Gavin McClurg: Red Bull X-Alps Pilot, Sailor, Adventurer & Seeker of Simplicity

Jan 14, 2022

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My guest today is Gavin McClurg.

It’s difficult to know how to introduce Gavin. He’s had more adventures, close-calls, and epic expeditions than anyone I know. He’s also one of the most driven and passionate humans out there.

I met Gavin through the paragliding community by listening to his podcast, Cloudbase Mayhem. After learning to paraglide, I got the crazy idea to reach out to Gavin and pitch the idea of me being a guest on his podcast – a total newbie, but with some insights that could be helpful to other new pilots and especially for woman in this sport, as we are a minority. I was thrilled when Gavin answered my email with a Sure, let’s give it a try! He did caveat the invitation with, “I’d like to reserve the right to decide whether I publish it or not until after we talk!” (And I made the cut! Listen to Episode 60 here!)

Gavin started his athletic career as a ski racer and was headed for the Olympics in the early 90s when an accident resulted in his knee being unable to keep going under that amount of pressure.

He started and ran a sailing and kite surfing expedition company for over 10 years, circumnavigating the world twice and exploring some of the most remote beaches and waters in the world.

In 2006 he learned to paraglide, and I think it’s safe to say paragliding has consumed his life ever since! He’s a professional pilot and has competed in the X-Alps (one of, if not, THE, most challenging adventure race across the Alps) 4 times now. (and counting…? Maybe!)

I love exploring the idea of making life less difficult with people who chose hard things, who push themselves to the brink over and over. Does it even apply? Is the concept relevant here?

In our conversation, Gavin generously shares his stories and reflections around the difficulties in life, especially when they are chosen. We explore the value of simplicity and how even in challenging situations, simplicity is often what makes life less difficult, and we touch on themes of pursuing what’s most important, letting go of the drive to get and accumulate more and more, and also the unique challenges of the changes that come with the privilege of aging.

Thank you, Gavin, for your inspiration, not just to me, but to countless others around the world!

Please check out the links to Gavin’s website, Ted Talks, Expedition Movies, and more:

www.makelifelessdifficult.com

Make Life Less Difficult
~
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