Sami is a 2 x Olympian, having represented Australia at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Ski Cross. Ski Cross is basically BMX racing, but on skis! She races 3 other competitors down an icy slope with jumps, burns, rollers and turns.
What is your why? Why do you do what you do?
I am a 2 x Olympian, having represented Australia at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Ski Cross. Ski Cross is basically BMX racing, but on skis! I race 3 other competitors down an icy slope with jumps, burms, rollers and turns.
A big reason I chose to pursue the ‘Elite Athlete’ Pathway was to inspire the community. I have always loved sport and looked up to Olympic athletes as a child. I played Touch Football and did Surf Life Saving…. But the mountains really sucked me in. I now get to travel the globe, working hard, chasing my goal of being the best in the world in my sport, rubbing shoulders with some incredible people along the way. I embrace the highs and lows of my journey and use my experiences to inspire the community to create positive change in their own space.
Why Joe’s Basecamp?
In the short time I have been training at Joe’s Basecamp, I have been drawn to the warm, enthusiastic community. There is such an awesome mix of people who work and train at JBC and it is inspiring to hear of the various things people are pursuing. To train along side people who share my passion for winter, as well as people who are defying the odds in other extreme sports is inspiring and motivating to me. Who knows- Maybe one day I will try a new sport!
Joe’s ethos is about people getting out there and getting amongst it, living large and tearing chunks out of life. What does this mean to you?
To me, this means doing things that challenge your comfort zones. Instead of scrolling through Instagram, watching other people live their ‘best life’, put down the phone, and go live yours!
What challenges are on the horizon?
I compete on the FIS Freestyle World Cup Ski Cross tour, with competitions from December to March each year. I am aiming to represent Australia at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China and bring home some shiny hard-wear! You can follow FIS WC Ski Cross tour here. The Olympic qualifying period starts November 2020. I also studying Elite Athlete Wellbeing Management so that I can help other athletes reach their full potential both in and outside of sport.
What is one tip for someone starting out on a similar journey to you?
Surround yourself with high achieving, ambitious, driven people. You are a direct reflection of the 5 people closest to you. Once upon a time, todays achievements were just a dream. Turn your dreams into goals by formulating a fool proof plan and engage the right people to help you along the way- History needs to be made!
Instagram: @samikennedysim
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SamiKennedySim
Website: www.samikennedysim.com
Blake Turner is a competitive Ultra Trail runner who gets is feet dirty worldwide. He merges his love for competition with being outside and connected to the environment. Human capabilities, flow states and finding adventure outside of his comfort zone.
Over Melbourne mountains, through Sydney blueys, on Patagonia’s shale, around the French alps and down the Everest base camp trail. These are just a few of the places Blake Turner has run competing in Ultra Trail events. If the 10,000 hour rule applies to miles, Blake has earned his mastery, as he continues to hit personal bests and be an international contender.
What is your why? Why do you do what you do?
The human body is an amazing machine and I want to push it to its limits and try toeach its true capabilities. I want to be ready and able to meet any challenge that I encounter, move fast over remote terrain and far flung places with confidence. As for running; I feel a closer connection to the environment while moving through it, constantly reading and learning from it which can allow for only the thoughts of the present and being in the moment.
Why Joe’s Basecamp?
The community, and the knowledge and ideas of the people within. Also, the variety and uniqueness, the long term focus and ability to be specific with the programs, along with the input and guidance from many different coaches with expertise over a wide range of disciplines.
Joe’s ethos is about people getting out there and getting amongst it, living large and tearing chunks out of life. What does this mean to you?
To me this means getting outside your comfort zone, believing in your abilities and saying ‘Yes!’ to adventure.
What challenges are on the horizon?
The Buffalo stampede Ultra a 75km event held in April near Melbourne, Vic. Then CCC 101k; The Mont Blanc Ultra in August, spanning over France, Switzerland and Italy, then hopefully some personal adventures!!!
What is one tip for someone starting out on a similar journey to you?
Have a long term focus but set and celebrate short term goals.
Follow Blake and his exciting adventures at:
Instagram: blaketurner_bt
Trevor Builder is one half of ProjectBase8000. He aims, with his partner Emma, to be the first trekkers (non mountaineers) to trek to the base camps of all the world’s 14 highest mountains. Trevor uses his goals to set himself on a path of seeking new, wild experiences.
Trevor is one half of ProjectBase8000. He aims, with his partner Emma, to be the first trekkers (non mountaineers) to trek to the base camps of all the world’s 14 highest mountains. He’s a man with a mission.
What is your why? why do you do what you do?
