[ Nomination by Ben Brown ]
Papua New Guinea is 'Wild', in all of its meaning. Its topography is drastic, with huge mountain ranges climbing out of the ocean, coated in thick tropical jungle and rife with exotic wildlife. A culture that had remained mostly undisturbed until WWII, and have since struggled to reach an understanding with the encroaching foreign mining companies. This is a land that is stereotypically seen as unknown, dangerous and unfit for travel. There are instances, however, you hear of a conflicting image of PNG. A place with unparalleled pristine beauty, a misunderstood people only trying to retain what is theirs and a traveller who had a trip of a lifetime.
In early 2011 New Zealand Paddlers Barny Young, Jordy Searle and Shannon Mast spent 3 weeks on the Huon Peninsula exploring some of Papua New Guineas previously un-run whitewater. During the course of the expedition the team completed 8 first descents the areas of the Huon Peninsula (North of Lae), the Upper Markham Tributaries and the Mountain Range behind Salamaua, and in the process dispelled many of the contemporary and historical stereotypes of Papua New Guinea.
Completing a successful expedition in a country such as Papua New Guinea is a wonderful achievement and one that is worthy of being nominated for the Hendri Coetzee award.
For updates from the expedition check out their blog HERE.
