Video: Davey du Plessis Shares His Near Death Story from the Amazon For The First Time

I discovered this video thanks to a friend about Davey Du Plessis's almost tragic encounter with the dangerous Human Element during his source to sea attempt of the Amazon in late August; the adventure community was shocked to learn that he had been ambushed in the Amazon, shot, robbed and left for dead. Fortunately he survived, was airlifted to Lima, Peru and received the best medical attention possible considering the circumstances. After that, the story went quiet and Davey has shared little information about his harrowing story.

 

He appeared on the FEAT forum and shared his full story for the first time. The video was published only Ten days ago and is in its entirety below.

Davey's Website  http://www.worldwonderer.co.za/

Thanks to FEAT founder and organizer Lisa de Speville for sharing this.

Some Sad News For Tim Taylor Trying To Circumnavigate NZ In One GO

Tim Taylor's, 24, plan to circumnavigate New Zealand in his kayak is over. Photo / Alan Gibson

My mate Tim (we have never meet, though have shared stories and ideas through the lead up, the participating and the end of our journeys; that where active at the same time, and thus we both understand each others experiences well and share comradeship) who was trying get right around NZ, the same Summer I was trying to paddle the length of Just one side of NZ, has unfortunately come to a loggers heads and has pulled the PIN. I know the feeling of disappointment he feels at what is lost, though also we feel great achievement in what has passed under the hull of our boats along the way. He has a lot to be stoked about  especially the hype for sea kayaking in NZ and around the world that he has created.  David H. Johnston writes on his blog site; www.paddlinginstructor.com:

"To be honest, I have never seen so much local media attention for any expedition as this one. It seems that two thirds of New Zealand has been closely following along. The other one third is made up of grumpy old people or kids under 16 who are way to cool to care."  Full article here

Good on yah Tim, you have earned a lot of respect and awe at trying (and almost succeeding at)something very very hard to accomplish. Respect.

Jaime

 Tim Writes

"Well folks I’m sad to say but the dream is over. Having spent weeks on shore waiting for the correct conditions to get around Cape Reinga, I finally admitted defeat this week and made the hard decision to return home yesterday morning via airplane. I know this may come as a bit of a shock to all of you have supported me throughout this whole expedition but it is not a decision that I came to lightly. Since arriving in Ahipara, at the base of 90mile Beach, I have been patiently waiting for a weather gap that would have allowed me to get up and around Cape Reinga. For those of you, who aren’t familiar with this area of NZ, just imagine a single stretch of beach that is roughly 85km long (it’s not 90miles like the name suggests). At the top are 3 different Capes to go around, including Cape Reinga which is where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet. Then it’s a 40km run, down the beaches on the East Coast, to the safety of Hohoura harbour. Now you might ask “what’s so hard about all off that, you’ve just done most of NZ”. The trouble with this area is that I’m switching between 2 coasts and 2 different water masses in a very short space of time and as a general rule, it’s fair to say that you don’t often get calm weather on both coasts at the same time i.e. if it’s calm on one coast, it will be rough on the other.  Then there is Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, aptly named ‘Meeting of the Waters’. This area can be an extremely violent place, with huge currents and both standing and breaking waves. There is not a single commercial skipper who does not treat this area respect this area because even in a big boat they know that it could destroy them in seconds if given the chance. So yeh, a real fun place in a kayak. 

Knowing all of these factors, I really did need a settled period of weather. Not only that but I needed less than 2m of swell on both coasts and unfortunately I just don’t believe that I will get these conditions until possibly next spring. On top of this I was extremely worried about my loss in fitness due to my enforced stay on land. Facing an area that is so extremely tough, I wanted to be at or near my peak or else I would just be asking for trouble. In the end I decided that this would be best achieved if I was at home where I have variety of training options and support. Trust me it wasn’t an easy decision to come to having already achieved so much, but I think it was the right decision in terms of safety and my own sanity.

I would really like to thank everyone who has been involved in my expedition. There are literally thousands of you and I never felt like I was alone while out on the ocean.  At the top of the list is my family, who have provided me with un-wavering support right from the beginning. Dealing with a moody athlete is often not easy but they are always there and for some reason they still love me haha. Then there are my friends, both local and abroad, who have also been behind me from the beginning. Simple things like quick txt message or a dodgy story from home were huge moral boosters and helped me to get through some tough times. There are my sponsors, who have faithfully supported me with both equipment and technical advice, not to mention many of them becoming extremely good friends. I back all of the gear and brands that I used simply because if I can’t break it, it must be good. There is everyone who I have met along the way. So many people invited me into their homes and their lives and offered me accommodation, a meal, or even just a cuppa and I have been completely humbled by people’s generosity. And finally there is everyone who I haven’t met. On a daily basis mum would read out messages of support that had come through my website and I can say that it truly blowed me away. There were literally thousands of messages from all over NZ and around the world so a huge thanks to all of you who offered encouragement, prayers, and continued inspiration. There is no way I’ll ever be able to pay you all back but I will never forget the generosity and support that I have received so far.  

