In a historic feat, Catalan adventurer and elite kayaker Aniol Serrasolses has conquered the world’s highest glacier waterfall drop in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway.
Aniol Serrasolses and his team embarked on a challenging expedition to the Svalbard archipelago, to one of the most remote places on earth, beginning with a 36-hour sea voyage from Longyearbyen to the Bråsvellbreen glacier.
The team, including kayakers David Sodomka, Aleix Salvat, and Mikel Sarasola, undertook an 11-kilometer trek across the Arctic’s icy expanse to access the river leading to glacial waterfall.
Throughout their journey, the team faced numerous obstacles, including climbing treacherous ice walls, navigating across streams and crevasses, and handling the unpredictable whitewater rivers sculpted in the Arctic ice.
Facing the towering 20m glacial waterfall, Aniol Serrasolses initiated a descent that has secured his place in the annals of kayaking history. Reflecting on the unprecedented descent, Serrasolses expressed his astonishment, saying, “It’s hard to find the words to explain this feeling. It’s like kayaking on another planet. Without a doubt, it’s the most unique kayak I’ve ever done in my life.”
Confronting such an unpredictable Arctic environment, Serrasolses noted, “We were in a constantly changing environment, a totally unpredictable place. We knew how risky it was, but when you look around you it all made sense.”
The descent, named “Philip’s Ladder,” honors the solid camaraderie and collective spirit of the team. This name symbolizes the essential support and unity that were crucial in achieving this remarkable feat.
Another key element in the success of this feat was the collaboration with Prada Linea Rossa, the creator of the technical gear Serrasolses used to face the harsh Arctic conditions. The garments selected by the athlete belong to the Italian label’s new Fall/Winter 2023 collection.
This extraordinary feat will be showcased in ‘Ice Waterfalls,’ an upcoming documentary set to air on Red Bull TV. The film promises to capture Serrasolses’ historic journey, offering a glimpse into the trials and triumphs of this unparalleled kayaking adventure.