You can follow James via this website jamesketchell.net or on Twitter: @captainketch
James Ketchell (Captain Ketch) is a Hampshire Scouts ambassador, a serial adventurer, motivational speaker.
In 2007, James was recovering from a serious motorcycle accident that left him with broken legs and a severely broken and dislocated ankle. The prognosis was that he was likely to suffer a permanent walking impairment and would certainly not be able to continue the active physical lifestyle he had enjoyed up to that point.
James decided to respond to this challenge in the only way he knew how, and with dogged determination, set about physical tasks that most of us can only imagine experiencing.
- 2010, James rowed single-handed across the Atlantic Ocean.
- 2011, he reached the summit of Mount Everest.
- 2013-2014, James embarked on an 18,000 mile unsupported global cycle, through 20 countries and cycling on average 100 miles a day.
- 2015, James along with Ash Wilson, attempted to Row the Indian Ocean.
The key message that James reveals from completing this “ultimate triathlon” is that we can all potentially set ourselves difficult goals and achieve them: the capability to succeed is within everyone.
James is now extending his involvement with schools and other organisations through a planned programme of motivational talks and interactive engagements. His practical and pragmatic lessons include the importance of interim goals, breaking the task down into small, achievable steps, each one of which increases the commitment to the overall goal; the need for self-belief; the willingness of others to help if only you dare to ask and finally, the value of persistence.
James’ Hampshire Scout Ambassador role is to raise the profile of scouting in a positive manner. There are over 22,000 scouts and adult volunteers in Hampshire with a further 5,000 waiting to become scouts, subject to more volunteers becoming available.
James says
“Scouting is a fantastic opportunity for young people to have fun and make new friends in a safe and adventurous environment, something everyone should experience”.
“Scouting provides an opportunity for tremendous challenge and everyday adventure to young people around the world. A truly wonderful family that I am proud to be a part of”.
“I am super proud to be an ambassador to over 22,000 amazing Scouts in Hampshire. Scouting provides a positive impact on everyone involved from young people to volunteers and members of the community”.
“Scouting has a positive impact on so many lives around the world. Sharing adventures, making new friends, learning valuable life skills and gaining confidence is something every young person can benefit from”.
Other Charities
James is supporting and raising awareness for a wonderful children’s charity The ELIFAR Foundation,which aims to help improve the quality of life mainly of profoundly disabled children and young adults.
In The News
2016 April – Mirror – Fearless adventurer rescued from Atlantic Ocean on a pedalo chasing new record by rowing around Britain
2016 Jan – Basingstoke Observer – Ocean odyssey to help kids hospice
2014 Oct Basingstoke Gazette – James, who is a Scout Ambassador, hopes he and Ashley will break the world record and become the fastest pair to row across the Indian Ocean, in less than 86 days, when they set of in April 2015 from Australia, before ending their voyage in Mauritius. Basingstoke adventurer James Ketchell tries out Indian Ocean rowing boat
2014 Feb – The Independent – Serial adventurer completes super-triathlon after he cycled, rowed and climbed across the globe
2013 Sept – The Times “I am an ambassador for the Scout movement, so I will be stopping to talk to members all over the world. The Scouts have even launched a “Captain Ketch” badge in my name – and I’m honoured.” James Ketchell Sunday Times 130901