Inspired: Sarah Davis, Paddling the Nile & Cycling Australia

In October 2018, two years of planning and preparation came to an end. It was time to start paddling from Rwanda to Egypt. If she'd known what was coming, she might not have been quite so excited to take that first stroke. Ahead of her was a hippo attack, lethal rapids, being arrested and so much more. But it was what she was searching for, a bigger life and one that made her come alive. She went on to paddle the Murray River and then cycle across Australia before bikepacking solo through Oman. Sarah will share stories from these expeditions as well as lessons in managing risk and what it takes to execute adventures like these.

Sarah Davis is a professional risk manager with a passion for risk-taking.

Aged 44 she decided she needed more out of life. Always in search of a life less ordinary, she struggled to discover just what it was she craved so badly. After delving deeply and exploring countless options, she hit upon an idea - she was going to paddle the Nile, from its source to the Mediterranean.

Having never even been on an expedition, Sarah had a steep learning curve through the two years of planning it took just to get to the starting point. She had to overcome fears, self-doubt and a constant feeling that she’d bitten off more than she could chew.

However, it proved to be the escape from her corporate environment she had been seeking, and it transformed into the most incredible, life-changing adventure she could have imagined - one she has described as being equal parts fun, tough and terrifying!

The trip included over 1,000km of rafting, followed by 3,000km of kayaking.

It sparked something in Sarah, and she went on to complete a solo 2,500-kilometer source-to-sea descent of the Murray River in Australia. She then swapped paddles for pedals and in 2021 cycled across Australia, which included crossing sand dunes and battling 40°C days while losing count of the number of flat tyres she and her cycle buddy Tara had during their testing 4,700-kilometre journey.

Early in 2024 she went on a solo bikepacking trip through Oman, covering 1,600km and getting to explore its wonderful culture, incredible sights and the repeated kindness of strangers.

www.sarahjdavis.com | sarah@sarahjdavis.com | +61 437 626 004 | IG @sarahpaddles

The Inspire Adventure Series is a regular monthly event aiming to get you inspired by presenter/s who will be sharing his/her/their outdoor adventures through multimedia slide show. Besides watching the presentation and Q&A, there will be a time to connect, chat, exchange ideas, motivate each other, and maybe even to find a partner for your next adventure?

If you have a chance, please bring children and teenagers, we'd love showing them too!

Paddy Pallin is planning to deliver nine sessions in 2025 from March up to November.

Paddy Pallin will provide some snacks and drinks for the evening, please bring your own food if you have any dietary requirements. You are also welcome to BYO drinks including liquor.