Eric McNair-Landry
Eric McNair-Landry attended 4 years of university at Acadia in the field of applied sciences. In 2004-5 he took off a
year of school to join the family Kites on Ice Expedition and became
the first American/Canadian to haul un-resupplied to the South Pole.
Eric is passionate about kiting. When there is no wind, he spends
his time in teaching himself computer graphics and website design.
Expeditions – Life Experience
2009 Pittarak Gobi
The Pittarak team re-grouped and headed out into the Mongolian desert for a 32 day epic adventure traveling with the use of kite buggies. They traveled 1200 km across the Gobi desert enduring difficult terrain and sand storms while uploading video updates to a webpage that Eric designed and coded.
2009 Iqaluit to Qikiqtarjuaq
Eric departed from his home town of Iqaluit , with 2 dog teams, to travel to Pangnirtung and on through Auyuittuq National Park , ending in the town on Qikiqtarjuaq.
2008 Will Steger Greenland Kite Training
An east to west kite training, completed in 23 days with a heavy focus on teaching Will Steger how to kite ski. Eric acted as one of Wills personal trainers.
Letter of Commendation
Eric was awarded a letter of commendation for saving the life of Pauloosie Ipeelie. The 9 year old child was struggling to swim back to shore in the Frobisher Bay after his make shift boat overturned.
2008 Ellesmere Island Expedition
Eric participated and completed much of the training and logistics for the 2008 Ellesmere Island Expedition. The 62 day expedition was the 3 expedition to travel the west coast of Axel Heiberg Island . During the expedition Eric played the important role of a dog team driver, and technology/ update software guru. During training he was responsible for the building & maintaining the dog sleds, training 3 dog teams and troubleshooting the technology for communications, website updates, and solar recharging systems.
Pittarak Expedition 2007
Eric achieved his dream; kite-skiing the Greenland Ice cap from south (Nasaq) to north (Quuauuq) in 45 days with his sister Sarah McNair-Landry and friend Curtis Jones, demonstrating his ability to take a dream and make a reality. Eric helped with fund raising, website design, logistics, food planning, and training. The Pittarak team became the second team to complete the route.
Nahani River trip 2006
With two friends Eric rafted the Nahani River , from Moose Ponds, in 14 days. His whitewater skills and enthusiasm for adventure made this a safe and memorable trip.
Polar training
Eric has been an instructor on the Winter NorthWinds Polar Training Courses in 2006, 2008 and 2009, responsible for instructing: X-C skiing, pulling pulks, seeking sponsorship tips, how to set up communications and recharging systems, polar food pack-out, winter camping, navigation, and expedition travel styles. He instructed a Spring Kite-ski Polar Training in 2006 and in 2009.
Greenspeed 2005
Eric holds the world record for the fastest crossing of the Greenland Ice cap; 7 days from east to west. This expedition completed a double crossing of the Greenland ice cap, from ocean to ocean, starting and finishing on the east side.
Kites On Ice Expedition 2004-5
In 2004, Eric journeyed with his mother, sister and 2 sponsor/friends to the South Pole from Hercules Inlet, a 600 nautical mile expedition in 52 days un-supported & un-resupplied. Later the team kited back to Hercules inlet in 17 days.
Kite Instructor
Eric spent the summer of 2004 instructing kiting & guiding sea kayaking trips on the Ile de la Madeline , Quebec , working for Eric Marchant owner of Aerosport.
Kids & Kites on Ice, 2003
On a 24 day family expedition, Eric crossed the Greenland Ice Cap, skiing, dog sledding and kiting.
Soper River , 2004
Eric was co-leader on a 6 day Soper River raft trip with a heavy focus on filming. He was responsible for guiding, food packing and preparation, safety, and logistics, and finding suitable film locations.
Film Projects:
Eric has worked with film projects including driving dogs for the Angry Planet, Kardluk film (about Captain Bartlett's ill fated expedition), and the BBC's Top Dogs featuring Renal Fiennes.
Canadian Ski Marathon
Eric has completed both Bronze and Silver in the 100 mile, 2 day, ski Marathon from Montreal to Ottawa .
Other interests include:
Whitewater canoeing, dirt surfing, wood working, down hill and cross country skiing, 3D graphic animation, web design, and working with renewable energies.