Meet Sarah.
Meet Sarah and a hand-picked group of specialists in security, polar travel, ocean rowing, and more to support her as she travels the length of the planet.
Sarah Davis
Hi — thanks for checking out my big dream. It’s been quite a ride to get to this one. Back in 2016, in my mid-forties, life was great — living in Bondi with a good career in banking, but filled with a nagging sense that that wasn’t it, that there had to be more, and that I wasn’t living a life true to me.
After delving deeply and exploring countless options, I found it — I was going to paddle the length of the Nile. With every cell in my body, I knew this was it. It excited and terrified me. It became the most incredible, life-changing journey, and it made me come alive. It was what I’d been searching for.
More big adventures followed, but none came close to what the Nile had given me — until the idea for Pole to Pole arrived. Same visceral pull and the same mix of fear and excitement. So here I am.
With this expedition, I want a ripple effect: a movement of people going after their own biggest dreams, and real support for the millions trapped in some form of modern slavery — a growing global issue that deserves far more attention than it gets.
You can find out more about me at sarahjdavis.com.
Sarah is a force for good and an inspiration — what she is attempting to do is incredible and shows total commitment, courage and resilience. I admire her so much.
Before the poles.
A decade of solo human-powered expeditions across deserts, rivers and continents.
2024
Cycling Oman
A solo bikepacking journey through Oman — coastal roads, mountains and desert on Sarah’s first visit to the Middle East.
2021
Cycling Across Australia
From Steep Point to Byron Bay with Tara Lal — more than 4,700 km across the continent, raising funds for mental health and suicide prevention.
2020
Murray River
A trek to the river’s source, then 56 days of solo kayaking — 2,500 km from the mountains to the sea.
2019
Paddling the Nile
The first woman to lead an expedition down the length of the Nile — over 1,100 km of rafting and 3,000 km of kayaking.
Paddling the Nile — expedition highlights
Paddle the Nile.
One Woman’s Search for a Life Less Ordinary
The story behind Sarah’s first big dream — becoming the first woman to lead an expedition down the length of the Nile. Over 4,000 km from Rwanda to the Mediterranean: hippo attacks, an arrest, a country on the brink of civil war, and the search for a life less ordinary.
“Travelling the length of the Nile is no mean feat; filled with adventure, challenges and dangers. Paddle the Nile is a gripping and motivating read.” — Levison Wood, Author, Photographer & Explorer
Adventurer, author, advocate.
Two decades in risk management, a shelf of expeditions, and a Master’s in Global Security in progress — the groundwork behind the line down the planet.
- Speaker, mentor and consultant
- Author of Paddle the Nile: One Woman’s Search for a Life Less Ordinary
- Board member across not-for-profits and sporting associations
- Over two decades in risk management, primarily in banking
- BSc (Hons) Physiology
- Master’s in Global Security (in progress)
- Volunteer surf lifesaver in Sydney
- Surf-ski paddler, gym junkie and (unsurprisingly) traveller
A huge shoutout to the team.
This expedition is only possible thanks to the extraordinary humans who are helping and supporting me. I’m deeply grateful to each of them.
Security
A leading global intelligence and security company is engaged for the entire expedition — providing intelligence reports, cyber support, and on-call assistance with any major security issue along the route.
Modern Slavery
Advisors who advocate and work in modern-slavery and human-trafficking prevention guide how best to support charities in this space — and how to share the message responsibly.
Polar Specialists
Sarah completed polar training with Polar Expedition Training, who continue to advise — alongside Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions and previous polar adventurers.
Ocean Rowing Experts
A mix of accomplished ocean rowers to provide essential advice, along with Rannoch, the boat builder, and the all-important weather router.
Medical & Physiotherapy
Sarah’s long-trusted physio will help her during her preparation. She will also have a medical advisor to guide the preparation and the medical kits to take — and who stays available throughout for any medical concern that arises en route.
Dietician
Nailing nutrition across extreme distances — often somewhere remote, where ideal options don’t exist — is essential. Sarah is working with highly qualified dieticians experienced in fuelling endurance events like this.
Follow the journey.
Monthly updates from the road, the ocean and the ice — and the first word when donations open.No spam — just the expedition as it unfolds.
UPDATES MONTHLY AT MOST