James "Cas" Castrission or Justin "Jonesy" Jones

Cas and Jonesy are two Aussie Explorers constantly pushing the boundaries of human endurance.

On the 26th January 2012, they made history by completing the longest unsupported polar expedition of all time. In 100 years of polar exploration no-one had EVER walked from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and back without assistance. Many had tried, none had succeeded. After 89 gruelling days they made it back to the coast after having skied 2275km with everything they needed to survive in the harshest environment on Earth.

Four years earlier they Crossed the Ditch – paddling 3318km without assistance across the Tasman Sea for another world first. They braved 10 metre swells, howling winds, endured severe food and sleep deprivation and adverse winds and currents. They became the first kayakers to cross the Tasman Sea as well as becoming the longest transoceanic double kayak expedition. Staggering upon the shores of New Zealand, the adventurers were sunburnt, bearded, underweight, and physically and mentally wasted…but most of all happy to be alive.

The boys are highly regarded as two of Australia’s premier public speakers and have written & produced four award winning books and documentaries about their expeditions. They have now shared their incredible story with over 200,000 people around the world including Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Vietnam, Fiji, Indonesia and Dubai. Insights into leadership, teamwork, risk management and how to overcome adversity have captivated global audiences.

These two young and savvy adventurers have created two unforgettable presentation. Stunning footage and imagery have been craftily moulded to convey messages that all can learn from.

Cas and Jonesy's keynote is the perfect addition to your next event. It is a powerful way to:

• Motivate your staff
• Open or close your next conference
• Entertain your guests and delegates
• Provide an inspirational after dinner presentation.

The boys presentations are enhanced by jaw-dropping video clips and stunning photography from their adventures. The old saying 'a picture paints a thousand words' only partly explains the profound impact their multi-media has. People remember the imagery, and the inspiration long after the conference is over.

Cas and Jonesy craftily weave themes & lessons they have learnt through a life of extreme adventure into all their presentations. These themes include:

• Planning
• Risk management
• Overcoming adversity
• Goal setting
• Teamwork
• Motivation
• Leadership

Cas and Jonesy have presented to audience sizes ranging from a handful of clients, to well over 10,000 people at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Cas & Jonesy usually present for 60mins (55min keynote, 5min Q&A) however depending on your needs, they can tailor their presentation from a ten-minute time slot (TED Talk) to half day workshops.

PRESENTATIONS AND THEMES

Crossing the Ditch - Daring to dream then riding out the storm

On November 13 2007, James and Justin departed Forster, Australia to embark on a journey that no other had ever achieved...62 days later, they arrived in New Plymouth, New Zealand. James Castrission and Justin Jones kayaked 3318km, braved 10 metre swells, howling winds, endured severe food and sleep deprivation and were set off course for over two weeks.

Why do two young successful Aussies sacrifice all to achieve a seemingly impossible dream? How did they go about planning for such an expedition? This intriguing presentation examines the key lessons learnt from the boys’ four year journey and is the perfect after dinner presentation. In this mind-blowing account, the boys share with the audience what life on the Tasman was like. Plenty of laughter, banter and description of what it takes to become the first team to ever cross the Tasman by kayak.

Crossing the Ice - To hell and back: A journey across a frozen wasteland

After the crossing the Tasman the boys took on an even more audacious challenge – the first ever unsupported trek from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back. Starting with very limited experience they spent months researching, consulting with experts from all round the globe, training in the Arctic and NZ, rehearsing the skills they would need to survive in the highest, driest, windiest and coldest place on Earth.

Pulling loads that started at 160kg and temperatures as cold as -40 C, they battled frostbite, injury, whiteouts, crevasses , gear failure and slow starvation. During the 89 days it took them to ski 2275km without any outside support or assistence they lost a combined 55kg of body weight. Their adventure set a new benchmark and raised the bar of polar exploration globally.

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Testimonials

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SANDRA LEE - BEST SELLING AUTHOR, JOURNALIST
“Funny, inspirational, motivational – an hour with Justin and James makes the spirit soar. They spent 62 days in a leaky boat and proved that with dedication, determination and two very brave hearts, it is possible to achieve the impossible dream, to stare down your greatest fears, to do the undoable and enjoy the pure rewards of achievement and triumph. After spending 62 minutes listening to these two can-do blokes from Sydney speak, I defy you to not be inspired and embrace your own challenge and reshape your own future.”