PROJECT SEVEN FOR SOLDIERS
Project Seven for Soldiers is an attempt by Dawson to set seven world records. Activities include: multiple polar expeditions; global mountain climbing; a global circumnavigation flight; an oceanic crossing; and a desert traverse. Completing 10 of 10 expeditions since May 2021, the speed of his success rate is something previously unseen. Check out the global tracker to see what Dawson has been up to!
SFS Roadmap
SFS Global Tracker
Records will Include:
Records will Include:
Explorers Grand Slam
The Explorers Grand Slam (“EGS”) consists of climbing the Seven Summits (the highest peak on each of the seven continents) and skiing to the North Pole and South Pole. The EGS can be completed in two ways: true and last degree. Dawson’s Peak will include the last degree EGS. Additionally, both the Messner and Bass Seven Summit lists will be attempted.
Mojave Desert/Death Valley Trek
The Mojave Desert is a xeric desert in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the Southwestern United States. Death Valley is a valley in the northern Mojave and the hottest place on earth with a recorded temperature of 134°F. Route will traverse the Amargosa, Panamint and Argus mountain ranges.
- Type: Solo, unsupported trek
- Distance: Approx. 220 miles
- Beginning cart/pack weight: Approx. 200lbs
Atlantic Rowboat Crossing
Route: Departure (Canary Islands) – Arrival (Guadeloupe)
- Distance: Approx. 2,685 nm (approx. 3,100 sm)
- Partner: Captain Patrick Favre
Global Circumnavigation Flight
- Route: Final route is under evaluation but will likely include eastward departure from Los Angeles, CA and include northern Atlantic and northern Pacific crossings
- Distance: Approx. 20,000 nm – 22,000 nm (approx. 24,000 sm)
- Estimated time en route: Approx. 35 days
- Aircraft: Likely single engine Cirrus, Piper or Cessna (currently under evaluation)
Training and Injury Recovery / Management
In preparation for project Seven for Soldiers, Dawson trained on five continents; climbed three of the Seven Summits; climbed various peaks in the France, Swiss and Italian Alps (including the Matterhorn); and focused on both IFR and Multi-Engine flight training. When not traveling, he split time between his home in Los Angeles, CA and Lone Pine, CA (Sierra Nevada and Inyo mountains).
In his late teens, Dawson experienced crippling compartmental syndrome in both lower legs that prevented him from ascending even a single flight of stairs and eventually required surgical repair. An intensive daily stretch and strengthening regime is utilized to manage complications that still exist pertaining to the compartmental issues.
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