Sam Cox: Attempting the Longest Solo Unsupported Antarctic Crossing
In March 2020, Sam Cox found himself in the sweltering heat of Brunei on a military exercise. Unaware of the world’s rapidly changing situation due to Covid, Sam returned to find himself stuck on his sofa during a national lockdown.
While most people were binge-watching Tiger King, Sam was busy planning an ambitious expedition across 5.5 million square miles of frozen wilderness. In November, Sam, a 34-year-old from Devon, will embark on a journey of over 1,200 miles in an attempt to complete the longest solo unsupported Antarctic crossing.
Alone in the freezing temperatures that can drop as low as -50ºC, Sam will ski along a route that is 310 miles longer than any previous attempt. Starting at the coast of Berkner Island, he will venture to the South Pole and then to the far coast of the continent at Reedy glacier via the Ross ice shelf.
If Sam succeeds, he will join the ranks of legendary Antarctic explorers such as Ernest Shackleton, Douglas Mawson, and Lou Rudd. However, there is little room for error.
Sam understands the challenges he will face. He explains, “The conditions during the last season were tough, causing many explorers to struggle. It’s a fine balance, so I won’t be taking any rest days. If I take a day off, I have to make those kilometers up over the 75-day period. Every extra meter counts.”
The history of Antarctic exploration serves as a reminder of the risks involved. Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s ill-fated race against Norwegian Roald Amundsen in 1911 exemplifies the consequences of poor planning. Amundsen reached the South Pole 33 days ahead of Scott, partly due to better organization and the use of dog teams. Scott’s decision to rely on ponies and mechanical sleds eventually led to their deaths just 11 miles short of their intended supply depot.
More recent attempts, even with modern gear and knowledge, have also ended in tragedy. British explorer Henry Worsley died in hospital after collapsing from exhaustion, only 30 miles away from completing the first solo unsupported crossing in 2016. Ben Saunders, attempting the same feat in memory of Worsley, had to abandon his effort a year later.
Despite these risks, Sam is confident in his physical fitness. After 13 years in the marines, he has a solid foundation. He has undergone extensive endurance training, building up weight, and completing several practice expeditions. Sam has also received guidance from Dr. Barney Wainwright, an endurance athlete specialist and senior research fellow at Leeds Beckett University.
Dr. Wainwright emphasizes the unique energy requirements of Antarctic expeditions. He explains, “In Sam’s case, it’s not about high energy levels, but rather sustaining energy for an extended period. This kind of endurance is developed over many years.”
To sustain his energy levels, Sam will need a tremendous amount of fuel. He plans to consume 7,600 calories per day. Of the 363lbs of supplies he will be hauling on a sled, 279lbs is food and fuel for cooking and melting snow for drinking.
Sam understands the importance of every gram. He says, “Every couple of grams matters. You can’t lose a kilogram from one item, but you can lose ten grams a hundred times.” Despite his meticulous planning, Sam has allowed himself a few luxuries, including his beloved AeroPress coffee maker and some “moral extras” like a small Christmas pudding.
However, Sam must strike a delicate balance between energy consumption and carrying capacity. Dr. Wainwright warns that Sam will eventually find himself expending more energy than he can take in, causing hormonal imbalances and muscle loss.
Sam recognizes the challenges he will face and the isolation he will endure. He says, “There will be no one to bounce ideas off of or talk things through. It’s just me and my thoughts.” Yet, he is determined to push his limits and make this historic Antarctic crossing a success.
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