Dark Waters (Young Adult Adaptation): True story of the first human-powered circumnavigation of the Earth (The Expedition)

In this gripping young adult edition of his multiple award-winning series, Jason Lewis introduces a new generation of readers to one of history’s most inspirational adventure stories. Supplemented with intricate maps and educator discussion guide, this adaptation highlights the grit, determination, and resourcefulness demonstrated by novice adventurer Jason and his friends in achieving what the London Sunday Times hailed as “The last great first for circumnavigation.”

Late in the afternoon of May 13, 2005, a lone kayaker paddled into a remote bay in northeast Australia. He was exhausted, sunburnt, and looking forward to reaching land after months at sea. But his voyage across the Pacific wasn’t over yet. Shortly after making landfall he would be fighting for his life, defending himself and his kayak from a terrifying crocodile attack.

So begins the first in a thrilling adventure trilogy relating Jason Lewis’ Guinness World Record-setting journey around the world using only human power—no motors or sails. The young adventurer had already nearly drowned pedalling across the Atlantic, been left for dead by a hit-and-run driver while rollerblading the US, and survived blood poisoning in the doldrums. Now five years since leaving his home in England, Jason seriously wondered whether he had it in him to carry on.

As a shy, misfit teenager, he had defied authority. By the time he left school, Jason knew he wanted to make a difference by helping raise awareness of environmental issues. And what better way to do this than to join his best friend Stevie on a global circumnavigation without using fossil fuels?

This was the motivation driving him forward against all odds, proving that anyone, even without experience or money, can achieve anything they want to, if they just believe in themselves and never give up.

Winner of the IBPA BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AWARD & ERIC HOFFER AWARD.

“Arguably, the most remarkable adventurer in the world today.” —THE DAILY MAIL

Jason Lewis is an award-winning author, explorer, and sustainability advocate. He is recognized by Guinness World Records as the first person to circumnavigate the Earth by human power—without using motors or sails. He walked, cycled, and inline skated five continents, and kayaked, swam, rowed, and pedalled a boat across the rivers, seas, and oceans. Taking thirteen years to complete, the 46,505-mile journey was hailed “the last great first for circumnavigation” by the London Sunday Times.

MEDIA & HONOURS

He was nominated The Times inGear Man of the Year (2007), the Land Rover Toughest Sportsperson of the Year, and featured as one of Sport Magazine’s Athletes of the Year. A Fellow of London University, the Royal Geographical Society, and The Explorers Club, he has appeared on numerous television and talk shows, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC), CBS This Morning, and Long Way Down with actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.

CAUSE

Adventure is about much more than just records or firsts for Jason. Visiting more than 900 schools in 37 countries to date, involving thousands of students in a variety of programmes in conjunction with UNESCO’s Associated Schools Program Network, he uses human-powered journeys to promote world citizenship, zero carbon emission travel, and awareness of individual lifestyle choices on the health of the planet.

BOOKS & AWARDS

A frequent contributor to magazines (Men’s Fitness, Sports Illustrated, Outside Magazine, Geographical) and travel books (Chicken Soup for the Traveler’s Soul, HCI, 2002; Flightless, Incredible Journeys Without Leaving the Ground, Lonely Planet, 2008; The Modern Explorers, Thames & Hudson, 2013), Jason is the author of The Expedition trilogy (BillyFish Books, 2012/13/16): Dark Waters, The Seed Buried Deep, and To The Brink.

He is a popular speaker and sustainability advocate—find out more at jasonexplorer.com.