Meet the man who skateboarded across Australia and paddleboarded the Mississippi

25 January 12

In 2005, Dave Cornthwaite gave up his day job as a graphic designer to skateboard across Australia, breaking a world record in the process. Today Dave is a renowned British adventurer, author and motivational speaker, best know for his Expedition1000 project which will see him undertake 25 journeys of at least 1000 miles in length, using a different form of non-motorised transport and raising £1 million for charity.

On 20 February 2012, Dave will host Night of Adventure London at Vue Cinema in Leicester Square. Night of Adventure is an exciting, sell-out event where an eclectic collection of first-class adventurers, from across the spectrum of explorers, daredevils and pioneers, come together to share their experiences with a live audience.

We asked Dave to tell us more about his life as an adventurer and what he loves about Night of Adventure.

Tell us more about Expedition1000…

The idea is to undertake 25 expeditions, each at least 1000 miles in distance, each using a different form of non-motorised transport.  It's a very wide-ranging project - it really keeps me out of mischief! Eventually it will take me to every continent, across major oceans, and will raise over £1 million for charity. So far I've completed four of the journeys, so we're getting there!

So what’s the next challenge you have planned?

Next up is sailing from Mexico to Hawaii in March – a distance of 3500 miles over 17 days. I am a novice sailor at best, so it will be a challenge but I think the best way to learn is to be on the job. I won’t be alone though, there will be ten fellow adventurers and thrill-seekers on board. It'll be like a Night of Adventure in the middle of the ocean!

You took quite a risk leaving your job to become an adventurer. Are there ever times you think about going back?

Never. I couldn't imagine doing anything else. Of course, I've faced challenges, both during expeditions and trying to scratch a living in-between, but it's such a rewarding life. My values have changed hugely since I gave up the day job in 2005 and my number one priority now is to keep a smile on my face.

I find the creative side of planning what to do next hugely motivating. How wonderful to create an idea on a blank piece of paper and turn it into a project that encourages and inspires people to do something different.

What do you love about Night of Adventure?

Where else can you find such a varied range of speakers, in such a superb venue, each allowed to share a snapshot of their lives? It's a riveting, educational and often hilarious evening and each event is totally original. That it supports such a great cause is icing on the cake.

Being restricted to 20 slides, and 20 seconds per slide, makes it a real challenge for those presenting as well. The format takes practiced and perfected speakers out of their comfort zones. I'm a confident chap but I'm prone to a bout of nerves, especially when I have to condense my story into just 6 minutes and forty seconds in front of all my peers and an eager crowd. It's a car crash waiting to happen and everyone can sense that, which just adds to the brilliance of the night.

How did you come to be hosting Night of Adventure London?

I have been involved with Night of Adventure from the beginning; I was a guest at the first event and have spoken at two since. When the regular host Alastair Humphries decided to row the Atlantic in early 2012, he needed someone to fill his shoes. Al and I share similar colouring and occasionally get mistaken for each other so I suppose he thought he'd be missed less if I took over. He asked me to host by email with 'Body Double' in the subject line.

What can people coming to Night of Adventure for the first time expect?

An unforgettable two hours. I'm not sure anyone has ever left a Night of Adventure anything less than inspired to undertake a challenge of their own. Give me a Night of Adventure over a world class film or documentary any day. I can't wait for the 20 February!

What would you say to people out there who want to get out and do something different?

Stop talking, start planning and go for it. We're all capable of taking on something different and original, it's just a case of being brave enough to step into the unknown. I guarantee there are no regrets on the other side….

Read more about Night of Adventure London and the line up for this event. Book your tickets right away -seats always sell out fast!