UNCHARTED: SURINAME
Ash Dykes' latest expedition in Suriname, Uncharted: Suriname, was a groundbreaking adventure that pushed the limits of exploration. Setting out to achieve a world-first, Dykes aimed to be the first person to kayak from the source to the sea of the Coppename River, one of the most remote and uncharted rivers in the world.
The journey began with Dykes and his team venturing deep into the dense Amazonian rainforest of Suriname. Their first major challenge was to locate the true source of the Coppename River, which had never been accurately mapped due to the dense jungle canopy obscuring satellite imagery. Equipped with machetes, they hacked their way through the thick vegetation until they pinpointed the river's origin, a discovery that left the team ecstatic, as it marked a crucial milestone in their quest. protecting our planet's most vulnerable places.
From the source of the Coppename River, Ash Dykes and his team initially faced a formidable challenge: the river was too narrow to navigate by kayak. For this part of the expedition, the team was forced to traverse the surrounding terrain on foot, slashing through the dense Amazonian jungle with machetes. This section of the rainforest was home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife, which Dykes encountered up close. Jaguars, known as apex predators of the Amazon, roamed the underbrush—silent hunters that presented a constant threat. The team remained vigilant, aware that these powerful creatures could be lurking nearby, their presence marked only by fleeting shadows or tracks in the mud.
The waterways, though narrow, were equally perilous, teeming with caimans, piranhas and venomous snakes. Caimans, with their stealth and sudden bursts of speed, ruled the riverbanks, while piranhas, though small, posed a collective danger when provoked. Navigating through waters with these predators demanded caution, particularly when crossing or wading in shallower sections. Venomous snakes, such as the highly dangerous coral snake, added another layer of risk to the expedition. The team had to carefully choose each step, as one wrong move could have devastating consequences. Dykes specifically noted the threat of stingrays hidden beneath the water, whose painful venomous sting could immobilise a person for days, making progress through such a remote environment potentially fatal if medical evacuation was delayed.
As the river widened, the team transitioned into their kayaks and the challenges became more about the environment itself. They faced treacherous rapids and waterfalls, where even the most skilled paddlers could be thrown from their kayaks or capsized in the powerful currents. Raleigh Falls, a natural wonder of Suriname, provided a brief moment of awe amidst the relentless journey, but also served as a reminder of the untamed beauty and power of nature. Past the falls, the team continued paddling through the final 100 kilometres, navigating further rapids and eddies as they neared the coast.
This journey through the wilderness not only tested the limits of human endurance but also offered valuable insights into the stark contrasts between animals in their natural habitat and those in captivity. Free The Wild, which sponsored Dykes' expedition, sought to highlight these differences. In the wild, jaguars, caimans and other species thrive in complex ecosystems that challenge them daily, requiring them to hunt, adapt and navigate vast territories. By contrast, zoo animals, confined to artificial and often restrictive environments, lose the ability to express these natural behaviours. This disparity is at the heart of Free The Wild’s mission and Dykes’ expedition served as a powerful narrative to contrast the rich, challenging and free lives of these animals in the Amazon with the often sedentary and limited existence of their captive counterparts.
The expedition was fraught with challenges. The intense heat, unpredictable weather and remote location meant that any mistake could prove disastrous, as medical assistance was nearly impossible to obtain. Dykes, no stranger to life-threatening situations from previous expeditions, had to remain hyper-focused to ensure the safety of his team throughout the journey.
After nearly two months of battling the Amazon's untamed elements, Ash Dykes successfully completed his expedition, securing yet another world record. His achievement not only adds to his legacy as one of the world’s most daring adventurers but also contributes valuable geographical data, as his mapping of the Coppename River's source will be used by Suriname's authorities for future conservation and exploration efforts.
Ash Dykes’ adventure in Suriname represents a modern-day exploration of some of the last uncharted territories on Earth, filled with excitement, danger and a relentless pursuit of the unknown.
PROJECT SURINAME
A Journey of Conservation and Adventure with Ash Dykes
Free The Wild is thrilled to announce our partnership with world-renowned explorer, Ash Dykes as he embarks on his next groundbreaking expedition: Uncharted: Suriname. As our first official Ambassador, Ash will be taking on a challenge that perfectly aligns with our mission to protect wildlife and preserve the natural beauty of our planet. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Free The Wild and Ash Dykes, as we join forces to bring global attention to one of the world’s last truly wild places.
The Expedition: Into the Heart of the Wild
Suriname, a hidden gem nestled in South America, is a country largely untouched by modern civilisation. With 94% of its land covered in dense rainforest, it remains one of the last bastions of pure, unspoiled nature. Ash Dykes, a world record-holding adventurer known for his daring and record-breaking journeys, will lead a team deep into the Suriname jungle, ascending the highest peaks and navigating the most treacherous rivers. This expedition will be unlike any other, taking Ash and his team into the unknown, where few have ever ventured.
This journey is not just about setting records; it’s about showcasing the beauty and fragility of our natural world. As Ash treks through this pristine environment, he will document the diverse wildlife and ecosystems that make Suriname a critical area for conservation. From the elusive jaguars to the massive anacondas, and from the untouched rivers to the towering peaks, this expedition will highlight the importance of protecting these vital habitats from the threats of deforestation and exploitation.
Why Free The Wild Supports This Mission
At Free The Wild, we believe in the power of adventure to inspire change. By supporting Ash Dykes on this monumental journey, we aim to shine a light on the urgent need for conservation in Suriname. The Suriname jungle, like so many of the world’s natural environments, is under increasing pressure from industrial activities such as logging. This expedition will bring global attention to these threats, emphasising the importance of preserving these unique ecosystems for future generations.
Our partnership with Ash Dykes is built on shared values: a commitment to conservation, a passion for adventure, and a desire to educate and engage the public. Through Ash's extraordinary journey, we hope to inspire a global audience to take action in protecting our planet's most vulnerable places.
Ash Dykes: A True Ambassador for Conservation
Ash Dykes is no stranger to challenges. With three world records already under his belt, he has proven time and again that he has the resilience and determination to conquer the world’s most hostile environments. But Ash’s expeditions are not just about personal achievement—they are about making a difference. As the UK Ambassador for Madagascar Tourism and the Special Ambassador of Malaria No More UK, Ash has used his platform to raise awareness for critical global issues. Now, as Free The Wild’s first official Ambassador, Ash will use his voice and his journey to advocate for the conservation of Suriname’s rainforest.
The Impact: Beyond the Expedition
The Uncharted: Suriname expedition is more than an adventure; it’s a call to action. Through a series of video diaries, professional photography, and detailed reports, Ash will bring the Suriname jungle to life for audiences around the world. These captivating stories and images will not only showcase the beauty of Suriname but will also serve as a powerful reminder of what is at stake if we do not act to protect our natural world.
Importantly, Ash’s journey will also highlight the work Free The Wild is doing globally, demonstrating how donations can make a tangible difference. By supporting this expedition, our aim is to not only raise awareness but to encourage our supporters to contribute to our cause. Every donation generated through this partnership will enable us to carry out essential conservation work and protect endangered species.
We invite you to follow Ash’s journey, share in his discoveries, and join us in our mission to protect and preserve the wild places of the world. Together, we can ensure that Suriname’s jungle remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a symbol of nature’s resilience.
We invite you to follow Ash’s journey, share in his discoveries, and join us in our mission to protect and preserve the wild places of the world. Together, we can ensure that Suriname’s jungle remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a symbol of nature’s resilience.
Welcome aboard, Ash Dykes, as Free The Wild’s first official Ambassador.
We are honoured to support you on this extraordinary journey and look forward to the positive impact we can make together.
