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Equinox Extremeฎ believes in keeping our environment livable for animals, plants and people. We sponsor expeditions, adventure races, sport climbers, nature photography explorations and conservation projects. Here are some stories and updates.
Equinox Extremeฎ proudly sponsors the US Kayak Team in its competions. An animated .gif file is available for download showing them in action.
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Equinox Extremeฎ also helps sponsor international adventure races in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and elsewhere. The National Geographic Action Asia Challenge, is held by National Geographic and Hong Kong-based adventure magazine, Action Asia. It attracts professional and novice contestants from the world over in a brutal race which tests skills in mountain biking, swimming, kayaking, jungle running and obstacle courses.
Equinox Extremeฎ sponsors some of Thailand’s top adventure racers and its ’Team Ironman’ has won the Masters division several times as well as winning overall in Thailand’s NGAA Challenge. The team is made up of three Thai professionals, ages 37, 47 and 57. Being extremely strong and serious, they have been recognized as one of the top teams in adventure racing in Asia. |
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A 12-day expedition to remote Chiang Dao mountain which is Thailand’s second highest and offers many opportunities for pioneering ascents in jungle covered limestone rock faces.
Some of region’s and Thailand’s most promising young climbers, Archan ’Toto’ Nawakul, Wanchai ’Tdong’ Utacha and Payorm ’Jane’ Numchan, plus Tipiyaruephai ’Ying’ Piyopeerappong, a journalist from adventure magazine Nature Explorer and a US climber, Chris Sandoval.
The team attacked one of the highest rock faces on Chiang Dao. The route chosen proved to be one of the toughest challenges for the climbers as it was covered with moss, small trees, grasses and loose dirt and rocks.
The team had only 3 days to reach the top of the 100 meter rock face and was able to complete 3 full pitches before being stopped by the extreme conditions.
On the second day of climbing Tdong and Chris were stranded at the top of the third pitch and were unable to abseil back to camp. They spent the night huddled together to keep warm at near freezing temperatures with no food or water and not much space on the narrow ledge on which to sleep. Dtong had only climbing shoes to keep his feet warm. In the end, both got down safely. Belay bolts were placed and the route was named Ghost’s Revenge (6b). |
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Equinox Extremeฎ sponsors Thai climbers Tdong from Chiang Rai (North Thailand) and Jane from Krabi (South Thailand) both work as climbing guides in Rei Lei (Krabi). They train constantly to compete in Asian, European and North American sport climbing competitions. Both are veterans of the Asian ESPN X Games, with Jane being the first Thai national to ever reach the finals. Jane has been climbing and competing in the US with top climber, Chris Sharma, to get more experience on different types of rocks and boulders. |
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Equinox Extremeฎ has been very involved with the plight of Asian Elephants. Elephants are a common cultural symbol shared by many Asian cultures and loved worldwide. With the constant destruction of their habitat, the future of the Asian elephant is a matter of serious concern. EE has extended sponsorship to support organizations that help these majestic animals. One such group is ElefantAsia, a non-profit, non-political organization. They travel through the lands of the Asian elephant, a dwindling swathe of jungle between mountains extending from Cambodia through Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, India to the Himalayan kingdoms of Bhutan and Nepal, to bring awareness of the plight of Asian elephants to the world. Here’s a little of their story:
In January 2002 four elephants, their mahouts (handlers), film crew, and two French wildlife conservationists, headed into the heart of Laos. Renewing the tradition of the Grand Voyage, the elephants and their entourage discover a land of untouched natural marvels and stunning ancient cities, while learning some of the myths and mysteries from the people who share the land with these majestic beasts.
The journey started in Wat Phu, a pre-Angkorian temple in Southern Laos, and ended in Luan Prabang, Laos’ former Royal capital, on the occasion of Laos New Year in April 2002. A 52-minute television documentary, a photography book and a series of exhibitions was produced. Equinox Extreme has been committed to this cause and continues to pledge proceeds from our sales to help make this project successful. |
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