UAE explorer breaks snow-kiting world record

A UAE based explorer and adventurer has broken his second world record after completing the longest unsupported snow-kiting expedition across Greenland.

Adrian Hayes, who also holds the Guinness World Record for reaching the earth’s three poles in the shortest amount of time,  took 67 days to walk 4262kms from the northern tip of Greenland to the north-west along with teammates Devon McDiarmid and Derek Crowe.

It was the first time the route had ever been completed.

The former British army Gurkha officer said: “Our expedition the length of Greenland was one of the most strategically challenging and difficult I have accomplished and, whilst I don’t do this for records sake, I’m delighted it has been recognised by Guinness, a nice recognition for a great team effort.”

Hayes, who used kites and skis to complete the distance, hoped his trip would raise awareness surrounding global warming. He said: “Part of the motivation behind the expedition was not to break records, but to draw the world's attention to the issue of economic, social and environmental sustainability."

He also added: “Climate change is just one adverse effect of living beyond our means and I used this journey as the most visible example that limitless exponential growth in a finite world will become impossible” says the ambassador for several sustainability bodies.”

The expedition saw the trio encounter extreme conditions including wading through glacial melt water, falling through crevasses, battling fierce storms and braving temperatures as low as -30C.