Matty McNair
Internationally recognized as the top woman polar guide in the world, Matty has journeyed to both Poles setting several very impressive world records.
Amongst Matty's favourite expeditions includes having led the first women's expedition to the North Pole in 1997.
After leading 2 expeditions 600 nautical miles to the South Pole, Matty returned in 2004-5 to take her daughter (Sarah) and son (Eric) to the South Pole. Sarah (age 18) & Eric (age 20) became the youngest in the world to ski to the South Pole. Matty and Sarah are the first Canadian women to ski all the way to the South Pole. Matty and her son, Eric (who both have duel citizenship) were the first Americans to ski all the way to the South Pole unsupported and un-resupplied. From the South Pole they kite-skied back in a world record of 17 days! (The world record is now 5 days!)
One month later, Matty headed to the other end of the earth. She guided the Ultimate North Expedition; a dog sledding journey from Cape Columbia to the North Pole. Arriving at the North Pole in just under Robert Peary's 1909 record time of 37 days, thus proving that his disputed dash was in fact possible.
Matty has an infectious zest for life, a creative mind, a lateral problem solving approach to challenges and a great sense of humor. Read more about that zest here: "Lessons from the Alpha Bitch"
When not leading expeditions Matty is off on her own personal journeys down rivers, up mountains and over ice caps.
Expeditions – Life Experience
Baffin Dog Sledding Expedition, 2009, a 2,000 km journey up the East coast of Baffin Island
Shakelton Centenary Expedition, 2009, Matty trained and led the 97 group to the South Pole www.shackletoncentenary.org
Ultimate North 2005 North Pole Expedition
Matty guided a British team, with 2 teams of dogs, following Peary’s 1909 route from Cape Columbia to the North Pole.
Kites On Ice 2004-5
Matty was the leader of this un-supported, un-resupplied, 52 day, expedition to the South Pole with her kids, Sarah & Eric. The team kite-skied back in a world record breaking 17 days. In one day they covered 107 nautical miles.
South Pole 2002-3 & 2003-4
Matty led 2 ski-all-the-way expeditions from the edge of the Antarctic continent to the South Pole, with one re-supply.
Matty guided a ski mountaineering expedition to climb Mt. Barbeau. At 8,900 feet, it is the highest mountain east of the Rockies.
Ellesmere Island Traverse 2000
Matty guided a ski and dog sled expedition across Ellesmere Island through the historic Sverdrup Pass.
North Pole 1997
Matty guided the first women's expedition to the North Pole, an 82 day journey across the shifting polar ice pack.
Baffin Island Expedition 1990.
Paul & Matty completed the first circumnavigation of Baffin Island traveling 4,000 kilometers with Canadian Inuit Dogs.
Mountaineering Expeditions to South America
1981 Peru, climbed six peaks including Huascaran 22,180 ft.
1983 Peru & Bolivia, climbed 4 peaks including Illimani 21,280 ft.
Whitewater Expeditions:
1979 & 1981 Grand Canyon, private trips
Wilderness whitewater rivers: Moisie, Missinaibie, and Coppermine
1980 Whitewater kayaking trip to New Zealand
Author:
On Thin Ice A Women's Journey To The North Pole. An honest and engaging story of the first women's expedition to the North Pole.
Co-authored Basic River Canoeing and Outward Bound's Wilderness Canoeing Handbook.
Leadership:
Outward Bound During her 22 year involvement with Outward Bound, (1974 to 1996) Matty worked with four Outward Bound Schools across North America. Her responsibilities included: Whitewater Co-coordinator, Instructor & Course Director, Staff Training, Program Development, Program Manager, Equipment Manager & Logistics Manager.