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There Will Be Headwinds

Kayaking the Northwest Passage

Mark Agnew

$49.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English
Icon Books
03 July 2025
Mark Agnew was part of the first team to ever kayak the north-west passage - spending 103 days in the Arctic.

The infamous route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans had defeated countless explorers for centuries, and Mark himself had failed two previous expeditions where he attempted to row across the Atlantic. Pushed to the brink, on the verge of turning his back on the adventures that had made him feel alive, he experienced a mental health crisis and almost abandoned the water forever.

Charting an inspirational journey from failure to world record breaker, in There Will Be Headwinds Mark reflects on his struggles and reveals the lessons from sports psychology that allowed him to conquer his demons and achieve something truly remarkable. As well as exploring Mark rebuilding himself following his lowest ebb, this is also an astonishing story of ice, suffering and camaraderie. It's a testament to the power of teamwork, determination and ambition - and a celebration of the human spirit of adventure.

AUTHOR: Mark Agnew is an adventure, journalist and motivational keynote speaker. Mark was a novice kayaker when he cast off from shore to paddle the entire Northwest Passage - 103 days later, Mark and his teammates made history as they entered the Beaufort Sea marking the other end of the Northwest Passage, setting two World Firsts in the process. He now works as a motivational keynote speaker, sharing his story and the lessons from his time in the Arctic.
By:  
Imprint:   Icon Books
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 234mm,  Width: 153mm, 
ISBN:   9781837732142
ISBN 10:   1837732140
Pages:   288
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming

Mark Agnew is an adventurer, journalist and motivational keynote speaker. Mark was a novice kayaker when he cast off from shore to paddle the entire Northwest Passage - 103 days later, Mark and his teammates made history as they entered the Beaufort Sea, marking the other end of the Northwest Passage, setting two World Firsts in the process. He now works as a motivational keynote speaker, sharing his story and the lessons from his time in the Arctic.

Reviews for There Will Be Headwinds: Kayaking the Northwest Passage

A gripping tale of a truly intrepid adventure. Agnew's recounting of this world-first Arctic expedition is enjoyable, candid and compelling in equal measure. From the challenges of team dynamics and personal growth to hair-raising wildlife encounters and the constant battle with capricious weather, this book has something for everyone. * Charlie Walker, author of Through Sand & Snow * A beautifully captured, utterly pristine voyage through a seascape of giant ice. Agnew captures the wonderful sense of being small and vulnerable, and yet doggedly paddling to the horizon. * Mark Beaumont, author of Around the World in 80 Days * This is the sort of epic adventure that inspired me to dream of big journeys. A classic journey in a truly wild world. * Alastair Humphreys, author of Microadventures * A splendid read and insight into Polar exploration and human nature. * Andrew Appleby, president of the John Rae Society * A gripping book, hard to put down. The visceral descriptions transport the reader to the Arctic. * Sir David Hempleman-Adams * This is not just a story of adventure, it's a raw and honest account of what happens when a small group takes on an extreme challenge in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Expect a journey of camaraderie, conflict and survival. Of fast ice, fierce storms, and prowling bears. Of strained friendships, shifting mental health, and moments of real danger. With the constant threat of disaster never far away, this is a story of persistence and the limits of the human spirit - told with insight, humility, and an eye for the moments that matter. * Ed Peppitt, author of The Beacon Bike *


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