By Maia Zewert
Alvah Maloney, of New Harbor, snapped this photo of Ian Adamson, Jeremy Rodgers, and Nels Siverson five minutes after the group launched from St. Andrews, New Brunswick on Aug. 7. Maloney and the group kayaked from St. Andrews to Rockland for “World of Adventure,” a series on NBC that features expeditions and extreme sports. Maloney will appear in the episode airing Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. (Photo courtesy Alvah Maloney) |
It is not every day the owner of a kayak company has the chance to lead world-class athletes on a kayak tour of the Maine coast, but for Alvah Maloney, it was just part of his summer.
Maloney, co-owner of Maine Kayak in New Harbor, will appear on an upcoming episode of the series “World of Adventure” on NBC.
“World of Adventure” is an Emmy award-winning television show featuring expedition adventures and extreme sports. Athletes like two-time Olympic gold medalist Shawn White and world champion professional surfer Kelly Slater have appeared on the show, and on Sunday, Sept. 13, Maloney will be able to add his name to the list.
A little more than a month ago, a producer reached out to Maloney about the possibility of leading a few people on a kayak trip for an episode of the show.
“At the time I had a lot on my plate,” Maloney said. “It was right in the middle of the peak season for business, but our staff stepped up and I said sure.”
Maloney joined Ian Adamson, a world-champion adventure racer and three-time Guinness World Record holder for endurance kayaking; Jeremy Rodgers, a member of the USA Wildwater National Team; and Nels Siverson, a 73-year-old friend of Adamson who Maloney described as quite an athlete himself, on the weeklong expedition.
Maloney said he had watched Adamson compete in adventure races on television, so to get to meet the man in person was a little intimidating. However, within minutes of meeting the three gentlemen, Maloney said he was welcomed with open arms.
“There was an immediate camaraderie,” Maloney said. “They are all incredible and inspiring individuals, and to get to spend time on this trip was just amazing.”
Filming took place Aug. 7 to 14 as the group kayaked from St. Andrews, New Brunswick to Rockland. The trip included traveling around West Quoddy Head Light, the easternmost part of the continental United States; visits to Campobello Island, Isle Au Haut, and Vinalhaven; and hiking in Acadia National Park.
The group was accompanied by videographers and drones to document the adventure.
Despite a couple logistical bumps along the way, Maloney said he could not have asked for a better trip.
“When we got to Rockland, we wanted to turn back around and do it again,” Maloney said. “It was an epic trip of a lifetime.”
With the knowledge about the coast of Maine he gained on the trip, Maloney said he’s inspired to offer a similar island camping trip through Maine Kayak.
The episode of “World of Adventure” featuring Maloney will air on NBC Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m.