I like to have a specific goal or project to focus on to keep motivated – all within a time limit. By having this focus brings it home on why you are doing it, especially when you have doubts or get distracted by other things happening in your life. Accomplishing your goals also provides a sense of fulfilment. This is not about box ticking but rather having an overall experience to look back on and encourage others to follow in our footsteps. Raising money in the process for the Australian Himalayan Foundation makes it all worthwhile for the health, education and conservation in the Himalayas where we’re headed.
Why Joe’s Basecamp?
In a nutshell? The camaraderie, training alongside highly motivated and like-minded people, the support and above all else, being part of an awesome setup. Oh, and chasing (sorry, encouraging) Milo to give me back my shoes!
I’ve been pondering the switch to Joe’s over the last couple of months as I was previously doing high intensity training, 4-5 days a week at another gym for some years.
Now, there is nothing wrong in rocking up and doing a 30-45 min high intensity group aerobic class, raising your endorphins in the process and slapping high fives. After all, we’ve all done it and for some that suits our goals. It did for me – or at least that’s what I thought. Joe’s Basecamp is more than that!
If you’re training for a specific goal such as a Triathlon, UTA100, climbing an 8,000m mountain or planning to pull a 60kg pulk on an expedition across Antarctica or Iceland or planning to trek to Everest Base Camp or Kokoda, then you really need a program that is specifically tailored to you.
There are not that many gyms around where you encounter some of the best trainers in the business with a can-do attitude coupled with a number of degrees in sports science or similar and have been with the same gym for a lengthy period of time. This gives you the confidence to back yourself, as you know they are backing you!
As trainer Matt Reid says and I don’t think he would mind if I quote him – ’I enjoy seeing people get the best out of their training session and watching them progress.’ Here’s to that.
Joe’s ethos is about people getting out there and getting amongst it, living large and tearing chunks out of life. What does this mean to you?
Don’t think, just do. Say yes to every opportunity and worry about it later. Be in the here and now – present moment. And never, ever give up!
What challenges are on the horizon?
First, to get stronger and fitter – and maintain it! In early April via our project – ProjectBase8000.com we are aiming to complete our toughest trek/expedition yet – a 28 day trek in Nepal to Makalu Advanced Based Camp, climbing up and over the three Cols (around 6,200m). I say toughest because it involves some mountaineering experience. Makalu is the 5th highest mountain in the world at 8,485m and is located 19km south east of Mount Everest, on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China.
In September, we are planning to head back to the Himalayas to trek to the Base Camps of both Cho Oyu (6th highest at 8,201m) and Shishapangma (14th highest – the baby of them all at 8,027m), all located on the Tibet, China side. We’ll also attempt to trek to Everest Advanced Base Camp (North side) provided that the Chinese haven’t still closed this off to trekkers without a climbing permit. And finally for good measure, complete a circuit around Mt. Kailash (sacred mountain).
If all goes according to plan, by the end of 2019, we will then be almost half way through in achieving our goal – not bad when you consider that we only started our project back in June, 2018. Wait until next year though – it gets even tougher!
What is one tip for someone starting out on a similar journey to you?
Only one?? I have two: Be daring, be humble, stay positive, be focused, do your best and don’t be afraid to seek support. Don’t be afraid to look back on life and see how far you’ve come – it can be an amazing journey and things happen for a reason!
Follow Trevor and his exciting adventures at:
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @projectbase8000
Facebook, Instagram: @cutlunchadventures Twitter: @cutlunchadv
Anything else you’d like to add?
We should mention that part of ProjectBase8000.com is to encourage people to come with us to any or all of the base camps of the world’s 14 highest mountains (all above 8,000m) – go on, you know you want to!
Emma Huffam is a dedicated trekker with one big goal. With her partner Trevor, Emma aims to be the first trekkers (non mountaineers) to trek to the base camps of all of the world’s fourteen highest mountains.
Emma is one half of ProjectBase8000. She aims, with her partner Trevor, to be the first trekkers (non mountaineers) to trek to the base camps of all the world’s 14 highest mountains. She’s a girl with a goal.
What is your why? Why do you do what you do?
I love expeditions amongst the big mountains. Apart from the incredible scenery, they provide a powerful challenge both physically and mentally, and they bring you back to the basic essentials of life. There’s a spiritual aspect as well – you have time to think, or not think – and you come back knowing more about yourself, with some different perspectives. I also like the opportunity to encourage, help and inspire others on their own adventures and to share experiences afterwards.
Why Joe’s Basecamp?
You get very specific and personalised training for your own adventure or goal. I’ve been truly impressed with how much progress we’ve made in such a short time, and were now much stronger on our weekend training hikes.
