The Adventurist: The David Tait Interview

As mentioned in the previous post found here, David Tait is planning on a Double-Traverse Everest Expedition in 2007, it will be the first of it’s kind in history.  The Adventurist recently had the chance to ask David a few questions before he sets out to basecamp on March 29.  After reading this interview, be sure to check out Part 2, two days after he took on Mt. Everest.

The Adventurist:  As a member of HIMEX last year, you made your first successful summit of Everest–I was wondering if you could tell us what it was like the first time out?

David Tait:  The biggest shock to me was the contrast between my romantic expectations, and the reality!  I somehow expected it to be a lot of fun-very Indiana Jones, and something I would relish.  However, a week into -30 degree tent existence and you realize just what you have in store.  In order to be successful on the mountain you need to accept, long before you arrive, that you are going to be miserable-don’t expect to have fun.  I think a lot of people think of a 3 month expedition like this as life-experience…..about like a gap-year from university, but few realize quite how dire it can be.

The Adventurist:  What did you find to be the most difficult aspect of Everest?

David Tait:  To me the most difficult element is the boredom and the loneliness/homesickness.  I have a big family, and 10/11 weeks away is a long time.  However, if you combine this with the “first time summit, “will I or won’t I” nerves, you create a nasty mix.  The climbing is very tough, but you expect it to be, so you just shut-up and get on with it.  Ironically for me, that’s the easy bit.  The most difficult climbing momment for me was the morning, during the summit push that we left camp 2 (at 7500), and first wore oxygen masks.  I felt like I was suffocating and it took me an hour to get going, during which I really suffered.  This time passed, thankfully.

The Adventurist:  Also, you are planning the first “Double-Traverse” of Everest this year–what are your reasonings behind this and what are you striving to achieve?

David Tait:  The “Double-Traverse” is simply an attempt to achieve something first.  No-one has done this, or even tried it before, and because I was strong in ‘05 I figured I would give it a go.  I was the only member of our expedition to summit and return to ABC by the end of the same day.  Lots of our guides were in a bad way, but I felt ok.  For this reason I am attempting something much, much harder.

The Adventurist:  Last year seen 11 deaths on Everest, the most since 1996 when Rob Hall and Scott Fischer both lost their lives.  I was wondering if you have taken any added measures this year, compared to last year, in the area of safety and what they may be?

David Tait:  There isn’t anything I can do to mitigate against the inherent risks that accompany climbing Everest.  I am as fit as its possible to be-whereas you would be surprised how unprepared many people seem to be when they arrive in BC.  I’m stunned by their complacency.  I have been training for 4 hours a day.  I won’t fail because of a lack of training-believe me.  Quite a large proportion of deaths on the mountain come from these idiots. 

The Adventurist:  To you, what does “Everest” mean?

David Tait:  Everest means challenge and escape.

[ David] –anyway I hope this helps a little.  I appreciate you following me-it all helps.  I understand that Discovery Channel will be on hand to record it all-for better or worse. 

I have tried to marry my attempt with fundraising for a charity I work for-the NSPCC (National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children).  Below is the email I sent to pretty much everyone I know on Earth.  I hope it explains some of my motivation to you, and I’d be very appreciative if you could mention the charity and the site in anything you produce.  Every little bit helps.  Thank-you-I raised $200k for the charity in ‘05.

Editor’s note:  The email David is referring to mentioning his charity and what he is striving to accomplish can be found in a previous post here at The Adventurist.  Please “click” here to read about David’s Quest.

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