[ Press Release August 28, 2003 ]
American Plans First U.S. Solo
and Unsupported Trek to North Pole
Oakland, CA - Wave VIDMAR made his formal announcement today of his bid to become the first American to reach the geographic North Pole - solo and unsupported. When Vidmar reaches the North Pole he will be the third person in history to accomplish this feat, and the second person ever to reach the Pole from the Russian side.
The expedition will kick off in February 2004. Vidmar will walk, ski, and swim (yes, swim!) over 600 miles to reach his goal. He'll endure average temperatures of minus 30°F, with lows around minus 50°F. With wind-chill, the temps can drop to 150°F below zero. "It's going to be a little chilly," admits Vidmar, who is no stranger to extreme conditions after spending years climbing mountains.
For approximately 60 days, Vidmar will live on the floating Arctic ice, dragging (man-hauling) a sledge weighing around 300 lbs. He'll be staying in contact with the outside world via satellite phone and giving live media interviews from the ice. Vidmar will also be able to send and receive email, graphics, and video clips, and will also be the first solo polar explorer to shoot high-definition video and compose music while at the Pole.
Some of the dangers Vidmar faces are encounters with the local inhabitants, including polar bears (likely frequent), killer whales and sharks. He will also be exposing himself to the rigors of Arctic swimming, cold weather injuries, and the possibility of plain old freezing to death.
Asked why he would attempt such a feat, Vidmar remarks "to feed my soul." This goal stems from an adventurous childhood and a thirst for physical challenges. After riding his bicycle solo 2,700 miles across America in 2000, he has been eager to tackle another one of his life's ambitions.
Vidmar's historic expedition has been gaining attention. His NorthPoleSolo.com website had over 33,000 visitors in its first month, and won several Gold design awards from American Association of Webmasters, and International Association of Web Masters and Designers. There are television specials in the works, and even the IMAX people are interested in producing programming from this exciting event. Vidmar also plans to inspire kids to pursue challenging tasks through visits to schools and a traveling interactive museum exhibit.
Vidmar will fund his expedition through sponsors. Even in a down economy sponsors are eager to be involved in this once-in-a-lifetime event that is on par with being the first American to climb Mount Everest. Companies such as Adobe, Nike, Mountain Hardwear, MSR Corp., Outdoor Research, and others are excited to be involved in this historic expedition. Sponsors can benefit in various ways from association with the expedition (details can be found at the www.northpolesolo.com website).
For more information contact:
Zing Public Relations
Tim Cox
Tel: 650-369-7784
Cel: 650-888-6116
Email: tim@zingpr.com