From this point I really don’t know where things will be going. I have spent the past 18 months totally dedicated to this expedition and for once I don’t have all the answers. Practically all I know is kayaking and the ocean and I fear that may be a bit hard to adjust back to a normal life. Over the coming weeks I will be sitting down with friends, family, and sponsors to decide on future. Unfortunately I won’t be claiming any sort of record like I had hoped but there are many ways of doing things so I’ve just got to figure out a new one. 

Until then everyone, keep an eye on the website from time to time and I’ll let you know how things progress. "


Tim.


Read more of Tims Journey and his upcoming plans to finish of the coast here.

www.nzkayaker.com

And my Journey here

www.kayakdownundernz.blogspot.com

KAYAK DOWN UNDER NZ UPDATE April 17th; Gifts from the Cray Fishermen

 
Log
Date: April 17th
Weather: overcast
Swell: 2M SW
Wind: 10knots SW
Distance: 10 NM
Camp: Mikes Bach, Flat Point

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Blog
I awoke to find the surf area at low tide riddled with rocks awash, hmmm. The surf was big enough to be tricky though there was a good channel through the rocks straight out from my camp, and swell lulls were often. I packed up camp without a rush, allowing the tide to come in a bit more and to let the morning sun dry my wet tent before I packed it. As I ate breakfast and loaded the boat down on the beach, big dark clouds rolled in and the sun started to get covered, by the time I decided it was time to work my way off the beach through the rocky surf, only patchy sunlight came and went.
I Sat and watched the surf to find some patterns, but when I launched and held my ground amongst the rocks in the wash, the waves seemed to pick up in intensity with no lulls. I sat and sat; fighting to keep in the channel and off the rocks, waiting for the gap in the surf; so I could safely break out back and not risk getting back surfed on to an exposed reef. Finally after 8 or so minutes the gap came and I powered my ass out through the green lumpy swells that started coming in again; breaking left and right. it was well timed and I had no incidence.

I was only paddling a short way today, to find a good place to camp up for 2-3 days to let the coming bad weather pass and then I can move on, though as I paddled south, the wind blew up in my face a bit, and I got worried that I was getting caught out by the bad weather early, however I could see my destination, flat point, ahead; so I pushed on. Nearing flat point I could see only rocky shores, and started doubting whether I was going to be able to land; though as usual, when I am in doubt, I see a tractor and boat trailer and know that if they can launch and land a power boat in that part of the surf, then I can land as well.
I came up next to the tractor, through surf much smaller than it initially appeared, just as the EL Toro (a Cray Fishing Boat) came blasting up onto the beach on the other side. I had always wondered how they got these big boats up onto the trailers, now I got to see. The Cray boat was now high and dry on the beach, after a full speed landing; now the Trailer was backed up to it, and a winch pulled the trailer under the boat as the tractor backed up. The boat didn’t move until the trailer tilted forward and lifted clear, then it all went like normal; however I guess in this case the whole process was normal.

At this point I meet Mike and his Son Luke, they where instantly intrigued by my story and within 5 minutes of talking, I had been given a Cray for dinner, had help lifting the fully loaded kayak onto part of their boat trailer, and  transported up to their ocean side Bach.
At the front door of the Bach I was given the key and told to make myself at home. “ sorry we can’t stay and talk, though we need to get going back to town, we will be back 3 days probably, so as long as you can figure out the stuff inside by yourself, we will see you once the storm passes; enjoy!” said mike as he and Luke then drove off up to their Lobster shed.
Here I was given the use of a brand new, fully furnished modern beach Bach and I didn’t even know these guys, wow awesome. I had been prepared to hunker in a tent for 3 days while some crazy winds and rains came through and now I had a warm little house to hide in, but still also be right on the water. Perfect; even had a Fur Seal as a neighbor.

The evening went very still and got very sunny, so I cleaned some gear and hung it to dry and had my doubts about the coming weather. I then cooked the Cray for dinner, sat out and watched the moon rise over the ocean, while eating my meal and drinking a beer, then very quickly the night turned, the Calm before the storm was over and the storm was here, the winds picked up fiercely, clouds rolled in and I went inside to listen to music and read a book. Soon rain came and poured down while the wind whipped the sea into a fury; while I was warm and comfy inside eating chocolate, reading a book and listening to music. I am  happy I am not in a tent. Thanks Mike.
 
