Taking a break from his cycling, Alex went river kayaking in the northern part of South Island, NZ, in Oct 2004. That was where he met Richard. Though differentiated by a huge age gap of more than 30 years, they were bonded by the same love for the great outdoors and unwinding (after a hard day) by a log fire. That was where the very first thought of kayaking the roaring forties blossomed.

(frankly speaking, it was the very thought of sitting by a log fire under the stars while being consumed by the great wilderness that prompted Alex to start planning for this trip!)

While en-route to the UK (for a party!) in April 2006, Richard stopped over in Singapore where he and Alex further discussed the trip at a little roadside coffee shop in the world-renowned Geylang area while devouring steamboat fish head. That’s a little background of the Kiwi-Merlion union.

May (May Wei for short) was also at the table!

Back in 2001, when Alex was training to become a level 2 kayak coach with the People's Association, he had to understudy May for 21 hours. May had been Alex's teacher briefly.

RICHARD JOHN COWAN. March 1944 - ?

Richard has approximately 40 years of mountaineering experience in New Zealand, Peru, Antarctica & Bolivia. He has achieved some 1St ascents and pioneered new routes in Peru.

He is also a foundation member of a high-level mountain search and rescue team. He has spent many years teaching mountain-craft and rescue for the NZ Mountain Safety Council.

He has sea kayaked for about four years and white water (kayaked) for about two. His kayaking involvement occupies at least 6 full days per month.

Richard lives in the Nelson area of South Island and does framing for a living.

Teo May Wei. March 1977- ?

Teo May Wei, 30, has been involved in sea sports and kayak coaching for the past 10 years with the People's Association Sea Sports Club. After venturing into whitewater kayaking 5 years ago, she has developed an even deeper passion for the sport and has been travelling to various countries in pursuit of whitewater. She has paddled on the rivers of New Zealand, Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia.

A former teacher, May Wei's love for teaching and coaching has motivated her to pursue a career in kayak coaching. She is currently working in New Zealand as a kayak instructor in PaddlerZone, Christchurch.

Alex Koh. January 1976 - ?

Alex first started kayaking in 1993 where he took up a novice course at the PAPRSSC. He subsequently continued with more advanced courses with the club. His passion for kayaking has been with him for many years.

Alex graduated with a business degree from the Nanyang Technological University in 2000 and immediately joined the People’s Association Pasir Ris Sea Sports Club the same year.

In October the same year, he cycled the Longest Downhill In The World with Isobel Cook, English. He left the PAPRSSC in April 2003 to embark on the 1st Singapore Transcontinental Cycling Expedition that took him through 25978km over 574days across 23 countries from London to Singapore to New Zealand. His latest cycling expedition was a 90-day trip in 2005 that saw him take in the Pamir, Karakoram & Himalaya ranges with Andreas Merten and Marcel Jassman, Deutsch.

Alex currently volunteers his weekends delivering (sea) kayak coaching at the PAPRSSC. He has river-kayaked in New Zealand & Laos, kayak-surfed in Malaysia & rafted in Nepal. He is a current marathoner.

He is a full time employee with the Ministry of Education, Singapore. The expedition’s contact is please@noheadwindplease.com

Alex is deeply honored to be associated with Lendal paddles.