Justine Curgenven, film maker, extreme sea kayaker and sponsored The North Face athlete, is preparing to embark on the challenge of her career – the 1,700 mile circumnavigation of the remote and relentless seas around South Island, New Zealand. Not only this, but if she succeeds, she will be one of only four people ever to have continuously circumnavigated the island, and the first woman.
One of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, South Island also boasts one of the most committing and challenging circumnavigations that can be undertaken in a kayak. The swell on the south and west coasts rarely drops below 2 metres, with hundreds of miles between sheltered landings. In Fjordland in the South West of the island, there is no road access for 300 miles, so Justine and her team mate, Barry Shaw, will have to be entirely self sufficient.
Justine commented, “Gales are common and can arrive quickly so we have to expect many surf landings and launchings. It will certainly be the most challenging circumnavigation I have ever attempted.”
No women have yet circumnavigated South Island. Justine may become the first woman in the world to achieve this, although 2 other women are also making independent attempts themselves in the coming months.
“This expedition captures the very essence of what The North Face is all about – pushing the boundaries of human endeavour and endurance. We are very excited about Justine’s expedition and wish her all the very best” said Andy Barker, UK Country Manager for The North Face
Previous seakayaking expeditions for Justine, and a taster for this extreme feat include the first all-female circumnavigation of Tasmania (900 miles), a solo trip around Iceland’s West Fjords, a 400 mile journey up the Pacific coast of Kamchatka and a 500 mile circumnavigation of the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Justine leaves for South Island during January 2008.
