Best of Explorer: Voyage of the Finmen: Kayaking from Greenland to Scotland with Explorer George Bullard

Armchair Explorer

Follow world-record breaking explorer George Bullard on a world-first kayak from

Greenland to Scotland across one of the most dangerous stretches of water on the planet.

No one thought they could do it. Most people assumed they would die trying – and they

nearly did, more than once. But, despite the odds, over six weeks, George and his

expedition partner Ollie Hicks, crossed 1,200-miles of open ocean from the edge of the

Greenland Ice Cap to Iceland, then on to the Faroe Islands, and from there to the north

Scottish shore. Paddling through the night, sleeping out in the sinister dark of the polar

ocean, battling storms, exhaustion and raging seas – this is the story of the most dangerous

kayak expedition ever undertaken.

But it’s more than that too. Three hundred years ago a mysterious figure in a strange

shaped canoe washed up on the coast of Aberdeen, in northeast Scotland. He was alive,

barely. No one knew who he was, where he came from, what language he spoke, and he

died a few days later before anyone could find out. Since then, the myth of the ‘Finmen’ has

continued to grow. The historical records describe his clothing as similar to what we now

know as hailing from Inuit culture. But it seemed impossible. Did a Greenlandic fisherman

cross the North Atlantic Ocean, 300 years ago, on nothing more than a seal-skin canoe? By

undertaking this journey, George and Ollie set out to unearth the truth behind the mystery.

If they could do it, perhaps the myth was true. Get ready for the Voyage of the Finmen.

Highlights include:

• Kayak across one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world, a section of

the North Atlantic between Iceland and Scotland, known as the ‘Devil’s Dancefloor’

because of the size of the waves and storms

• Paddle through the midnight sun from Greenland to Iceland, and then 450-miles

around the crocodile teeth of the rugged fjords and soaring cliffs of North Icelandic

coastline, camping out on wild beaches along the way

• Listen to one of the craziest rescue and survival stories you will ever hear
• Find out what happens when George and Ollie are hit by an enormous hurricane 60-

miles off the Scottish coast

• Be inspired by George’s love and enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventure. He is

one of the UK’s most sought-after motivational speakers and will fire you up to embark on your next adventure wherever that may be.

Who’s the Guest?

George Bullard is a world record-breaking explorer, endurance athlete and motivational

speaker. He is on a mission to rewild humans. He believes that through the outdoors we can

change lives. To date he has covered more than 2,000 miles on foot in the polar regions

(including the longest unsupported polar journey in history, at just age 19) and completed

countless extraordinary expeditions around the world. George is passionate about

encouraging others to climb their own Everest physically, mentally and emotionally. Follow

him on Instagram and Facebook @georgebullardexplorer. Book him for motivational talks at

www.georgebullard.co.uk

Looking for inspiration for your next trip? George’s adventure travel company

www.igoadventures.com curates one-of-a-kind adventures with purpose, for those looking

for exceptional in nature. They are affordable, amazing and hand-crafted by one of the

world’s greatest adventurers.

Thank you to Juggernaut Wines for sponsoring this episode. This is the adventurer’s wine of

choice, harnessing the power of nature to infuse every drop with the gritty spirit of the wild

Californian coast. Follow them on Instagram @juggernautwines www.juggernautwines.com

The Armchair Explorer podcast is produced and hosted by award-winning travel writer

Aaron Millar. Follow the show on Instagram & Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast.

www.armchair-explorer.com

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