also good to have a reminder of those friends no longer with us, we sure to miss ‘em.
It took nearly as much time to sort and edit the thousands of photos and videos of this insane 2-month trip beyond the wall, with the South African National Antarctic Program!
I’m not sure that a 2min reel of jumbled-together media does the program any justice, but that is the constraints of modern media consumption, but it may well capture the chaos, serenity and extremes one experiences there as a result. Unsure of a suitable music genre for this, I settled for a rather appropriate track by Modest Mouse off of their album “The Moon & Antarctica”, called “What People Are Made Of”, which is more poignant than it may seem.
One of 70 permanent research bases on the Antarctic Continent, SANAE IV sits proudly atop a nunatak (google it) in Vesleskarvet, Queen Maud Land, Antarctica.
Maintained and supported by the South African Dept of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment the base is permanently staffed by a small 10-person team performing research as well as maintenance on the Base.
In the summer months a weather window allows for a summer expeditionary voyage aboard SA Agullas II, comprising DFFE logistics teams, the hand-over team as well as a host of scientific research teams.
I was fortunate enough to join the UCT GEODESY and Seismology team on The Fumbil Ice Shelf. Other teams included SA National Space Agency, University of Johannesburg Geology, Stellenbosch Oceanography, SA Weather Service.
As part of South Africa’s commitment to the Polar stations, the program also provides medical evacuation cover with a dedicated medical evac. helicopter and a well-equipped hospital suite along with expedition doctor aboard when the SA Agullas II is in Theatre. This partnership includes the Islands of Tristan da Cunha, Marion and Inaccessible and is a vital cog in Southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Conservation & research teams on these islands as well as, obviously, Antarctica operate in extremely inhospitable terrain and harsh conditions, a long way from help! Their contribution to the scientific world as well as the conservation world is immense, as is the DFFE’s continued support of the program.
Driven by science & conservation; powered by coffee & will
Meet the Remora Pro - where comfort meets next level performance. Built on the iconic remora, this upgraded design brings innovation keeping it soft where it counts and providing power where it matters !
And for an added perk comes with deodorising inserts 🌬️
An epic trip with Alard and Voytek back in the day. Scrambling and soloing in the cool of the day, flying back to camp and lazying about until the next session - simple ideals, excellent company and perfect weather. Voyti, we miss you man.
Climb & Fly Apco Hybrid prototype wings
In a time when travelling to Rum via Kiev and then Tel Aviv is probably not a first option, it’s good to remember times when things were calmer, safer.
One from the archives of 2019 when we travelled to Rum to climb desert rock and fly new hybrid mini-wings for a week.
It’s an addiction not a hobby 😎
Madrock stock just dropped & the D2.ONE is back to fuel the obsession. Precision, comfort & grip that keeps you coming back !
You know the drill - sizes won’t last !
Reminiscing. Reliving.
Full album drop, and results, on the website.
It wasn’t long ago that the rivers, wheatfields & mountains of the Malgas region had us encapsulated and present.
What a challenge, what a grand adventure - it was a spectacular one to wrap up the year!
Thank you for all making it possible.
Incredibly captured by @fahwaaz_c 🙌🏼.
📸 @fahwaaz_c
Trek? Check. Paddle? Check. Navigate? Check. Abseil with a bike on your back? Why not.
Serving up some epic sunset magic from our race photographer @fahwaaz_c 🙌
Keep your adventure wild not your gear !
Nikwax Technical Wash & Waterproofing brings tired jackets and base layers back to life, boosting breathability and reviving that storm-proof shield. Clean it, treat it and let the rain do its absolute worst ! 💦🌪️⛈️
Combo deal for all your down gear - the perfect combo to revive & restore !
Down proof + Down wash direct + glove proof
