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Du 1 April 2017 au 31 May 2017

Kuril Islands

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12 summits, first ski descents.

-> Trailerr of the movie Freeride aux Kouriles

Summary of the stopover

These isolated volcanic islands are since centuries disputed territory between Japan and Russia. Spring is knocking on the door, the snow is melting and we do not have our permits yet. A stopover at Severo-Kourilsk takes us back to the Cold War. We are suspected of spying: our objective of skiing the volcanoes’virgin slopes seems to unreal. These islands are truly inaccessible, only a few abandoned military bases testify that a human presence has been here. The foxes, seals, orcas and birds by the hundreds feel at home here. We keep facing obstacles, but we conquer our first descents one by one. Each stopover is an adventure, a rare discovery leaving a mark on our spirits.

Team

Nicolas Boidevezi

Skipper
Presentation
Xavier De Le Rue

Free-rider (snowboard)
Presentation
Bertrand Delapierre

DIRECTOR, CAMERAMAN
Presentation

Nicolas Boidevezi

Skipper
Already during our meeting with Erwan at the Mer et Montagne award, there was a lot of feeling between us. I have been lucky enough to accompany Erwan in the early chapters of his nautical adventure: choosing the boat. Obviously, it is during the most unknown and dangerous part of the expedition that my phone has rung. Together, we have faced and surpassed adversity, and how the unknown can take us away from our usual comfort zone.
- Personal record18 titles, 7 victories, and 43000 miles out at sea. French vice-champion. Long-distance solo racer and record holder of 24 hours distance. 6 transatlantic races of which 3 in solo. 7 titles of which 4 victories in Free Ride and Skimountaneering. Participated in several documentaries production.
- NationalityFrench
- Date of birth1982
- Asset at searough weather and steering the whole night do not scare me, even when I have to cook!
- Asset on land never lacking the energy to explore new horizons
- Distinguishing featuresome say I am a Swiss Knife but produced in Alsace !
- Sport achievement with MaewanWith Erwan we have ventured in the insidious and dangerous sea of the Bering Strait, between Alaska and Russian Kamchatka, to finally end in Japan. We have realised many first ascents by combining extreme navigation with summiting the Kouriles Islands’ volcanoes with our skis. To sum up, twice we have fluidly worked together with determination. Our sharp senses have allowed us to explore the seas and mountains we were dreaming about.
Presentation
Xavier De Le Rue

Free-rider (snowboard)
- Facebook
- Instagram
I have been fortunate to be able to do an epic traverse from Kamtchatka to Japan passing by the Kuriles Islands. It has been an adventure at all levels. On snow -of course- with perfect volcanoes and powder. Some incredible landscapes with craters half covered in snow, so big we could have entered with the boat; the abandoned soviet bunkers from the Cold War…but the most extraordinary has been the Russian admin concerning permits and authorizations, which were increasing in number as the days passed by. It was a privilege to spend time with the Captain and see him so happy while labouring on his boat.
- Personal recordFreeride world champion in 2008, 2009, and 2010. SBX World Champion in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007. Winner of the X Games in 2004, 2005.
- NationalityFrench
- Date of birth01/07/1979
- Asset at seaI vomited quite quickly, it’s a good indicator of the weather condition for skippers
- Asset on landMore about going downhill...and fast
- Distinguishing featurebig thighs
Presentation
Bertrand Delapierre

DIRECTOR, CAMERAMAN
- Website
Greenland, Kuriles, New Zealand, French Polynesia, to think I was afraid of “Jaws” as a child, but now I’m much better. However I can no longer drink Vodka since “Maewan aux Kuriles” (fortunately Chartreuse is one of the boat’s sponsors). Over the years Maewan has become a bit of a second home to me. My favourite sleeper is the one close to the engine, it reminds me (from a distance…) of my cat’s purr.

I’m proud to have launched the double-cabestantrend, to eradicate the epidemic of drifting(dingy or zodiac) and to be allowed to charge its batteries on board (even though it was after the captain).
- Distinguishing featureA hyper-active soul, Béber is often the one who makes the traces, sees through the round trip ,to get the best shots of the athletes who embark Maewan, and that's something! Curious (too much?), jack-of-all-trades (too much?), in any case impossible to sleep in, and therefore finds it difficult to stay up until 6am during a night out, however he is capable of emptying apacket freeze-dried fruit in a few seconds. Marion and Erwan have found the solution: special lunchboxes for Béber when he is on board.
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