Crashing 20 metres to your head anywhere is scary, but when you are on the volcanic island of Kharimkotam, 700km from civilisation with only a boat to get help…

…things quickly become overwhelming, welcome to part two of DIY Mission Kuril. Travelling south through the Kuril archipelago, passing the skeletons of cold war bases, rotting buildings and rusting weapons the team struggled to keep the sense of isolation at bay. Stopping at Ushishir Island, at only 52km and 401m high with constant underground volcanic activity the team weren’t able to snowboard but they were able to lift their spirits making a bath from the boiling ground water and interacting with some local wildlife…

Chirpoy island was the crews last stop, consisting of three overlapping volcanoes, Vulcan, Cherny and Snow, with Snow erupting continuously since 2012, far south in the archipelago the snow had virtually disappeared, but gullies formed from lava flow held on to the last of the snow enabling Xavier to ride to the very end.

Maewan Adventure Base

“A four year adventure around the world to unexplored regions of the planet, only accessible by sea.” Erwan Le Lann.

To find out more about the adventures of Erwan, that go far beyond the Kuril islands and his trip with Xavier, you can check out his website.

Maewan, freeride aux Kouriles, won the Best Movie at the International Freeride Film Festival in Tarbes. A huge thank you to Erwan for letting DIY in on the adventure. For further information regarding Xavier De Le Rue’s DIY Series email: deleruecreative@gmail.com

De Le Rue Creative
DLR
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Switzerland