Alfreton-based Terra Nova Equipment, leading British manufacturer of tents and outdoor clothing, is one of the primary sponsors of a kayaking expedition-with-a-difference. A team of paraplegic and able-bodied sea kayakers, including Matlock man Tony Hocking, will be the first inclusive team to embark on a 1000 mile, three month journey following the historical ‘Inside Passage’ along British Columbia’s coastline to the fjords and glacial mountains of Alaska.
The paddling team of 10 can be assured of a comfortable sleep with five Terra Nova Equipment full specification expedition tents designed to withstand the unpredictable weather the group will encounter during the expedition. The company is keen to back this expedition, as 2003 is the European Year of the Disabled. This initiative was set up to encourage participation of disabled people in outdoor and adventure activities across the UK.
Terra Nova Equipment sales and marketing director Carolyn Budding said:
“We are pleased to be involved with this expedition and year of the disabled. It demonstrates what can be achieved by a group of people who have the will to succeed. This is a demanding expedition and we wish the team every success.”
Tony Hocking is very grateful for Terra Nova Equipment’s support. Tony said:
“This challenge provides a real chance to illustrate the possibilities and opportunities open to disabled people and of the benefits to be gained from an inclusive approach, not only in expeditions and fieldwork, but in the wider context.”
“We are delighted that Terra Nova decided to back us, as without their support we would not be able to realise this adventure. We need the very best equipment to deal with the elements throughout our journey and we know that Terra Nova offers premier products that really work.”
Tony has been kayaking for more than 10 years and has paddled expeditions in Europe, and UK islands and coastlines. He recently travelled to Nepal for a month to paddle, trek and help run the Peak UK Himalayan White Water Challenge to promote kayaking in Nepal. After some time in the Royal Marine Reserve, Tony now works as a traffic management engineer for Derbyshire County Council.