Bronze Executive Club Member Dave Cornthwaite quit his job as a graphic designer to skateboard across Australia. He has since paddle-boarded the length of the Mississippi River and pedalled a tandem bike from Vancouver to Las Vegas. He tells The Club which locations are still on his wish list and why he never researches a destination before flying

Tell us about your latest travel challenge...
I recently spent five weeks riding a kick scooter 1,000 miles around Japan. I did a big loop of southern Honshu, the main island, and another around Shikoku island. The locals reacted with amusement, shock and confusion. Japanese people are amazing, they really made the trip for me.

Toughest challenge to date?
I swam down the Missouri River in 2012 over three months – that was the hardest physical and mental challenge. Skateboarding from Perth to Brisbane was also tough – I was on the road for five months, experiencing all the Australian climates.

How do you prepare for your adventures?
I never research a destination before I fly. I usually arrive, take it easy for a few days, and when I’m ready travel further. I decide where to go based on a hunch, a recommendation or an opportunity. I love discovering a destination at my own pace.

Do you ever relax on holiday?
Sometimes I travel for film projects that don’t involve physical challenges, but I never really go on holiday and lie on a beach.

Where is still on your bucket list?
I’ve visited 107 countries, but there are still a lot on my wish list. I like the idea of a pedalling a rickshaw around China. I’d also like to do a rowing or windsurfing trip around the Pacific Islands.

What are your three must-pack items?
My iPhone – it’s my office when travelling – and contact lenses, because without them I can’t see a thing. And I always pack a buff – a neoprene tube you can wear as a beanie, neck warmer, balaclava or sling. It can also filter water.

Top tip for dealing with jet lag?
Sleeping on a flight is about the best thing you can do. I always take a BauBax jacket – it has an inflatable cushion in the hood and a drop-down eye mask. I plug in my headphones to chilled classical music and zone out.

What’s the best thing about being an Executive Club Member?
The lounges. If I have a stopover, I make sure it’s for six or seven hours so I can get off the plane for some fresh air. I often use the lounges for a couple of hours’ sleep or to work.


Find out more about Dave’s projects and adventures at davecornthwaite.com, where you can also pre-order his next book, Life Is Not Like Instagram

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This article has been tagged Opinion, Travel Tips