Public Speaking

-- Please contact Skurka for information, pricing, and availability --

Andrew Skurka is an experienced and sought-after speaker whose stories, take-home messages, personality, and age appeal to a broad range of audiences. He has given over 150 presentations to a cumulative audience of over 10,000. He has spoken to fellow outdoor enthusiasts, college and K-12 students, Boy Scouts, Young President Organization members, and corporate outdoor clubs. And he has presented in 5-star banquet halls, community theaters, outdoor retail stores, classrooms, church basements, and college auditoriums.

But most important, Skurka just thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to share the experiences that he has been fortunate to have. With each audience his goal is to pass on some inspiration, some knowledge, some good stories, and some additional appreciation for the natural world and for life.

Current Schedule

Skurka is currently undertaking the Alaska-Yukon Expedition. He should be able to give presentations again by November 2010, maybe even October.

Presentation Descriptions

Skurka has two standard presentations: the adventure-centric "Far, Fast, and Light" program is designed for a general audience; and the "Lightweight Backpacking & Skills Clinic" is for audiences wanting specific how-to information. Both presentations are tailored beforehand based on the hosting organization, expected audience demographics, and event schedule and objectives.

Frequently, Skurka delivers a 2-presentation program, which seems to be more effective than combining two distinct topics into one. Many audience members are more interested in one subject than the other, so the 2-presentation program allows them to choose; and Skurka can also share more of his experiences and knowledge because he is not as time-constrained. Plus, the 2-presentation program is a better value for the host.

Skurka can also prepare one-off presentations when his standard material is not applicable.

"Far, Fast, and Light: 23,000+ miles of Outdoor Adventures"

Ideal audience: General

Optimal length: 65-75 minutes including Q&A

Description: Twenty-eight-year-old Andrew Skurka has spent half of his adult life trekking through the world's greatest wildlands, carrying everything he needs in a small backpack, sleeping on the ground and under the stars, and developing an ever-deeper connection with the natural world that both enlivens and humbles him. In this hour-long event Skurka entertains and inspires the audience by sharing some of his favorite experiences from the American West, Alaska, Iceland, North Country, and Appalachian Mountains. He also reflects on the broader significance and meaning of his experiences, and highlights the life lessons that he's learned along the way, including the importance of pursuing passions, establishing goals, and seizing opportunities. Skurka's narrative is complimented by stunning photography and amusing video clips. A Q&A session will follow the presentation and an assortment of Skurka's lightweight backpacking gear will be on display.

"Lightweight Backpacking & Skills Clinic"

Ideal audience: Aspiring and experienced backpackers, regardless of age, goals, or style; ideal for Boy Scout troops, university outdoor programs, and outdoor retailers

Optimal length: 2 hours, including constant discussion and frequent demonstrations

Description: The reasons that most of us go backpacking is to enjoy nature and companionship, to get some healthy exercise, and to escape from traffic jams and fluorescent lights. Unfortunately, backpacking has always seemed to involve carrying heavy packs that cause achy joints and blisters and that make it difficult to enjoy the "hiking" part of the backpacking experience. But it doesn't have to be this way -- lighten up! This hands-on clinic will show you why and how you can be safer and more comfortable, and have more fun, by carrying less and lighter equipment on your next backpacking trip. It will taught by accomplished long-distance backpacker Andrew Skurka, National Geographic Adventure's 2007 "Adventurer of the Year" and an instructor for Backpacking Light Magazine's Wilderness Trekking School. His goal will be to give you the knowledge and confidence to enjoy a weekend backpacking trip while carrying no more than 20 pounds of gear, food, and water. The clinic starts with a big-picture discussion about lightweight backpacking: why go light, core principals, steps to lightening up, etc. A demo of lightweight gear follows -- packs, shelters, stoves, clothing, water purification, etc. Finally, Skurka assembles a lightweight kit that is applicable to local conditions and to the audience's backpacking objectives.

Testimonials

Tim Barnes, The Trail Store, Louisville, KY
"Far, Fast, and Light" is all about backpacking and trekking, yet it is about none of these things. Andrew Skurka's presence and delivery lit up our shop. Customers laughed, smiled, and let their jaws drop to a presentation that would equally resonate with the indoorsy and outdoorsy. I could not think of better inspiration to kick off our spring/summer season at The Trail Store.

Amy Anslinger, Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation for Wright State University
Andrew Skurka's personable, articulate style clearly took the audience on a fascinating journey. Not only did the audience enjoy the stories behind the places Andrew had been, and incredible photography, but it was intriguing to understand the evolution of how he came to choose the trips he has done with insight into trip planning and mental toughness that ultimately allowed him to be successful. This program was spot-on for people seeking inspiration but also for people intrigued by the how's and why's of Skurka's epic adventures. Everyone left ready to get on the trail and find their own adventure.

Lorana Jinkerson, Professor Emeritus at Northern Michigan University
"WOW!" was my first reaction to both of Andrew's presentations, "Lightweight Backpacking & Skills Clinic" and "Far, Fast, and Light." Presenting before groups of about 150 and 300, respectively, to Northern Michigan University students, North Country Trail Hikers members and Marquette area community members, Andrew kept them spell-bound as he shared his experiences and philosophy of life, all while displaying some incredible sights on the screen behind him. His enthusiasm and genuine love for adventure came through as an inspiration to the audience.

Handouts

Below are PDF's of the handouts I sometimes distribute during my presentations.

Why Go Light?

How to Go Light

Financial Considerations in Lightening Up

Gear List: Great Western Loop

Lightweight Backpacking Resources