Jon Bowermaster, one of the world’s top travel writers, who provides a paddler’s-eye-view on many issues affecting our seas, came to Croatia in 2005 to kayak through the Dalmatian Islands as part of his Oceans 8 documentary series (Parts 1, 2 and 3 of Borderland – Sea Kayaking Croatia). At the same time he also contributed an article to National Geographic Adventure magazine. I was lucky enough to join him (plus photographer Peter McBride and Alex Nicks) for several days – marooned on Vis Island as the jugo roared in.

Jon introduced me to one of the great sons of Croatia – Stipe Božić. (Božić means ‘Christmas’ in Croatian!)

Stipe is amongst the best mountaineers in the world – and his resume is amazing. Born in 1951, he first summited Mount Everest in 1979. He has since climbed it again, the second European behind Reinhold Messner to be on the globe’s highest point more than once. He was the 8th man in the world to climb the world’s three highest peaks – Mt. Everest, K2 and Kangchenjunga – and has summited the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.

When he went down 1395 metres into the Lucas Cave near Velebit Mountain he broke the world record for total altitude (1395m (in cave) + 8848m (on Everest) = 10243 metres).

Many of his feats were made more difficult as Stipe likes to carry film equipment to document his exploits.

Stipe is currently head of the Split team of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) – a group of altruistic volunteers who pull the lost and injured off Croatia’s peaks.

When Ray Fusco and I attempted to cross the Adriatic Sea by kayak, Stipe gave us great public support and even had a on-air debate with the Split’s Harbor Master (who was preventing us from going).

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