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Sibun Gorge Solo

Here is a story and some images and a little video I got from my four day solo up the Sibun Gorge into the heart of the Belize Jungle.
I took an inflatable Aire Canoe which enabled me to pack it small then pump it up and have a very stable boat to line up river and run the white water back down.
This trip was an amazing. Challenging, rewarding, astonishingly beautiful and it left me wanting more
 
Day 1
I caught a ride from the office to the Sibun River put in, with the PACZ tours bus on their way back to Teakettle (a small town in Belize). I had been hearing stories of Xateros and how they steal things from people camping in the bush. Xater os are men who illegally collect the Xate palm for florist industry. They can be mischievous and are known to be occasionally Violent. This had me a touch nervous, as well as the stories of man eating Jaguars (though I Know there a very rarely attacks on humans from wild Jaguars) I was mostly nervous as I wanted to see one.
The trip started in agricultural land though by the third rapid and the end of the fourth big pool, I was entering the George and the jungle slipped closer and the signs of humans vanished. The pools where crystal clear and full of fish, and reflected warped impersonations of the large green trees that towered up and over the river. The rapids, slick with green algae and smooth granite boulders, where very frustrating and exhausting to line the boat up. However the pools got larger and longer, so more paddling was possible as I progressed.
I wonderful sandy spit on river left gave me a great first camp for the night. I witnessed Neo tropical Otters feeding right in front of me until they noticed my curious gazes and disappeared with a  splash.

That night I paddled further up stream and searched for what I could see In the Flashlight beam. I found a coffee snake swimming across the river, large water spiders on the banks, and a really big frog about the size of my foot.I ran back down the rapids, lit only by my head lamp, and paddled back towards my tent. Out of the night there came a gentle rumbling on the air. It sounded almost like someone snoring and sent shivers up my spine. I shone the light across the river towards the noise, though nothing was there to announce itself further. Was it the elusive Jaguar?
I slept sound that night; however I did dream of Jaguars drinking hot chocolate outside my tent.

Day 2

I awoke to the cool tranquil peace of the jungle, as the sun started to sneak over the mountains and flood the gorge with a golden light. I was on the water early and wanting to push as high as I could in the day. As I progressed the river started to resemble a New Zealand west coast river, big granite slabs that create deep pools that the beautiful rapids fill with an ongoing song like noisy gurgle and splash.The Rapids got increasingly larger and harder to portage, requiring me to carry the gear and then the canoe around the rapid, they would be fun to run back down however.

Large fish swam in the waters and I wished I had brought a spear gun, so I could roast one over a fire for dinner. I found a great camp site that evening on a granite slab that stuck out into the river. The wonderful thing about the site was the hot tub in front of the tent. The river diverted into a channel towards my tent slab then ran into a large pot hole, swirled around and flowed back into the main stream. The best thing about the pool was that you could stand in it and the depth was right at neck height for me, a perfect tub. The view up and down the gorge and the jungle covered mountains made this a spectacular camp.

That night I watched the stars while drinking coco nut rum, and then feel asleep, exhausted.The days are hot, and I am struggling to drink enough water, minor dehydration and sun burn are leaving me shattered after such a physical day.


Day 3
i sleep in a bit the next morning, and decided to keep my camp and head up river for the day then boat back down before night. It gave me a great opportunity to travel lighter and push later. I calculated that what I would take me all day to get up would take me about an hour to get back down.

The day was spectacular, some large portages due to tricky and slippery rapids, though I sighted many more otters as well as Toucans, Parrots and signs of Tapir. The side streams where spectacular to explore up as well. Some held deep pools to swim in that had a garden of Eden landscape around them ,as the sun glistened through the emerald backlit leaves and across the water I wanted to live here or at least make my bath tub like this.
My last pool for the day was a beautiful long shallow one, and as I crested up over the rapid and stepped into the boat to paddle forward, I sighted a large black shape swimming away into the shade. “Wow now that is a big fish”! I exclaimed to no one else but me. I followed it into the shade below the tree. Looking into the water I saw the debris at the bottom of the pool get kicked up and a line of bubbles lead of to the bank. As I paddled over looking for the big fish in the water, I happened to scan up across the bank. There on the edge was a big Croc about 8 feet long, I stopped paddling and watched it with wonder, as I glided past the croc exploded into the water and left a stream of bubbles as I swam away. It wasn’t a fish I saw but a big Morlets crocodile. Cool. However after that I couldn’t talk myself into swimming in the deep pools anymore.
An hour from sunset I turned the canoe and headed down stream. It was great to finally be able to run some of the rapids I had worked hard to get up. The feeling was exhilarating, even though the rapids were not huge, the feeling of being alone in the jungle, makes many simple things feel allot more risky. I arrived back at camp in good time and my camp and gear was still there, the Xateros where not in the mood for mischief today it seems. It took me two hours to come down a relaxed day of upstream travel.


Day 4
On the water by 8 am I enjoyed the ease of the trip out, Running shoots and drops, though I hadn’t brought my helmet so I backed out of a couple of bigger rapids. However the funny thing was that the smaller rapids caused the most issues, catching the boat and flooding it, where it just bounced down the big ones.What a spectacular river. It took me four hours to reverse two days of upstream travel though it was worth it. I wanted more time there was so much more river to see and on the map it splits and then there are two rivers to explore. I promised to return with two weeks’ worth of time and perhaps a Helicopter lift into the fork of the river?
I rolled up the boat and loaded my gear into my pack and sat on the side of the road and tried to wave down he buses travelling along. Eventually the PACZ bus turned up on its way back to Dangriga and I got a ride back with them, telling of course the stories of Xateros and Jaguars.

J.