About me - Marek Kamiński

A Pole conquering the Poles
During my expedition to the Arctic in 1993 with Wojciech Moskal we began to think about reaching the North Pole, something that had never been done by a Pole before (pun intended!). We believed we would succeed because nothing is impossible.

After many months of preparation and raising the necessary funds, we set off in the Spring of 1995. We reached the North Pole after 72 exhausting days. A few months later, I reached the South Pole by myself, becoming the first person in history to have reached both ends of the world in one year. My dreams had come true. But it was not the end of my journey. Even today, I continue getting new ideas and inspiration for things worth doing.
Subsequent journeys
During my latter journeys, I successfully circumnavigated the Atlantic Ocean, reached the source of the Amazon river and crossed the Gibson Desert. I also attempted, unsuccessfully, to traverse Antarctica. That failure was a valuable lesson for the future. I enjoy learning new things and going on new adventures. I think that continuously setting goals for yourself is key to a happy and fulfilling life.

Foundation

Wanting to share the wisdom and experience I gained during my travels, I founded the Marek Kamiński Foundation in 1996. Its main mission is to aid people in need and with disabilities, and to run educational programs.

Through the Foundation I got to know Jan Mela from Malbork, a then-teenager, who wanted to reach the word’s end.

We organised a journey to reach that goal together – it was an immense challenge and responsibility but also a great success. Jan became the first person with a disability to reach both the North and the South Pole.
My daily work revolves around working for the Foundation, delivering lectures, writing books and going on adventures around the world.

I am a member of several professional organisations, including the Polish Council of AA Business, Polish Literature Society, Polar Exploration Committee at the Polish Academy of Sciences (honorary member) and Sopot Sailing Club.
I am married with two children – Pola and Kay.

I begin every day with some green tea and a walk on the beach. I also try to find some time for sports. I love reading books – reading gives me inner peace and recharges my batteries.
What’s next?
I have a few ideas and challenges: continuing to travel with my family (after two expeditions with my daughter Pola), learning new languages, more adventures…maybe even a trip to space…who knows!