Ambassador Stories: Eric Larsen
Eric Larsen is a polar adventurer, mountaineer and expedition guide, with a penchant for long-duration exploits, in freezing cold conditions. He’s completed more polar expeditions than anyone else American in history. These include the first-ever summer expedition to the North Pole, a world record adventure to the South Pole, North Pole, and top of Everest in one year, plus what will most likely be the last ever full North Pole expedition in history – accomplished in 2014.
Eric currently resides in Boulder, Colorado with his wife Maria and their two young kids. For much of his life, Eric simply wanted to be a ‘professional camper’ even though that wasn’t a real job. In reality, he followed his passion for the outdoors and story telling, becoming more skilled at capturing expedition moments.
“When I began doing expeditions, there was no such thing as ‘content creation’ we simply wanted to do interesting, compelling adventures and share our stories with people.”
Eric’s goal for all his adventures is to do things that haven’t been done before. While thousands of people have climbed Mt. Everest, no one had ever completed expeditions to the South Pole, North Pole and top of Everest within a 365-day period, which made that adventure incredibly unique.
“I’m currently writing this from Longyearbyen, Svalbard which is a jumping off point for short ‘Last Degree North Pole. Two weeks ago, I was in the Gobi desert in Mongolia scouting for a new expedition there next year.”
“There are all sorts of adventures that I still want to do, but picking a favorite expedition is a bit like picking a favorite child. Each adventure is unique and challenging. In 2015, my expedition partner and I completed a first ascent of a peak in Nepal, Jabou Ri, which was pretty special considering how few ‘unmapped’ places there are today. However, my unsupported and unaided expedition to the North Pole in 2014 is easily one of the most difficult expeditions on the planet.”
Garmin products are part of Eric’s every day life, whether it be on expeditions, training trips, or simply outings with his family in Colorado. Whenever he’s on an expedition or adventure, Eric’s inReach is always on hand. It’s an integral part of his safety and communication plan. It’s not easy trying to balance expedition life with family life. He’s gone a lot. Therefore, being able to send a quick message or check in with his family is very important. Additionally, knowing they can follow him wherever he goes is equally important.
Eric Larsen recently published a book about his 2014 North Pole expedition called ON THIN ICE. Don’t forget to share with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and use #HaveNoLimits.
