Adventurer faces venomous scorpions in world-first kayak journey

In an extraordinary feat of adventure, Ash Dykes, a 33-year-old from Old Colwyn, Wales, has successfully kayaked the entire length of the Coppename river in Suriname, South America. This remarkable journey took him and his three companions 37 days to complete, and they have set a new world record in the process. The Coppename river is known for its remoteness and the dense Amazon rainforest that surrounds it. Ash and his team faced numerous challenges along the way, including encounters with venomous scorpions, snakes, and even tarantulas. Ash shared, 'We didn't come across any community, any people, any means to charge a satellite phone, any means to collect food. ' This highlights the isolation they experienced during their expedition. On October 4, they triumphantly paddled from the river into the Atlantic Ocean, with Ash proudly wearing a Welsh flag draped over his shoulders. The backdrop of the ocean and the lush rainforest made for a stunning finish to their journey. Throughout their adventure, Ash and his team had to adapt to the harsh conditions of the jungle. They often slept in their kayaks or on sandy banks, and they relied on fishing for their meals. Ash recounted, 'We were borderline starving,' as they burned between 6,000 to 7,000 calories each day but could only consume a fraction of that. Their diet consisted of piranha, wolf fish, and stingray, along with some pre-packaged adventure food. The team had to be cautious of the wildlife around them, especially the stingrays. Ash expressed his concern, saying, 'If you step on one of them and they catch you with the barb, that's pretty much evacuation. ' This illustrates the dangers they faced while navigating the river. The journey was not just about kayaking; it also involved a challenging hike to find the source of the river. During this trek, Ash injured his feet on the rocky terrain, losing three toenails in the process. The team had to leave their kayaks behind and venture into the jungle with machetes for five days. After successfully locating the source, they attempted to climb Suriname's highest mountain, Juliana Top, and achieved another world record for the fastest ascent. However, their attempt to summit a second mountain fell short, leaving them disappointed. Ash described the experience as 'pretty devastating,' as they had to turn back due to the difficult conditions and dwindling food supplies. As they neared the ocean, the river's tidal nature posed new challenges. With muddy banks and limited places to rest, they tied their kayaks to trees to sleep. Ash noted, 'We had under five hours of sleep over the course of three nights and four days,' emphasizing the exhaustion they endured. Finally, when they reached the Atlantic Ocean, the team felt a sense of accomplishment. Ash reflected, 'It was a great feeling because we had all been battered in different ways. ' Their journey was not only a test of physical endurance but also a testament to teamwork and resilience in the face of nature's challenges.