Ben Saunders: Three things to know before you ski to the North Pole

Introduction to Ben Saunders

Who is Ben Saunders?

• Ben Saunders introduces himself as an expert in dragging heavy loads across cold terrains, highlighting his unique experience of being one of only four people to ski solo to the North Pole.

• He emphasizes the vastness of the area he traversed, comparing it to one-and-a-half times the size of America.

The Challenge of Reaching the North Pole

• Saunders describes his journey as "bonkers," pushing human limits by skiing 800 miles over 10 weeks while carrying all necessary supplies.

• He outlines three questions he aims to address during his talk: Why undertake such a journey? How does one manage basic needs in extreme cold? What comes next after such an expedition?

Early Experiences and Lessons Learned

First Expedition Insights

• His first significant expedition in 2001 was with experienced explorer Pen Hadow, attempting to ski from Severnaya Zemlya to the North Pole.

• On day two, they faced multiple challenges including a polar bear attack and frostbite, leading them into dire food shortages and difficult weather conditions.

Communication Challenges

• They relied on low-tech HF radio for communication due to budget constraints, limiting their contact with the outside world significantly.

Facing Failure and Motivation

The Experience of Failure

• After skiing 400 miles but failing to reach their goal due to time constraints and melting ice, Saunders felt like a failure despite having pursued his lifelong dream.

Imaginary Motivational Clips

• To maintain motivation during tough moments, he envisioned two scenarios: reaching the North Pole triumphantly and returning home as a celebrated hero. Neither came true upon his return.

Planning for Future Expeditions

Recovery from Setbacks

• After feeling defeated and living at home post-expedition, he received a humorous yet demotivating text from his brother that highlighted societal views on failure.

New Ambitions

• Three years later, motivated again, he planned another ambitious solo expedition across the Arctic Ocean from Russia to Canada—an endeavor no one had completed alone before.

Preparation for Solo Crossing

Radical Approach Required

• Understanding the dangers involved (described as ten times more dangerous than Everest), he knew meticulous preparation was essential for success.

Nutritional Strategy Development

Journey to Khatanga and the Arctic Expedition

Arrival in Khatanga

• The narrator recounts a flight to Khatanga, described as the last bit of civilization, with a humorous exchange about flight duration from a Russian pilot: "Six hours -- if we live."

Unexpected Delay

• Initially planned for an overnight stay, the team was stranded in Khatanga for 10 days due to a vodka-fueled pay dispute between helicopter pilots and their employers.

First Moments on Ice

• After being dropped off at the edge of pack ice, the narrator experienced a moment of panic realizing he was alone after filming. He humorously considered running back to the helicopter.

Challenges of Ice Conditions

• The narrator describes pulling sledges loaded with food and fuel across unstable ice conditions. He faced difficulties when ice wasn't flat, often having to leave one sledge behind.

Drifting Ice and Navigation Struggles

• NASA reported that last year's ice conditions were the worst recorded. The narrator struggled against headwinds for most of his expedition, sometimes drifting backwards despite skiing for hours.

Adapting to Changing Conditions

Weather Challenges

• By day 22, weather conditions worsened significantly; he noted drifting back five miles overnight due to poor visibility and harsh elements.

Innovative Solutions for Safety

• To combat thin ice risks, he developed a dry suit inspired by polar bear movement patterns that allowed him to swim if necessary while dragging his sledge.

Communication Technology Advances

• Reflecting on past expeditions like Shackleton's in 1912, he highlighted modern technology such as an Iridium satellite phone used for daily blogging during his 72 days alone on the ice.

Reaching the North Pole

Arrival at the North Pole

• After 68 days from Russia, he reached the North Pole but found nothing there—just sea ice that drifts away quickly.

Mixed Emotions Upon Arrival

Exploring Human Limits: A Journey to the North Pole

The Emotional Connection and Communication

• The speaker shares a personal moment of taking photos and recording a video diary while on their sledge, emphasizing the unique experience of being at the North Pole.

• After several attempts, he finally connects with his mother, who is emotional and asks him to call back later, highlighting the personal stakes involved in such an expedition.

Facing Danger and Decision-Making

• The project management team warns about dangerous conditions ahead, urging him to find an airstrip for extraction due to open water nearby.

• He describes the challenge of locating a suitable airstrip, ultimately finding one that is 473 meters long—shorter than required but not disclosing this fact to his team.

The Dramatic Extraction Process

• A tense moment occurs as he prepares for the plane's landing; it makes multiple passes before successfully touching down on the precarious ice.

• Upon landing, he experiences an emotional release but tries to maintain composure when meeting Troy, the pilot—a humorous contrast between expectations and reality.

Unexpected Encounters in Extreme Conditions

• The pilot and co-pilot are described as surprisingly unassuming individuals, which adds levity to an otherwise intense situation. They share light moments before takeoff.

• As they prepare for takeoff, there’s tension in the cockpit; Troy demonstrates confidence by managing controls while Monica assists gently.

Insights on Exploration and Potential

• From above, he gains perspective on his surroundings; obstacles appear differently from the air compared to being on ice level.

• He reflects on modern exploration—not merely mapping territories but pushing human limits in physiology, psychology, and technology.

Personal Growth Through Adventure

• The journey serves as a metaphor for exploring one's potential; many people only tap into a fraction of their capabilities throughout life.

• He expresses hope that his adventure inspires others to consider how they utilize their time and potential during their lives.

Future Aspirations: Antarctica Expedition

• Discussing future plans reveals intentions to explore Antarctica—the harshest continent—drawing parallels with historical expeditions like those of Amundsen and Scott.

Reflections on Motivation and Personal Growth

The Journey Ahead

• Discussion of a planned journey involving crossing with dogs or kites, emphasizing the uniqueness of the endeavor as no one has made a return journey before.

• Two individuals are committed to undertaking this journey, highlighting the collaborative aspect of their adventure.

Personal Anecdote

• A personal reflection shared about a school report from when the speaker was 13 years old, which is framed above their desk.

• The report states, "Ben lacks sufficient impetus to achieve anything worthwhile," serving as a humorous yet poignant reminder of past perceptions.

Lessons Learned

• The speaker reflects on personal growth and learning over time, suggesting that external opinions do not define one's potential or future achievements.