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Our Founder, James Castrission "CAS," is a famous Australian Explorer who holds two Guinness World Records, has written two best-selling books, and in 2016, he was named one of Australia’s 50 Greatest Explorers of All Time.
Most recently, on the 26th of January 2012, he made history by completing the longest unsupported polar expedition of all time, alongside his best mate, Jonesy. In 100 years of polar exploration, no one had EVER walked from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and back without assistance. Many had tried, but none had succeeded. After 89 grueling days, they made it back to the coast after having skied 2275km with everything they needed to survive in the harshest environment on Earth.
Four years earlier, they Crossed the Ditch – paddling 3318km without assistance across the Tasman Sea for another world first. They braved 10-metre swells, howling winds, endured severe food and sleep deprivation, and adverse winds and currents. They became the first kayakers to cross the Tasman Sea as well as becoming the longest transoceanic double kayak expedition. Staggering upon the shores of New Zealand, the adventurers were sunburnt, bearded, underweight, and physically and mentally wasted…but most of all happy to be alive.
In 2013, he founded MyAdventure Group – a business committed to providing Australia’s premier corporate Adventure-based development programs. Harnessing lessons learned from the most hostile environments on earth, his corporate programs are designed to develop teams and drive competitive advantage in organizations.
He holds 2 Guinness World Records for his accomplishments and is highly regarded as one of Australia’s premier public speakers. He has written 2 bestselling books: Crossing the Ditch and Extreme South.
His Two Guinness World Record Expeditions
His Two Guinness World Record Expeditions
Extreme South (2012)
Extreme South (2012)
"Extreme South," follows Australian adventurers, James Castrission and Justin Jones, as they attempt to complete a world-first expedition to cross the continent of Antarctica unassisted and unsupported. The book describes their grueling 89-day journey across the harsh and unforgiving landscape, as they battle freezing temperatures, fierce winds, and the physical and mental challenges of their feat. The expedition was a monumental undertaking, covering a distance of over 2,270 kilometers, and requiring the team to pull sleds weighing up to 160 kilograms each. Along the way, they faced a number of challenges, including crevasses, whiteouts, and injury, but persevered through sheer grit and determination.
Crossing the Ditch (2009)
Crossing the Ditch (2009)
"Crossing the Ditch," follows the 2007 world-first expedition of James and Justin, as they attempt to kayak across the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand, a distance of 2,226 kilometers. The book captures their 62-day journey across one of the most treacherous and unpredictable stretches of water in the world, as they face storms, huge waves, and the physical and mental challenges of their feat. The expedition was a monumental undertaking, requiring the team to navigate through some of the roughest seas on the planet and to paddle for up to 16 hours a day. Along the way, they faced a number of challenges, including sleep deprivation, seasickness, and injury, but persevered through sheer determination and resilience.
Documentaries
Documentaries
James Castrission's documentaries provide a compelling look at the challenges and triumphs of extreme exploration and adventure. They are inspiring stories of perseverance, determination, and the human spirit, and are well worth watching for anyone interested in outdoor adventure and exploration.
Crossing the Ditch (2009) - This documentary follows James Castrission and Justin Jones as they kayak 3318 km across the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand, again unassisted. The journey took 62 days and was marked by extreme weather conditions and a series of challenges that the two men had to overcome. The documentary captures the highs and lows of the journey and provides insights into the mental and physical endurance required to complete such a feat.
Crossing the Ice (2012) - This documentary follows James Castrission and his friend Justin Jones as they attempt to become the first people to cross the Antarctic continent on foot and unassisted. The expedition took 89 days and covered over 2200 km, and the documentary provides an intimate look at the physical and mental challenges the two men faced during the journey.
Crossing the Ditch DVD (password: nevergiveup)
Crossing the Ditch DVD (password: nevergiveup)
Crossing the Ice DVD (password: exploreyourpotential)
Crossing the Ice DVD (password: exploreyourpotential)
In the News
In the News
Kayaking Duo
In 2008, James (aka Cas) and his partner Justin ‘Jonesy’ Jones became the first kayakers to cross the Tasman Sea without support. The journey required a leap of faith, with James leaving behind his corporate role to raise funds and plan the highly dangerous expedition. Their landing in New Zealand captured global attention and inspired them to plan even more challenging adventures.
The ‘Blizzard Brothers’
On the 26th January 2012, Cas and Jonesy made history by completing the longest unsupported polar expedition of all time: the first return journey from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back without assistance. The journey made headlines around the world and led to James’ new challenge as a keynote speaker and corporate leadership coach.
Last Update Date: 22/05/23
Updated By: Lesley
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