We’re also supported by a fabulous crew of trainers. The trainers are highly qualified and experienced. They understand what you need and use proven science-based exercises to firstly create a solid platform and then to grow your strength and fitness.
The opportunity to meet like-minded adventurers training for big goals. We have the opportunity to meet other adventurers and share stories – especially at the Adventurers Club nights and on training hikes.
For the inspirational environment at the gym – maps on the wall, mountaineering books, pictures and even ice axes from some legendary expeditions. Also the JBC Adventure Wall where we can see who is training for what. There is also the option to train remotely using online tools and coaching options.
Joe’s ethos is about people getting out there and getting amongst it, living large and tearing chunks out of life. What does this mean to you?
Being daring and setting big goals to give yourself focus and purpose – we set up ProjectBase8000.com to trek to the base camps of the world’s 14 highest mountains over 8000m. Being yourself – not being afraid to go after the things you want that mean something to you. Backing yourself and having confidence to give it a go, to do your best and not give up, and to seek support.
What challenges are on the horizon?
In early April via our project – ProjectBase8000.com we are aiming to complete our toughest trek/expedition yet – a 28 day trek in Nepal to Makalu Advanced Base Camp, climbing up and over the three Cols (around 6,200m), involving some mountaineering experience. Makalu is the 5th highest mountain in the world at 8,485m and is located 19 km southeast of Mount Everest, on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China.
In September, we are planning to head back to the Himalayas to trek to the Base Camps of both Cho Oyu (6th highest at 8,201m) and Shishapangma (14th highest – the baby of them all at 8,027m), all located on the Tibet, China side. We’ll also attempt to trek to Everest ABC (North side) provided that the Chinese haven’t closed this off for non mountaineers. And finally for good measure, complete a circuit around Mt. Kailash (sacred mountain).
If all goes according to plan, by the end of 2019, we will then be almost half way through in achieving our goal – not bad when you consider that we only started our project back in June, 2018. Wait until next year though – it gets even tougher!
What is one tip for someone starting out on a similar journey to you?
Trekking requires mental toughness as well as physical fitness – so make sure you work on both aspects in order to achieve your goal.
Follow Emma and her exciting adventures at:
Projectbase8000.com @projectbase8000 Cutlunchadventures.com @cutlunchadventures
Twitter: @cutlunchadv
Anything else you’d like to add?
We should mention that part of ProjectBase8000.com is to encourage people to come with us to any or all of the base camps of the world’s 14 highest mountains (all above 8,000m) – go on, you know you want to!
Gareth hears the siren call of the cold and answers. He kayaks, ski tours, climbs and runs through remote frozen landscapes, on the hunt for the chilliest spot in the world to brew a tea. Gareth has big goals to pave new exploration paths across the globe. He works as an Anaesthetist and loves adventuring every day in Sydney with his wife and daughter.
Gareth hears the siren call of the cold and answers. He kayaks, ski tours, climbs and runs through remote frozen landscapes, on the hunt for the chilliest spot in the world to brew a tea. Gareth has big goals to pave new exploration paths across the globe. He works as an Anaesthetist and loves adventuring every day in Sydney with his wife and daughter.
What do you do?
Polar expeditions
What is your why? why do you do what you do? what do you feel? what does it give you?
The polar regions are wild and dangerous, empty and stunningly beautiful – the true essence of adventure. Immersing yourself in the polar world is both an immense privilege and a chance to test your mettle in the Earth’s most inhospitable environment.
What do you get out of being a part of Joe’s Basecamp?
Joe’s Basecamp gives me a community of like-minded people to talk adventure with and to get inspired by. The training opens the door to wild places, it gives me an unwavering confidence in my physical ability when out on expeditions.
Why is Joe’s Basecamp different from programs etc you’ve done in the past, why are we better?
It’s the science and specificity behind the programming that sets Joe’s Basecamp apart. It’s Joe’s ability to relate to outdoor challenges from first hand experience. Most of all it’s the dedication and passion with which Joe and his team approach each training program and challenge. So, when I say that our team needs to be fit enough to carry 50kg of gear each 300kms across Iceland I know that hours of research and planning will go into producing the best possible training plan.
I talk about people getting out there and getting amongst it, living large and tearing chunks out of life. What does this mean to you?
Adventure is a state of mind. It’s not just dragging heavy stuff a really long way in really cold places. It’s climbing a tree, swimming in a wild river, surfing a new break. It’s the way we view the world and our place in it.
What are this year’s challenges?
