Adventurer’s advice to budding thrillseekers

British adventurer Dave Cornthwaite. Photo contributed.

Cornthwaite has broken five world records and is best known for his ambitious series of 25 journeys of at least 1,000 miles in length, each one using a different method of non-motorised transport.

On Friday November 1, he will present the new Derbyshire Young Adventurer of the Year Awards and give a keynote speech at the University of Derby in Buxton, before speaking at the Buxton Adventure Festival two days later, on Sunday November 3.

Cornthwaite said: “It was drummed into me as a kid that I needed to get a good education so I got a degree in International Development and ended up as graphic designer - but I didn’t like that.

“The imperative is to do what you love so, when you wake up on a Monday, you’re happy. For me adventure was that conduit. It’s given me a huge range of experiences, lessons and stories.

“My message to kids is not to worry about the pressure of exams and getting a job. Do what you love. Don’t be afraid to take what might seem like a tough decision. If it helps you live a full and meaningful life, it’ll be worth it.”

The Derbyshire Young Adventurer of the Year awards aim to honour the best runners, bikers, climbers, cavers, skiers, skateboarders, free-runners, kayakers and sailors in the county.

There will be prizes for the top young leader, coach or volunteer, and a special Spirit of Adventure category for any young person who’s excelled in their sport, overcome a challenge or demonstrated great progress in the face of adversity.

The winner of the overall ‘Young Adventurer’ award will win a trip for two to the 2014 Junior Adventure Racing World Cup in the French High Alps, including travel and accommodation.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday October 25 and must be submitted at www.heason.net/Buxton-Adventure-Festival-Young-Adventurers-Awards-Night, where full terms and conditions can be found.

• Tickets to see Dave Cornthwaite on November 3 are £10 (£5 for students and under-16s). Family tickets, admitting two adults and two children, cost £20. Call 0845 127 2190 or visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk or www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk.