February 2012, Crossing the Ice venture successfully achieved by Cas & Jonesy
James Castrission and Justin Jones
Adventure Sport - Inspirational - Motivational - Personal Development
James Castrission and Justin Jones earned their place in history, when they became the first people to successfully kayak 3318km across the treacherous Tasman Sea. Staggering upon the shores of New Zealand the adventurers were sun-burnt, bearded, underweight, physically and mentally wasted … and most of all happy to be alive.
In February 2012 they returned from their latest adventure: Crossing the Ice - the South Pole. This is the first ever unsupported return journey to the South Pole and they are the youngest team to ever complete this journey.
What sort of crazy men attempt such frightful feats?
Earlier in their lives, they paddled the treacherous Bass Strait and became the first to kayak the length of the Murray River, all 2560kms. They have run numerous ultra-marathons, attained their yachting crew qualifications and duelled with the open waters under sail. International climbing expeditions have been led to North America (The Nose, El Capitan), New Zealand (notable ascents: Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring) and PNG.
They are now sharing their secrets of survival to the many corporations throughout the world who are demanding their insights into leadership, teamwork, risk management and how to overcome adversity. They have also published a book (Harper Collins), and released a documentary about the Crossing the Ditch adventures!
It is human nature to, at times, think of what we could have done with our lives, to what boundaries we could have pushed ourselves, what achievements we may have dared to have believed in and what mental and physical capacity was within us. To go beyond such thoughts, however, rarely happens.
James and Justin are among the few who have searched for, and found, those personal parameters … and they intend to burst the boundaries a little more.
James holds a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney, and has worked both as an Accountant and Management Consultant for Deloitte Touche Tomatsu. Justin completed a completed a Bachelor of Advanced Science with Honours at the University of NSW. Their business and science foundation allows the duo to draw on relevant anecdotes to convey key business lessons in their keynote presentations.
To date James and Justin have shared their story with 15,000 people. The boys' presentation is the perfect complement to open or close a conference, motivate staff or provide an inspiring after dinner speech. Stunning footage and imagery has been craftily moulded to convey thought-provoking messages. In June 2009, James and Justin released the book detailing the entire adventure.
No they are not crazy, they are inspirational, successful and great motivating figures for us all.