Explorer Tales: Interview with Adventurer and Explorer Salty Davenport

Conducted and written by Juliette Boussier

We had the privilege to interview Salty Davenport, a passionate explorer of the great outdoors. With a deep love for remote locations and uncrowded waves, Salty has embarked on numerous challenging adventures that have shaped his perspective on life and nature.

In this interview, Salty shares his inspirations, memorable experiences, and his role as a Sea to Summit ambassador for the Big River campaign.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what sparked your passion for outdoor adventures?

If asked what I do, the general response is that I'm a photo/video adventurer. I'm not sure which comes first, though. I think it all began while searching for remote locations in Western Australia, chasing uncrowded perfect waves in isolated regions. Surfing these spots with only a few friends and looking towards shore, seeing nothing but red rock and desert, was where the romance began.

Could you share one of your most memorable outdoor adventures? What made it stand out for you?

I find that every trip has its special moments that you will remember, but it's generally the moments where you were really tested that burn into the memory bank. For me, it's moments like slipping down a glacier and almost disappearing into the abyss of a deep crevasse, or getting bogged down for a long time in the desert by myself, or a storm coming in and destroying my camp atop a mountain. They're the best and most testing moments, but also the ones that live on.

What do you enjoy most about spending time in the great outdoors? Is there a particular aspect that draws you in?

The quiet. There's something profoundly peaceful about being in nature, away from the noise and distractions of everyday life. It allows me to connect with the environment on a deeper level and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of the natural world.

Can you tell us about your connection with Sea to Summit as an ambassador for the new Big River campaign? How did you feel when you were chosen to be the ambassador, and what excites you the most about it?

I was absolutely stoked when asked to be involved as I felt it was a bit of a milestone for me in the adventurer game to be hand-selected. What excites me the most is the opportunity to share my experiences and showcase the importance of reliable gear in challenging environments.

Can you describe the shoot for the campaign? What locations were chosen, and what were some of the challenges you faced during the shoot?

Our campaign was situated in the Murchison River. The beautiful thing about this campaign is that it was based on an adventure I'd already completed solo. To have Esa come and join me and see what I saw when I was alone was pretty special. It was like getting to retrace your steps that you thought you'd never have an opportunity to do again. The original trip alone was very tough, so I knew parts of this campaign were going to be almost as challenging because we had to recreate moments of struggle.

 As an experienced adventurer, what tips or advice would you give to people who are new to outdoor activities?

Don't be afraid to go out there alone because if you rely on others to join you on adventures, they may never happen. Buy the best gear you can, while you can, as it will last. Finally, enjoy the tough moments because they're the ones you'll remember.

Through his remarkable stories, Salty ignites a sense of curiosity and inspires others to embrace the challenges and rewards that nature offers. If you haven't already, we invite you to view the full Big River campaign video below.