An unsupported, unassisted traverse of Iceland via the Vatnajokull glacier and the first packraft descent of the Skjalfandafljot river from the source to the sea. April/May 2019.
What is one tip for someone starting out on a similar journey to you?
Ignore the naysayers, surround yourself with positive like-minded people, find that goal that lights your fire and do everything you can to achieve it.
Follow Gareth and his exciting adventures at:
Facebook: The River of the Trembling Spirit
Instagram: garethandrews_15
#riverofthetremblingspirit
James “Cannonball” Hall is a mountain biker who races across the globe in the Enduro World Series and other Gravity Enduro events. He’s legs and nerves of steel have him competing amongst world class athletes, and Cannonball takes on the competition with a wry grin.
James “Cannonball” Hall is a mountain biker who races across the globe in the Enduro World Series and other Gravity Enduro events. He’s legs and nerves of steel have him competing amongst world class athletes, and Cannonball takes on the competition with a wry grin.
What is your why? Why do you do what you do?
The variety of trails, the unpredictability, the people, the adventure, the adrenalin and the travel. Enduro for me is the best of everything I love about mountain biking and it’s packaged into an event that tours the world.
Why Joe’s Basecamp?
Joe’s has the best coaching and advice which gives me the motivation to train harder and smarter. I love the ethos at Joe’s and which brings great people who are driven, positive and so pumped on life. It’s a gym that’s not focused on what you lift or how you look in the mirror. It’s about your next adventure and helping you kick ass on it and feel awesome about yourself.
Joe’s ethos is about people getting out there and getting amongst it, living large and tearing chunks out of life. What does this mean to you?
Find outdoor activities you’re passionate about and chase them. Chase them around the world. Get out there and live your best life!
What challenges are on the horizon?
Enduro World Series rounds; New Zealand and Tasmania March 2019, Italy and France June 2019
Plus I will be adding on the famous Megavalanche mass rider start race in the Alps. Starting on a glacier it descends 2,600 vertical meters and 20 km of technical rocky terrain.
What is one tip for someone starting out on a similar journey to you?
First, Ride more! Ride every day and as many bike disciplines as you can (trails, pump tracks, dirt jumps, road bike, skate park, cyclocross, skids and tricks in the park). Then take this to the next level by ADDING a structured training plan. Keep riding.
Follow James and his exciting adventures at:
FB jamesmhall @james.m.hall
For me its all about overcoming challenges. I first sailed around the world in 2012. At the time I had only been sailing for 2 years and now I had just raced a yacht around the world in one of the hardest challenges of my life.
What is your why? Why do you do what you do?
For me its all about overcoming challenges. I first sailed around the world in 2012. At the time I had only been sailing for 2 years and now I had just raced a yacht around the world in one of the hardest challenges of my life. When I finished that challenge I asked myself What now? I realised that I was more capable than I previously thought and I wanted to see how far I could push myself. The only way to step up the challenge was to do the same trip or similar solo. Now it is only me on-board and I couldn’t think of anything harder to tackle.
Why Joe’s Basecamp?
Sailing solo in the Southern Ocean or around the world takes a unique set of endurance and strength. A mainstream gym simply wasn’t going to cut it. When a friend suggested Joe’s Basecamp I jumped at it. It is the goal specific training and adventure influence that makes this gym so unique. I instantly felt welcomed and am looking forward to the results.
Joe’s ethos is about people getting out there and getting amongst it, living large and tearing chunks out of life. What does this mean to you?
I agree, wholeheartedly, to Joe’s ethos. Life is to be lived and as people we often underestimate ourselves. Until I started overcoming the challenges of the smaller project I didn’t understand that. Now I firmly believe that you can do anything you set your mind to you just have to want it enough.
What challenges are on the horizon?
Much to my mother’s horror, there is a bit of a list developing. I want to sail solo around Antarctica again (without the demasting), Circumnavigate the Arctic and maybe row a rowboat around the world. Who knows. For now I am focused on Antarctica and hopefully the rest will follow.
What is one tip for someone starting out on a similar journey to you?
I often refer to the saying ‘How do you eat an elephant?’ The Answer is bite by bite. Some challenges seem so huge you cant see the way to the finish line however if you just start taking bites, break it down and set mini goals to help you along the way, one day you will see that goal achieved.
I didnt start down this parth until a quote for an ad on TV hit home. It was the saying of Just do… Because the world is changed by doers. So if you have a goal now is the time to make it happen.
Instagram: @lisablairsailstheworld
Facebook: @lisablairsailstheworld
Twitter: @lisablairsailstheworld
Website: www.lisablairsailstheworld.com
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