Our Talks and Workshops

The Big 5 Kayak Challenge is about daring to dream big and the courage to overcome all odds, to turn that dream into a reality. It all began in 2008. Richard Harpham decided to set an extraordinary challenge for himself and small team of adventurous people to kayak and canoe some of the most demanding water on the planet. The Big 5 Kayak challenge originally consisted of five separate expeditions including 1000 miles from Vancouver to Alaska. By January 2010 another five expeditions were announced, such as canoeing the Yukon River and cycling and canoeing London to Marrakesh, which would see them clock up over 4500 miles in total.

With over 2,200 miles completed so far, they have embraced epic experiences of  glaciers and ice flows, completed big open sea crossings and encountered North American wildlife such as wolves, whales, seals, bears and moose. They have survived wild camping, having had their tents flooded with icy cold water in the middle of the night and braved extreme conditions like storm force winds and blizzards.

Beyond adventure, The Big 5 Kayak Challenge team has been lucky enough to meet the most amazing people along the way who have welcomed them by sharing their lives, hospitality and human spirit. They have also learnt about the history of the Klondike gold rush and were enchanted with the spirituality of the First Nation legends along the way

Above all, the journey has proved to be about making a stand for important causes.  The team has raised almost £10K for the Muscular Help Foundation, a Muscular Dystrophy charity and also raising awareness for the River Access Campaign (which is campaigning to allow access to more than 3% of English and Welsh rivers!)  The Big 5 has also recently committed to supporting the Marine Conservation Society, something they feel passionate about given the, wildlife, environment and marine experiences they have been a part of.

The Big 5 filmed their five challenges with a professional team to help tell their story and share their adventures with others, through their talks and lecture tour.  Last year despite only being part way through the challenges they were keynotes at the London Boat Show and The Outdoor Show. They also shared their story on BBC1, regional TV, radio and press and in a wide range of schools, businesses and colleges.

Their story told by Richard Harpham, is inspirational, heart warming and daring. He passionately conveys this message around key themes using images, video and presentation skills.  Richard also gives keynotes and talks on;

• Managing the Ghana Ski Team at the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010
• Five years as a entrepreneur trying to change the world of sport
• His corporate career as a director of a £250 Million turnover company and delivering growth of 300% in 14 months, making the company profitable

Richard Harpham is experienced at leading and facilitating workshops for organizations on vision, values, organizational planning and diversity, the environment and many concepts for improvement and change.

The Big 5, beginning 2008

1. The Isle of Wight, 85 miles, around it and back – COMPLETED SEPT 2008
2. The length of Thames, during arctic conditions – 183 miles in 36 hours! – COMPLETED FEB 2009
3. The English Channel, dodging ferries, 25 miles open sea – COMPLETED APRIL 2009
4. Lands End to the Isles of Scilly – 40 miles open sea – COMPLETED MAY 2009
5. The Inside Passage - Vancouver to Alaska – 1000 miles, avoiding orcas and bears – COMPLETED JULY 2009

The Big 5 2010

1. Round Malta and Gozo, 88 miles – COMPLETED APRIL 2010
2. Canoeing the Yukon River, 700 miles from Whitehorse to Circle, Alaska – COMPLETED JUNE 2010
3. John O’ Groats to the Orkney Isles – 120 miles paddling across the Pentland Firth and round the Orkney Isles NOW
4. Scotland to Ireland - from Oban to Giants Causeway via Corryvreckan, 3^rd largest whirlpool in the world – 140 miles - PLANNED SEPT 2010
5. London to Marrakesh, cycling and kayaking – STARTING LATE SEPT 2010

The Big 5 2011

1. Cycling to Holland, 300 miles – COMPLETED APRIL 2011
2. Juneau to Whitehorse, 220 miles by seakayak, hiking into Canada and packarafting down to Whitehorse – COMPLETED JUNE 2011

We aim to use our lecture tour and talks to raise money for our charitable causes, the Muscular Help Foundation and the Marine Conservation Society.

Book us to deliver a workshop or talk now

Contact:  Richard Harpham – Joint Expedition Leader

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 07710 616520 www.big5kayakchallenge.com