Shane Raw
Age: 44
Hometown: Pietermaritzburg
Occupation: I am first and foremost a whitewater kayaker but I also get involved in many other sporting disciplines that keep me challenged and outdoors in the fresh air… I am also a professional lens-cap holder (you’ll have to keep reading to understand that one) an
About me:
I grew up in PMB, the paddling centre of the universe and have had a paddle in my hand for as long as I can remember. My other sporting interests include paragliding, adventure racing, MTB’ing and climbing. Apart from my love (some say addiction) for adventure sports, my other main passion is wildlife. I worked in a very successful private conservation organisation in Swaziland for almost 2 decades during which time I was exposed to many incredible experiences, from the somewhat scary midnight anti-poaching patrols to the awe of watching a rhino give birth or a herd of elephant frolicking in a water hole in the midday sun. I also experienced the gruesome horrors of rhino poaching up close and personal and this sparked something in me, a need to do everything I can to protect our beleaguered wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Over the years I have developed a real affinity with the bush – the simplicity, the “realness”, the ebb and flow. We just cannot allow this to be obliterated right before our eyes. Together with my partner, the beautiful and extremely talented wildlife photographer Chantelle Melzer, we have started several initiatives to create awareness and hopefully make a tangible difference in the fight to protect our natural heritage.
Sporting bio:
- Taken part in kayaking events and expeditions in over 30 countries on 4 continents… so far!
- Multiple times South African Freestyle Kayaking Champion and competed in two World Championship events.
- Winner of numerous local extreme down river races and the South African National Extreme Downriver Race Series in 2014
- First decent of the Zambezi’s Batoka Gorge on a standup-paddleboard as part of the #StandUp4Rhinos team.
- Two times winner of the Swazi Xtreme Adventure Race (Sport Edition) as part of team Aieesh.com
Reason for taking challenge:
So many of us get despondent at the seemingly ceaseless decimation of our precious wildlife and wonder what, if anything we can do to make a difference and also, which of the many conservation organisations to support. What I love about the Rhino Peak Challenge is that both beneficiaries (EWT and Wildlife ACT) are reputable, proactive organisations with a proven track record doing extremely valuable work in the conservation of endangered species and habitats. For this reason I am confident that my efforts in taking part in the RPC are going to the right place i.e. making a REAL difference and I urge my entire network of family, friends and followers to get behind me and this event knowing your support will be doing so too! There is a wealth of additional info on the website about the specific projects and how the funds are used. So hit that pledge button and let’s make a difference!!
Personal sponsor:
Salomon
Raw Adrenaline
Pelican
Fluid Kayaks
First Ascent
Sweet Protection
GoPro South Africa
