The Challenge of the North West Passage

On 19th July 2023 the Arctic Cowboys set off from Pond Inlet Baffin Island in their tandem kayaks to traverse the North West Passage in a single season by human effort alone. They have made amazing progress kayaking some 1,155 miles by19th September. You can track them on their website and Facebook and Instagram @thearcticcowboys and read there latest blog here 

Sadly Matty Clarke's bid to traverse the Passage West to East in a home built single sculling boat has come to an end following a number of technical issues. Matthew Clarke supported by Adam Antares Riley , who was injured during the first half of their crossing, had rowed over 1,000 miles alone but is now heading for Gjoa Haven, his end point, at least for this year. Read more here

The third team aiming to traverse the passage this year was the crew of 8 rowing under the banner NWP Expedition led by Leven Brown. They started their expedition later than the other two expeditions, having motored and then being towed towards the start line at Pond Inlet. Whilst they rowed some 1,000 miles they used their engine during their trip so can't claim to have made the journey by rowing or human power alone. They abandoned their bid at Cambridge Bay. 

Whilst due to the change in climate the North West Passage has shown it is becoming easier to traverse in its brief summer, it clearly remains a tough and challenging environment. For expeditions to be successfully they need to be well prepared and led, as well as have some good fortune.