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Name:Stephen Paris-Hunter
Age: 37
Occupation: Petty Officer Airman
I joined the Royal Navy at the age of 19 as a Naval Airman Survival Equipment Specialist. In May this year I left HMS ENDURANCE and completed a Senior Rates Command Course before joining HMS SULTAN in Gosport, Hampshire as a Petty Officer.
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Home Town: North Shields, Tyne and Wear.
Excited about: What makes 66 SOUTH so very exciting for me is the fact that we are attempting something that has never been done before. James Ross Island is situated at the most northerly tip of Antarctica and lies on the Eastern side of the Trinity Peninsular. It is separated by the Prince Gustav Channel. Only a few years ago a circumnavigation attempt round James Ross Island would not have been possible by kayak because the Prince Gustav Channel was always packed with ice. As the scenery around the island is absolutely stunning, you won’t know what is round the next corner. There will be lots of opportunities to encounter wildlife close up, in its natural environment which is particularly exciting for me.
Steve Paris-Hunter training for ENDURANCE KAYAK 66 SOUTH
The expedition will collect valuable photographic scientific data of rock strata and important fossil-bearing cretaceous sediments which is said to be 100 million years old. This will give Leeds Earth Science University the opportunity to find out what the planet was doing 100 million years ago. We are also hoping to conduct scientific work for the Scott Polar Research Institute in conjunction with The Institute of Naval Medicine which will also be a first I believe. I feel we are following in the steps of some or the greatest explorers of all time, such as Scott and Shackleton.
Biggest challenge of the Expedition: Antarctica is said to be the most inhospitable place on earth and therefore weather patterns are unpredictable. The water around James Ross Island is influenced by very strong cold currents from the Weddle Sea and we’re expecting the water temperature to be close to Oš C during our paddle!
Antarctica
While I think our biggest challenge will be the changeable environmental conditions we face - I also like to think these conditions will bring out resourcefulness, courage and leadership qualities within the group. I am sure that our expedition will come together at the right time and in a safe and professional manner because we have all committed ourselves to a tremendous amount of determination, time and resources to ensure that we are prepared for our paddle.
Hope for the Expedition: I am thrilled to be a part of ENDURANCE KAYAK 66 SOUTH because as an imaginative venture, I hope it will inspire others in the Armed Forces to take up kayaking. I also hope that children are encouraged to participate in the sport through the educational pack we are doing with Portsmouth Educational Authorities.
Inquisitive seal in Antarctica
The Armed Forces offer endless opportunities for adventurous training which is tremendously rewarding but it is down to individual to step forward and take these chances when they can.
I was once asked the best way to predict the future. I replied: “create it yourself”.
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