Dave Cornthwaite: The Interview
Robert Dawson-Goodey: How and where did you come up with the Expedition1000?
Dave Cornthwaite: With two large expeditions already completed I found myself drifting around without much focus. It transpired that once all of your friends had heard stories about your long skateboard and kayaking trips they glaze over and pretend that they don’t like you anymore. So I decided to come up with something that would keep me happy, disciplined and most importantly, well armed with new stories about pogo-sticking around the world.
The concept was simple. I thought about everything I enjoyed, then the few things that I was remotely good at, and devised a way to combine them all. 25 journeys of 1000 miles or more, each using a different form of non-motorised transport. I wanted to raise £1,000,000 for charity along the way, and write books that followed the whole series.
RDG: Were you always a very adventurous person, or did it kick start when you did your Board Expedition?
DC: It wasn’t particularly adventurous. I’ve never been an outstanding athlete and often made excuses to avoid doing anything grossly strenuous. I preferred chilling out on beanbags and playing computer games. It all came to a head when I realised I’d achieved everything we’re supposed to grow up and achieve in this society – house, partner, pet, good job, shelf of DVDs etc – but in actual fact I was depressed and losing my braincells. Longboarding gave me a passion I’d never felt before because I was doing something new and that kicked me out of the gutter. I haven’t looked back.
Image courtesy of Dave Cornthwaite.com
RDG: How much of a strain are these expeditions on your body?
DC: Of course, there’s a lot of physical strain that comes from plodding hundreds and thousands of miles under your own steam but the human body is incredible, it puts up with a lot if your mind is onside. I haven’t suffered any serious injuries in the past seven years, long may this continue.
RDG: How do you keep yourself fit and free from Injury?
DC: I keep in shape, I listen to my body, I don’t take risks, if I need to rest I rest and I ease into every expedition. I condition myself over the opening days of a journey and start pushing hard when I’m ready. Everything is based on common sense – except arguments with the opposite sex (that goes both ways!) – so if I don’t overcook my abilities I shouldn’t get hurt.
RDG: Has there been any point where you have had serious concern for your life on your expeditions?
DC: Absolutely. I’ve had a few close calls. Getting stuck in a horrific snowstorm at the top of the Murray River in the mountains, getting hit by a speeding car outside Memphis when riding my Bikecar, but I’m cautious and plan ahead for potential dangers. When it comes down to it I love what I do and yes, sometimes things might happen, but I’m not going to stop living just because I might die. Otherwise I may as well curl up straight away.
Image courtesy of Dave Cornthwaite.com
RDG: What’s the most amazing thing you have seen on your travels so far?
DC: What a question! Earlier this year I was sailing the Pacific and saw a pod of dolphins alongside in the dead of night. The ocean phosphorescence lit them up all neon and they stayed with us for an hour, just incredible.
RDG: Do you feel the expeditions will get easier or tougher as you do more?
DC: The decision to take on an expedition becomes easier with experience, but each journey has its challenges. Rowing an ocean will be tough, swimming 1000 miles down the Lower Missouri later this year will be hard, but the harder these things are the more I learn, the more satisfaction I get. And you may have noticed, I don’t do much easy stuff!
RDG: Have you decided on any other Expeditions past the Missouri Swim?
DC: I’m working on a bunch of ideas but after the swim I’ll take a few months off, write a couple of books and get my energy back. When it’s time for a new one I’ll put something into gear fairly quickly.
Image courtesy of Dave Cornthwaite.com
RDG: What could you see yourself doing after you complete your 25?
DC: Way too far off to tell. Maybe some TV presenting, certainly a lot of book writing. I don’t think I’ll ever stop doing new things, that would be counter-productive.
RDG: Would you say you’re the most famous Ginger in the World right now?
DC: Had Wesley Snipes gone all ginge in White Men Can’t Jump, absolutely!
RDG: Have you had an increase in attention from the Ladies due to your adventures?
DC: You’ll have to read my book, DATE, to find that one out!
About the Author
Adrian Simpson Adrian Simpson is a writer and TV presenter with a profound love of the outdoors. His family, snow, sea, brewing, vinyl, guitars and VW buses mean the world to him.
