Expedition
Full Expedition Plan
The Great Arctic Swim is an adventure first and foremost. From aviation and extreme swimming to nature and culture, the expeditions' mission is to bring awareness through adventure.
The team will set off from New York on August 7th, 2022, in a Cirrus SR22. They will fly Northeast through Canada, with multiple fuel stops along the way. Their destination on the first day will be Iqaluit Canada, where they will meet and greet the community. It is the last stop in Canada
before making the dangerous crossing to Greenland over Baffin Bay. After a good nights rest and refueling, the team will don their survival suits and set off for Nuuk International Airport in Greenland. After a refueling in Nuuk the team will keep their survival gear in place and begin the long flight up to Qaanaaq.
Arrival in Qaanaaq
After arriving in Qaanaaq, the team will meet with the hunters who will support the swim and transport the team to Pim Island. They will discuss current condition on the ice and the weather. The team will also be in contact with support teams in the US to ensure the weather forecast will be stable during the swim portion of the expedition. After an final preparation and planning the team, along with the hunters, will set off for Pim Island
Voyage to the Nares Strait and Pim Island Canada
From Qaanaaq team will be transported by the hunters to Pim Island on a 100 plus mile open water sea journey. It is imperative the weather conditions during this phase hold up. The Nares Strait has some of the most extreme weather in the Arctic. The winds can reach hurricane force as the result of the Nares Strait compression zone.
Primary Swim:
Provided the conditions are appropriate the team seeks to complete the first swim from Canada to Greenland, which is 25 miles.
Local Customs and Traditions
During the entire expedition, the team will focus on the local culture and traditions of each community they encounter. With most of the attention focussed on the hunters and families of Qaanaaq, Justin will spend significant time documenting the lives and history.
Return Flight Home
The return flight home will reverse the original waypoints going back through Greenland and Canada to NY
