Is being an "explorer" your day job?
Yes, actually it is. On my business card it reads, "Wave Vidmar - Explorer."
When I decided to go to the Pole, I embraced it with complete conviction. It's not a hobby, it's my job. I'm living out my dream, not sitting in a cubicle thinking about it. Not to say that my job is better than others, it's just of my choosing.
Preparing for this expedition has occupied nearly every minute and thought since I decided to go in March 2003. Not a lot of people would sacrifice a year, without income, to train and prepare for an adventure that doesn't pay. But once I've gone to the Pole I look forward to coming back and hopefully inspiring others through talks and presentations.
What's over the horizon in terms of your next big challenge?
Well, after the North Pole is the South Pole Solo Expedition starting November 2004. I've been told by several veteran polar explorers "If you do the North Pole, you've got to do the South." It too will take two months through extreme conditions, again solo and without support. Then there's the third in the trilogy, a solo row across the Atlantic. I'll probably attempt that in June 2005, another two- to three-month adventure.
Do you think we've got any adventure frontiers left to explore?
Yes, of course. There's space, which is limitless and we'll increase our exploration as technology is developed. Also the ocean is still relatively unexplored. As far as mapping the earth, that's been done, but there are still many challenges and adventures that await down at ground level.
