He decided university life was not for him and instead befriended adventure sailor, Tony Mobray. Two years later, Matt sailed to Antarctica with five like-minded companions, none of whom had ever been to Antarctica before.
He returned with an intense passion for polar adventuring. On this trip, his goal is to escalate his already-impressive record of achievement by becoming the first Australian to complete a solo expedition in the high Arctic. To this end, when Eric and Ben are waiting to be airlifted back to base camp, Matt will wish his comrades the best, turn around, and ski back alone. He will see their flight return over him.
Solo skiing brings a new set of challenges, primarily the risk of falling through the ice alone. Matt will navigate a less risky return path and ski with his legs apart and drag the sled beneath him. This way, if he falls though, he’ll drop on the sled which will float.
The physical challenges are outweighed by the mental challenge of being alone in such an incredibly remote area. Matt says he won’t make many calls on his satellite phone during the mission he hopes to complete in nine days.
