Mark Agnew
UK • Kayaking
First to Kayak North West Passage
"Adventures are about Relationships and Discovery"
Mark is an adventurer, speaker, and journalist who made his mark while living in Hong Kong by founding the Outdoor & Extreme sports section of the South China Morning Post, the largest of its kind in any newspaper worldwide. Through his work, he shares the joys and lessons learned from adventuring both near and far.
His philosophy emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals and finding fulfillment in the journey rather than solely focusing on the outcome. Mark is dedicated to helping others build resilience and lead happier, healthier lives, whether in their careers, studies, or beyond.
Mark firmly believes that epic adventures don't necessarily require distant travels. He promotes the concept of "stayventures" within one's own country, which can range from overnight stays in the hills to extended expeditions such as kayaking vast distances or hiking long trails. Choosing local adventures not only saves money but also benefits the environment by reducing carbon footprints associated with air travel.
Balancing his enthusiasm for overseas adventures, Mark champions the value of exploring close to home, advocating for memorable experiences that foster personal growth and environmental stewardship.
🥇 First to Kayak the North West Passage
🎖️ European Adventurer of the year 2023
Kayak the North West Passage
Canada 🇨🇦
Jul. 2023 - Oct. 2023
He and his three teammates around the Arctic Cowboys became the first people to kayak the entire Northwest Passage. The expedition took 102 days from July 1 to October 12, 2023.
Teams have been attempting to complete the Northwest Passage under human power, without sails and motors, since 2013. Indeed, two other rowing teams were attempting the world first at the same time as Mark. It was a race in mould of classic Polar adventures.
Mark faced daunting sea ice, terrifying encounters with polar bears, incredible scenery and beautiful experiences with Narwhals and other whales. The team - Expedition leader West Hansen, Jeff Wueste, Eileen Visser and Mark - forged bonds for life through their shared effort and experiences.
They paddled ultra-marathon distances, often for several days in a row. They were in a desperate race against time, as winter returned. In the final week, the temperatures plummeted. Mark had to dig the tent out of snow drifts and walk for hours to find fresh water that wasn't frozen solid.
Mark raised thousands of pounds for Wilderness Foundation UK.
Through his talks and workshops, Mark shares his lessons for success. He talks openly about his failures leading up to the Northwest Passage, his struggles with mental health and his framework for approaching challenges.
More on the Arctic Cowboys.
Rowing Atlantic (Attempt)
Atlantic
2016 & 2018
Both attempts failed and the crews had to be rescued.
Teams have been attempting to complete the Northwest Passage under human power, without sails and motors, since 2013. Indeed, two other rowing teams were attempting the world first at the same time as Mark. It was a race in mould of classic Polar adventures.
Mark faced daunting sea ice, terrifying encounters with polar bears, incredible scenery and beautiful experiences with Narwhals and other whales. The team - Expedition leader West Hansen, Jeff Wueste, Eileen Visser and Mark - forged bonds for life through their shared effort and experiences.
They paddled ultra-marathon distances, often for several days in a row. They were in a desperate race against time, as winter returned. In the final week, the temperatures plummeted. Mark had to dig the tent out of snow drifts and walk for hours to find fresh water that wasn't frozen solid.
Mark raised thousands of pounds for Wilderness Foundation UK.
Through his talks and workshops, Mark shares his lessons for success. He talks openly about his failures leading up to the Northwest Passage, his struggles with mental health and his framework for approaching challenges.
More on the Arctic Cowboys.
24h non-stop East Coast Row
UK 🇬🇧
20xx
Mark and a crew of eight rowed from Newcastle to Orkney. They pushed themselves to their limit and arrived in just five days. They rowed in non-stop shifts - two hours on, two hours off - to keep the boat moving 24 hours a day.
Unsupported Cape Wrath Trail
Scotland 🏴
20xx
With little to no experience, this epic thru-hike was a lesson in the joys of pushing yourself physically and the endless possibilities of "stayventures".
Media coverage
Mark has been guest on our 'Art of Adventuring' PodcastArticles & Books
Podcasts
Film
ITV News: Mark Agnew sets two world records in North West Passage. See
