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Bear's Feats
The SAS Years | New ChallengesBear spent three years in the SAS (Special Air Service), the British special forces unit. Whilst in the unit, he broke his back in three places in a horrendous free-fall parachuting accident over southern Africa. Recovery was a tough journey. The great adventurer turned to yoga to help him keep his body supple and his head calm and positive.
Undeterred by his accident, Bear chased his dreams to the top of Mount Everest – at 23 years old he became the youngest Brit to climb the mountain and return alive.
For his next adventure, Bear took on the frozen seas of the North Atlantic Ocean. He headed the first team to complete an unassisted Arctic sea crossing in a small, open, rigid inflatable boat.
In June 2005, Bear broke another world record – the highest open-air formal dinner. Dressed in full naval uniform, he ate a three-course meal at a table suspended below a hot air balloon at 7395 metres! For dessert he saluted the Queen and skydived to Earth.
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