TWICE AS ICE FOR GC POLAR ADVENTURER
HE has set records at both ends of the world, now Geoff Wilson wants to complete the longest solo and unsupported crossing of Antarctica. Snow joke.
The Gold Coast adventurer will return to the barren landscape next year for a 5200km torture test lasting up to 90 days.
“This is arguably the most ambitious Australian polar project since Douglas Mawson’s journey in 1911,” Mr Wilson said.
CURRUMBIN adventurer Geoff Wilson has finally received the green light to tackle his greatest challenge yet – the longest solo and unsupported crossing of Antarctica.
Having set a world record in 2014 when he dragged his famous pink boob sled 3428km across the barren landscape in 53 days, the 48year-old father of three will return to the continent late next year for a 5200km torture test lasting up to 90 days.
If successful, the mission will also see him become the first Australian to reach the remote Pole of Inaccessibility and the first person to skiclimb Dome Argus, the continent’s highest ice feature and said to be the coldest place on Earth (-90C in winter).
“The journey is 100 per cent on,” an ecstatic Mr Wilson told the Bulletin ahead of last night’s premiere of Arctic Quest, a documentary about the Greenland crossing he completed last year with sonin-law Simon Goodburn.
“It’s taken about seven years to get the green light but we’ve finally got all the permissions we needed.
“The major blockade was travelling through Australian-owned east Antarctica because it’s so isolated but last year I cornered (Prime Minister) Malcolm Turnbull and (his wife) Lucy at a function at Kirribilli House and pulled out my maps of Antarctica.
“With their backing, the Australian Antarctic Division has been more than supportive and want this record set.”
Mr Wilson will start the journey with 90 days of supplies in a sled weighing 220kg before crossing the continent from its two furthest points.
“This is arguably the most ambitious Australian polar project since Douglas Mawson’s journey in 1911,” he said.
“That’s a big call ... but there are very few people in the world who can pull this journey off. I’m one of probably five men with the skills set to survive there for that long and utilise the (kite) wind power to get the job done.
“This time I know what I’m in for in Antarctica. That’s a double-edged sword because you have that fear – you know how brutal it can be – but I also won’t make the mistakes I did the first time.”
Mr Wilson will again use the mission to urge supporters to donate to breast cancer charity The McGrath Foundation.
Having seen 55-year-old Brit Henry Worsley die attempting the first solo and unaided crossing of Antarctica last year, he also concedes time is running out to achieve what is his life dream.
“I thought I had plenty of time but his death made it very evident these missions can be very tough on the human body,” Mr Wilson said.
“There is a tipping point for a polar explorer where you realise your body isn’t as strong as it was in your 30s and 40s.
“It’s not a place to be solo in your mid-50s so you’ve got to get this polar stuff out of your system before then.”