Steve Backshall, one of the UK’s best-known adventurers, reveals how a passion for exploration of our seas and oceans has rekindled itself in him over the years.
Steve Backshall’s conversion from nature devotee to marine world daredevil is perhaps no better exemplified than in his living arrangements. The 51-year-old naturalist, presenter, explorer and writer grew up 30 miles south-west of London, yet now lives on the banks of the Thames, in a property that hovers over the capital’s river on an impressive set of stilts, no less.
“I’ve always loved the marine world,” he begins. “In my childhood I was always out traversing local rivers and mastering the craft of kayaking. I have photos of myself from as young as six, canoeing and getting to grips with water. It wasn’t until I was about 11 or 12 in the Scouts that it really hooked me!
“All of the first expeditions I did were in a kayak,” he continues. “Through scouting, I acquired all of the skills needed for doing reasonable white-water expeditions, and I still use those skills even to this day.
“And of course, as the years have gone by it’s been great to apply all that knowledge of water to my TV work.
“I would say my best and most treasured expeditions have all been in a kayak – making the first descent of whitewater rivers in the Himalayas in Papua New Guinea being one of those. I was then able to do big kayak open crosses and circumnavigations in a sea kayak.”
Being a fervent advocate for the minimal disturbance of wildlife, particularly in aquatic environments where human activity is a potent disruptor, Backshall is quick to emphasise the importance of respectful interaction with nature.
“As a conservationist who loves wildlife, first and foremost, I can safely say that canoes and stand-up paddleboards are the best way to see sea life, bar none.
“You will notice when you are on the water, most of the water birds are much more accepting of you… certainly, more so than if you were in any sort of motorised boat or even on the shore on foot.”
Recently, Backshall has embarked on a UK theatre tour, and is back on our screens with series Killer Crocs and Hippo Watch. “It doesn’t matter where you live in the world – ultimately everything around you is reliant on water. You can live in the middle of Africa, but the river, streams and channels will all, in the end, come out to the sea.
“This is why we have to take a global view to protecting our seas and ensuring we preserve everything that’s in them. It’s our duty.”
