Ash Dykes has hit back at ‘ridiculous’ claims that his Congo Basin communications blackout was a publicity stunt.
Dykes made headlines when he announced plans to kayak 400 miles through the remote Congo Basin with just two other people, an expedition which put him at the mercy of the elements and dangerous wild animals such as crocodiles, silverback gorillas and hippos.
The journey wasn’t without its hiccups either, as Dykes, his local guide Obed Temba Tuyumvire and videographer Will Perez briefly lost connection with his team back in London for 24 hours, leading to concerns about their safety.
Now safely back in London, the 35-year-old has clarified what happened during the blackout and responded to claims that his ‘disappearance’ was a hoax to generate publicity.
Dykes has hit back at ‘ridiculous’ publicity stunt claims (Ash Dykes)
“I would say that would be a ridiculous thing to do, given the severity of the expedition that I was attempting,” Dykes told LADbible, when asked about the claims.
The adventurer was, however, quick to acknowledge that backlash is an inevitable part of going viral, adding: “I think you’re always going to get people thinking it’s inauthentic or it’s fake… You’re always going to get criticised no matter what you do.
“I think there’s a lot of influencers that hated the amount of traction and attention that the expedition had, and they were looking for ways to shut me down, which is a shame to see.”
Dykes did acknowledge there were ‘lessons learned’ for both himself and his team when it came to public updates. “I put a lot of pressure on the social media team to make sure that no matter what happens we want this to be as live as possible,” he said.
“It was almost like a lose-lose. [The team] felt they needed to let everyone know but in hindsight, whilst we want it to be really live or as live as possible, those sensitive details the team need to keep between themselves and not share everything publicly, especially when it’s stuff like that that could get the world worrying and panicking.”
“If you make a mistake the jungle will make you pay with your life.”
Ash also addressed critics who claimed his journey was ‘too boring’, explaining that, as a crew of just three people, it simply wouldn’t have been safe to perform entertaining stunts.
“There’s no TV production, no helicopter on standby, no crew, no paramedic,” he said. “It’s three dudes just paddling in an inflatable kayak at seven kilometres an hour.
“I think there were a lot of youngsters that wanted to see more action, but they don’t realise that if we made a mistake and we did see a hippo, that would have been the end of us.
“If you make a mistake, the jungle will make you pay with your life,” he added. “The minute you chase a little bit of fun, it just really could be the end.”
He also teased his next journey (Instagram/ash_dykes)
Despite the inevitable dangers and backlash that come with trekking through a remote part of the world, Dykes is looking forward to his next Project 6 mission, with an announcement to come very soon.
As to what Dykes’ next challenge will be, he kept the finer details close to his chest, but did drop a couple of hints, revealing that it will be taking place in a much colder environment.
“It’s probably a good 40 or so degrees Celsius difference from the Congo. It isn’t by foot, nor is it by kayak,” he said.
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