The Kamchatka Peninsula in Eastern Siberia is one of the last truly wild places on Earth where between one sixth and one fourth of all salmon spawn. It hosts some of the densest brown bear populations in the world, has no dams, no massive extractive resource operations, less than one person per square kilometer, and only one major highway on the 600-mile long peninsula. Kamchatka’s robust wild salmon populations may be the best hope at saving this iconic species from extinction but its rivers and salmon populations are already being threatened.
The Kamchatka Project was born from a passion for rivers and the wild salmon that depend upon them. Our goal is to explore the mountain landscapes of the Peninsula by whitewater kayak collecting critical data and raising awareness to protect these rivers and the salmon that depend on them.
In preparation for the trip, we’ve talked with fly Fishermen, scientists, the folks from Wild Salmon Center, heli pilots via translators, sea kayakers who have explored Kamchatka and it has become clear that Kamchatka will be extremely challenging in ways we will only fully grasp once we are on the ground.
We depart from Seattle, June 30th to begin 5 weeks of expeditioning. Follow the story through exclusive content here on VertiCulture as well as on The Kamchatka Project’s site.
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
8/3/10
The Kamchatka Project has come to a close. As they prepare to head home, the team recounts exactly what the experience has meant to them. One thing is for sure: Kamchatka is one of the wildest places on earth. But what is being done to keep it that way? The team is both optimistic and pessimistic as they look towards this land’s “tipping point”.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
7/26/10
The team moves from the Zhupanova River to Kuril Lake to answer the “million dollar question” – what does remote whitewater kayaking have to do with the conservation of one of the world’s greatest salmon spawning grounds? Listen in as Fitz and the team’s hydrologists discuss the history and science of this pristine water system.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
7/20/10
From volcano to ocean. After miles of brutal “trench warfare” portaging with no evidence of humans and the likelihood of rescue slim to none, dropping a 60 ft. waterfall is no small undertaking. Ethan’s solo attempt to run it is a success for the whole team.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
7/15/10
From the headwaters of the Karymskya River, the sounds of thundering, massive waterfalls and erupting volcanoes dominate the background for the team as they explore this unknown waterway. Listen in as they set the scene on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
7/6/10
The team has arrived! Despite the long 48-hour travel time with an unexpected layover in Moscow, boats, gear and paddlers have all arrived safely in Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
7/2/10
The team is prepared to head out on this incredible journey. What kind of motivation goes into 2-years worth of planning and an expedition that will take them to the farthest, unexplored reaches on the planet? And, what obstacles lay ahead not only for the expedition, but to even get to the starting point?
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The Kamchatka Project audio files are produced by Fitz Cahall of the Dirtbag Diaries.
- The Bear Experience
- The Zhupanova River
- Return to Petroplavosk
- The Semelyichik
- Waylaid in Moscow
- Six Boats For Five Weeks in Timelapse
Latest Update
Previous Updates
Robert BartBio: Rob has a BA in International Affairs and a Masters in Education. Rob will be creating and implementing the education curriculum outcomes of the project.
Read MoreRob has led kayaking expeditions in seven countries and will be the lead contact for on-the-ground logistics while in Kamchatka.
Jay GiffordBio: Jay’s experience as in marketing and project management provides him with a unique ability to facilitate fundraising and relations with everyone from sponsors to private donors.
Read MoreHe has been paddling for over fifteen years all over the United States, South America, and New Zealand.
Jeff HazbounBio: Jeff holds a degree in wildlife biology and is currently working on his PhD at Utah State University. He has spent two summers working on stream surveys in California.
Shane RobinsonBio: Shane has been an adventure camera man for over five years, contributing to some of the best paddling films in the industry.
Read MoreHe provides the team with all legal support needed and is well versed in dealing with governments for permitting and any other legal needs. He has helped lead expeditions to Ecuador, Peru, and all over North America.
Bryan SmithBio: Bryan’s ability to combine his skills on the river with directing and producing award winning adventure films make him a huge asset on this expedition.
Read MoreHe has a proven track record leading major expeditions and producing stunning media. With a Bachelor’s of Science degree he is familiar with scientific research methods and also hold a BCU 5 star certification in advanced expedition leadership.
Ethan SmithBio: Ethan holds a degree in Industrial Design and currently works as a freelance product designer and photographer for the outdoor industry.
Read MoreHe has been paddling whitewater since the age of fourteen, and has a penchant for the remote. His ability to develop and maintain an interactive website that will be updated through the entire project will be instrumental in building and engaging an online community of thousands.
