Kite Skiing Across Antarctica

10th November 2021

Last modified on November 24th, 2021

Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer Childs are heading south to begin an 80-day expedition across 2,500 miles of the frozen continent. PlanetSKI is following their travels.

It is billed as ‘Chasing the Light’ and they will travel via the South Pole of Inaccessibility and the South Pole itself.

It is described as ‘a proper old-school adventure, long in duration and unsupported’.

Over the 80-day expedition, they will receive no assistance and will travel by foot and kite, relying solely on physical and mental strength.

Image c/o Chasing the Light

The pair are working with the NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), Snyder Lab at Stanford University and the Laboratory for Autonomy-Brain Exchange at the University of Central Florida.

Much like the extreme conditions found on planets in our Solar System, Antarctica has an austere environment that is useful for a range of human and biological research, ranging from isolation, microbial investigations, immunology, and much more.

Justin and Jamie’s mission will allow scientists to observe a rare scientific story of human adaptability.

This will ultimately contribute to the ongoing mapping of genomic, physiological, psychological, and environmental data models of human centred space exploration.

Image c/o Chasing the Light

The expedition is due to start on 8th November 2021 and can be followed here: www.chasingthelight2021.com.

They will link extreme ‘human endeavor’, ‘science’ and cutting edge ‘technology’ together.

The expedition is focusing on research/science alongside showcasing sustainability.

Marker, Dalbello and Volkl, (MDV) are sponsoring Justin Packshaw and the Chasing the Light Expedition.

“It has been fantastic working with and the whole team at MDV throughout the build-up to this expedition and it is equally reassuring knowing that we will be using Dalbello boots, Volkl ski’s and Marker bindings throughout the 80 days that we will be crossing Antarctica,” said Justin Packshaw

“They could not have been more helpful, diligent and resourceful throughout.

“A project like this focuses the mind and demands the very best of everything and MDV have certainly stepped up to the plate in achieving that, so a very big thank you for that.”

Here at PlanetSKI we will be following their progress over the coming weeks and months so do check back for updates.