In early May 2014, expedition kayaker Mark Kalch began the next leg of his world first 7 Rivers, 7 Continents project to complete paddling descents of the longest river on each continent. This is a combined distance of more than 22,000 miles (35,500 km). He has already become the first person to ever paddle the entire Missouri-Mississippi and Amazon rivers in North and South America, respectively. Mark has now set his sights on the 2,300-mile (3,700-km) Volga River in Russia, Europe’s longest.
The project’s goal, beyond successful descents, is to record and compile audio-visual and written pieces capturing the influence the waterways have had on the growth of civilizations and impact on the surrounding ecosystems.
The place that the Volga itself holds in Russia’s culture, history and indeed existence cannot be overstated. From northwest of Moscow, it flows east, then south through giant, industrialized urban centers, past vast steppes in complete natural isolation and is punctuated by some of the largest reservoirs on the planet. It empties into the Caspian Sea by way of its huge delta.
The descent, which began May 6, will record life in communities both on the river and in those influenced by the river.
From the fisherman, the hunter, the family and the hydroelectric worker, to the farmer, the city dweller, the trees, the predator and the prey, all have inspiring and thoughtful stories to reveal. Sharing these stories provides an opportunity to inform, educate and inspire an international audience regarding the importance of the world’s greatest rivers.
Mark says, “Paddling these immense waterways from source to sea is a physical and mental challenge like no other. The great rivers of the world have shaped the very existence of humans and the ecosystems in which they live. As a result issues such water scarcity and food security are fast becoming one of the planet’s most pressing dilemmas. Beyond testing the limits of human performance, the project will provide a unique insight into the life rivers have built and sustain.”
The river’s on the 7 Rivers, 7 Continents hit list:
Amazon River (South America), 4150 miles – completed 2007/2008
Missouri – Mississippi River (North America), 3780 miles – completed 2012
Volga River (Europe), 2300 miles – commenced May 6, 2014
Nile River (Africa), 4132 miles
Yangtze River (Asia), 3916 miles
Murray-Darling River (Australia), 2904 miles
Onyx River (Antarctica), 25 miles
