Ice Bears & Islands - Kayak around Svalbard

A POLAR DREAM

In the heart of the Arctic Ocean, at 76-81 degrees North, the Svalbard Archipelago remains one of the worlds last great 'firsts'. Despite numerous attempts, no one has ever paddled around all four main islands. Now, after 6 years of dreaming and planning to complete this epic trip, we - two kiwis - Jaime Sharp and Tara Mulvany, are setting off to do just that.

THE PLAN

In late June 2015, we will fly north to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, to begin a 2000-kilometre sea kayak journey around the archipelago. This adventure is expected to take around 90 days, and apart from two planned food drops, we will be paddling expedition style without a support crew.

THE CHALLENGES

Some of the major challenges that we will face include a 300 kilometre uninterrupted stretch of glacial cliffs, polar bears, walrus, freezing temperatures and pack ice.

SHARING OUR STORY

Along the way, we will document the journey through a range of media, and plan to create a 30 minute documentary film on return.

BUDGET

Due to the complexity of any arctic expedition we are predicting an overall cost of around $55,000 in expenses, comprising of food, travel, permits, insurance and equipment. We have a good chunk of these expenses covered through personal finances and equipment sponsorship, but we still need to raise the final $20,000 to get this project off the ground.

PADDLE NORTH WITH US

Even if you can only give $5 it will help us complete this epic odyssey. For your support, we are offering a range of rewards including the following:

(check back often for added rewards from sponsors, and more details on each reward in "updates".)

REWARDS (more details for each in Updates)

$20 -$30 Fresh As Freeze Dried Fruit packets

Pledge $50 and your name will appear in the credits of the documentary film about this adventure.

Pledge $65 to recieve a Limited Edition Art Print

Pledge $80 and receive a signed copy of Tara's book 'A Winter's Paddle' with a personalised message thanking you for supporting this expedition. Includes delivery anywhere.

Pledge $110NZD Signed Official Expedition Thankyou Poster

Pledge $180NZD ($130 USD) Watershed Aleutian Deck Bag

Pledge $210 NZD Seals Shocker Pro Shocker Spray Skirts

Pledge $230 NZD Kokatat Mis Fit Tour Bouyancy Aids (PFD)

Pledge $255 NZD ($190 USD) Five Ten Canyoneer 3 Shoes Size 10 US

$390NZD Small Panoramic 10" x 20" Photo Canvas Prints

Pledge $595 Original Art Piece Framed

$790 30 x 40 Large Limited Edition Photographic Print

Pledge $2500 and Tara will come and deliver a presentation about this adventure to your team on return (if we survive to tell the tale). Anywhere in NZ. Pledge $3500 for a presentation in any main city on the east coast of Australia.

Pledge $3500 and receive Tara's near new Paddling Perfection Breaksea fiberglass sea kayak. This is an awesome, fast boat for an experienced paddler. Kayak is currently in Invercargill.

Pledge $3900 and receive Jaime's kevlar Paddling Perfection Sea Bear Waitoa expedition sea kayak. This boat is currently in Auckland.

For more information visit www.svalbard.worldwildadventure.com/

or email nztara1@gmail.com