Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo - The Seven Summits

The Seven Summits
Editor: Cleland, Paul
	Cam McAlpine introduced our speaker, Ryan Morice, a mountaineer from Kelowna who's goal is to climb all seven hightest summits on the seven continents. His plan is to complete this feat in one year and do it twice on each mountain. In addition to mountain climbing, he is a competitor in the Ironman and Triathlon events.
Ryan is obviously an individual that loves a challenge that tests his endurance and physical stamina. In 2008 he climbed 14,410 ft. Mt. Rainier in Washington and in 2009 began his serious training in Colorado with eighteen 14,000 foot climbs in 5 days. This information and the details of his "Seven Summit" goal prompted a member to ask, "Are you well, Ryan?" It is obvious he is a very ambitious and physically fit person. The seven mountains Ryan plans to scale - each twice - include: Aconcagua in Argentina, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Denali in Alaska, Carstensz in Australasia and capped by the world's highest, Mount Everest (29,035 ft) in Tibet/Nepal in Asia . One of the reasons he gives for doing the climb twice is that since he's already there, he might as well! Also, weather conditions can dictate the results of a climb - delay or cancelling it so doing it twice gives an additional opportunity for success. His itinerary is based on typical annual weather conditions at each location. He has added an additional challenge - he hopes to join the small list of people who have climbed Everest without using supplementary oxygen, something only about 100 climbers have ever done. He states, "I'm attempting to do it in the mountains leading up to Everest. It will give me a good indication of how my body is adjusting to that when it comes to the big climb. Of course, the Sherpas will have oxygen bottles with them, just in case." On top of low oxygern levels and the thin atmosphere, Morice will also have to battle temperatures and windhchills as low as minus 50 to - 60. His climb schedule is planned to begin in May 2012. Ryan has many local sponsors who provide smaller grants and he is now looking for larger contributor sponsors. Timex has donated a high-end watch and is looking for feedback on how it performs at high altitude. He is hoping they will also come on board as a major sponsor. His goal is to raise $250K or more by climb time. He showed some of his climbing gear which included his Jacket which cost $940 and is the warmest on earth using European down feathers. It's bulky but very light and extremely warm. The high-tech design provides protection at minus 60C. His large mitts ($200) can accomodate gloves inside if needed; his amazing boots ($450) are also rated to minus 60C and his pants match the jacket ($525). The total cost of gear is around $8K and also includes his ice axe, goggles, etc. Stress on the body is the risk. There is a "death zone" on each mountain where the body can't regenerate as fast as it breaks down under the conditions. One must not stay longer than 16 to 18 hours on a summit before descending. What is Ryan's motivation - "What drives you?" He lists the release of energy, the fun of training, the experience, going where few others have gone and the fact that "I couldn't find a real job!" Everyone is invited to enjoy a great "Go for Summit" party.