Mark Kalch is facing a journey of 3,900 miles (which should take five months) down North America’s longest river. Starting at the source of the Missouri River, he will end his journey at the Gulf of Mexico.

As impressive as this endeavour, this is only the second leg of a much larger voyage.

Mark has started a 7 Rivers 7 Continents project, in which he will tackle the longest rivers on each continent, travelling a total distance of 22,000 miles.

One of the sights Mark will see during his journey down the Missouri River

The idea of this series of adventures came to Mark in 2008 when he rafted down the 4,300 mile Amazon in South America.

‘The only reason why I did the Amazon was for an adventure, but after meeting all these amazing people and going through these amazing environments by river, you start to think a little bit. With this project, I want the journeys to be more than just an adventure – which is fine, I don’t think expeditions or big journeys need a better reason than that – but because there is so much more to take from it’

‘I want to show people how rivers connect with human populations’

Mark believes that rivers are a source of life for many communities throughout the world. There is a reason cities start beside rivers. They help communities to flourish. Armed with a meaningful ambition, Mark is mixing an important message with the sheer thrill of adventure.

With 6 of the longest rivers ahead of him, this has turned into a massive project. But Mark is hopeful and certain he will complete the challenge ahead.

‘If I managed to finish the entire project within the 8-10 years, I would be very happy’

By now, Mark should have started the second journey of the 7 Rivers 7 Continents challenge. You can follow his progress on 7rivers7continents.com.

Good luck to Mark on his exciting adventure!