Wave Vidmar Photo courtesy of World Wide Learn

This month, Adventurer Wave Vidmar embarks on his World Wide Learn North Pole Solo 2004 expedition in hopes of becoming first American to reach the geographic North Pole - solo and unsupported. Starting from the Artichevsky Peninsula, he will hike, ski and swim over 660 miles across the polar ice-cap with his 350lb sled. If Vidmar completes his 60-day expedition, he will become the third person ever to achieve this feat and the second to reach the North Pole from the Russian side. During his expedition, Vidmar will be sending dispatches from the ice via satellite phone.

We recently had a chance to talk Vidmar about his quest and learn more what drives this man to go to extremes...

MZ: Where were you born and raised and how old are you?

Vidmar: I was born in San Diego, CA. I've lived in many states and towns as I was growing up. My father was a rocket scientist/designer, and we moved around a lot until I was eight, then settled down in Ukiah, Calif. for about nine years. I've lived in CA, FL, LA, MN, TX, ID, WA, CO, and other states. I'm 39 (but stuck at 17 inside, when I look in a mirror I think it's a cruel joke gone on too long).

MZ: What inspired you to become an explorer?

Vidmar: It's always been in my blood. When I was around five years old if a bus opened its doors anywhere near me I'd get on (and somehow always make it back home). I was in the Boy Scouts and that had a large impact on me. I've been climbing, backpacking, and sailing solo since I was 11. I like going on the path less trodden, or even where there is no path at all.

MZ: Why do you want to hike, swim, and ski to the North Pole, solo and unsupported - what's your hope for this journey?

Vidmar: It's a personal goal, one that has been rumbling around in the back of my brain for a long time. I didn't know how, or when I'd go to the pole, but when I saw pictures of other explorers at the North Pole as a young child, I knew I'd be one of those men. I hope to accomplish my goal of reaching the North Pole, solo and unsupported, as well as inspire others to attempt their own dreams and goals. Often we have much more capability than we may perceive, and I hope to help people worldwide break-down their own perceived limitations and boundaries and accomplish more than they ever thought they could.

"I started my life over, left everything behind, left the keys in my Porsche on the street..."

MZ: You will face a variety of dangers - cold, bears, swimming arctic waters, weather - to say the least. What do you think is your greatest danger or risk?

Vidmar: The greatest danger is likely falling into the ocean and freezing/drowning to death. My greatest fear is swimming in the inky black water, with unknown killer whales (Orcas) and great white sharks. The most probable danger is frostbite and frostnip.

MZ: How safe are you sleeping at night in your tent?

Vidmar: That's a relative question. More accurate to ask what dangers will I face while sleeping. Attacks from polar bears are still likely, though I'll have a perimeter wire attached to trip flares to alert me to their presence (and hopefully scare them away). Also, the ice could crack beneath my tent and the ocean could swallow me whole. Or the ice could be rammed under or over another piece of ice.

MZ: How long do you think it will take you? How many miles will you try to cover a day?

Vidmar: It will take me somewhere between 45 and 60 days, I have food and fuel for 70 days. The first person to make it, Borge Ousland, did it in 54 days back in 1994. I've got the benefit of his, and others experience and better equipment so hopefully I'll make it to the pole in rapid fashion.

On average, ice floating from Russia floats towards the pole (or just to the left of it) at a rate of 5 to 16 miles per day. I'll need to make at least 11 miles per day on average to finish within 60 days. And for me personally, I hope to travel faster so that I can both set a record and get home sooner. I'll be missing hot showers and cheeseburgers.

MZ: How heavy will your sled be and what will you be bringing (in general terms)?

Vidmar: When I start out my sledges will likely be around 350lbs, decreasing in weight daily as I consume food and fuel. The kinds of items I'll be bringing are: food for 70 days, 30 liters of white gas, clothing, tent, extreme cold weather sleeping bag, medical kit, communications equipment, batteries, video and still cameras, and American flags.

MZ: How did you train for this trip?

Vidmar: I've been preparing for nearly a year now. Physically I have been swimming underwater, doing weights and Nautilus, bicycling, hiking, and dragging a semi-truck tire around to simulate pulling heavy sledges. Also, gaining weight has been an important part of my training. I had less than 4% body fat when I decided to go to the pole, so far I've gained over 50 lbs and another 12+% of body fat (this aspect has been the hardest for me, to gain weight).

MZ: I understand you've been training to swim a mile underwater. How do you do that?

Vidmar: During my training, I swim up to a mile underwater each day, at 100 and 50 yard intervals. I take a deep breath, and then swim underwater for one or two laps at an Olympic-sized swimming pool. I come up for air, take a few breathes and then repeat the cycle.

MZ: How will you deal with the loneliness of the ice?

Vidmar: I don't expect I'll be lonely. I'll have 24/7 communications capability via my satellite phone, be able to check emails, send emails, and so forth. I usually am fine by myself, though I do like people as well. Out on the ice, there will always be constant threats (the ice, polar bears, the extreme cold), which should occupy much of my thoughts. If I get lonely, I'll make a phone call and talk with a friend or loved one.

MZ: Tell us something most people don't know about you.

Vidmar: I started my life over, left everything behind, left the keys in my Porsche on the street, left my 65' yacht at the dock, left everything. I bought a one-way plane ticket, and flew to Europe with a bicycle $98 and started over. I wanted to start over with little or none material possessions.

Also, I still have fear for many of the things I do or try, but I still do them and not let fear thwart my desires and goals.

MZ: What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Vidmar: It would be hard to put my best accomplishments into simple terms. Most people gauge themselves by great feats, I think more in terms of adversity overcome or progress made through adversity. Riding across America solo by bicycle is up there, so would be earning my skydiving license (I'm still afraid to jump, but I jump). My greatest accomplishments are the times I've overcome the odds and adversity.

MZ: Words you live by?

Vidmar: "Do what you want, without hurting others." "Follow your dreams." "Design your life." "Buy two and save yourself the warranty hassle."