2024

Ben Kilners Big Adventure: Made Safe With Help From Lomo

Ben Kilner

Ben Kilner embarked on a journey across Scotland with a passion for exploration, a knack for creation, and a heart for giving back. His latest mission was to traverse the legendary Great Glen Way, not by conventional means, but by crafting his own unique canoe-bike hybrid machine and documenting his journey.

Lomo Watersport: Supporting Ben’s Mission

At Lomo Watersport, we believe in empowering adventurers like Ben. His innovative spirit and commitment to making a positive impact aligned perfectly with our values. We were thrilled to support his mission and provided him with essential outdoor safety gear, including:

  • Two 32″ canoe floatation bags to keep his canoe floating.
  • A Lomo Bailo buoyancy aid to keep him safe on the water.
  • A Lomo midge hat (It is Scotland we are talking about)
  • Lomo kayaking gloves to protect his hands.
  • A Lomo Coriolis offshore sailing jacket to protect him from the summer rain and wind.
  • A Lomo folding reflective camping mat to protect him from the ground when he slept.
  • A pair of motorcycle dry bag adventure panniers to protect his kit when he travelled.

Folding Reflective Camping Mat

£19.99

Midge Net Hat

£13.99

Kayak Gloves – Neoprene Amara

£11.00

Lomo Bailo Buoyancy Aid

£28.50

Motorcycle Adventure Pannier Dry Bags – Medium (1 Pair)

£59.00

32″ Canoe Airbag – Buoyancy Bag

£17.00

Coriolis Offshore Sailing Jacket

£149.99

Ben’s Skill And Passion For Creation

For most, the journey starts at the start line, but for Ben his journey started with building his own Frankenstein transportation device (unlike Frankenstein, Ben’s hybrid is a thing of beauty)

Ben Kilner’s ability to construct a canoe-bike hybrid from scratch is a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering passion for crafting. Here are a few key aspects to the project:

  • Engineering Prowess: Ben is evidently an outside-the-box kind of thinker,  in conceptualising his adventure, he then needed to dream up a transportation device to make it a reality. He demonstrated a deep understanding of engineering principles, particularly in terms of mechanics and materials. He was able to design and build a machine that could seamlessly transition between water and land, requiring careful consideration of factors like weight distribution, stress points, gearing, buoyancy, balance, and propulsion.
  • Traditional Craftsmanship: Ben built a frame from wood and then covered it in a synthetic material to construct the canoe portion of his hybrid. This method involved stretching material over a wooden frame and then coating it in resin, a skill that requires patience, precision, and a keen eye for detail.
  • Innovative Thinking: Beyond traditional methods, Ben also incorporated innovative elements into his design, such as the “Pedal Paddle” system that allowed him to switch between paddling and cycling. This showcased his ability to think outside the box and find creative solutions to challenges with complex gearing, chains and innovative transition mechanisms.
  • Resourcefulness: Ben’s journey was marked by his resourcefulness. He was able to repurpose old bike parts, go-karts and other materials to create the land-based components of his hybrid, demonstrating his ability to make the most of available resources.

In addition to his technical skills, Ben’s passion for creation was evident in the care and attention he put into every aspect of this project. His enthusiasm for the challenge and his commitment to bringing his vision to life were inspiring to witness. We recommend you watch the entire birthing process via his social media channels (links below). 

But it did not stop there, as you would expect with a first-of-its-kind adventure machine, there were many snags along the way from wood delamination, sprockets bending and chains snapping, however, Bens MacGyvering acumen saw his machine repaired and ready for adventure each time.

Ben’s Incredible Journey

Ben’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Starting in Fort William, he paddled his homemade canoe along the Caledonian Canal, including the iconic Loch Ness. Upon reaching Inverness, he transitioned to land, cycling back to Fort William on his unique bike-canoe hybrid.

As noted earlier, throughout his adventure, Ben captured breathtaking footage and shared his experiences on social media. His engaging content quickly went viral, inspiring countless people to explore their own passions and make a difference.

Some of the videos released by Ben from the Lochside are incredible, especially when you think for some of the shots he was paddling, steering, flying his drone and appearing in the shot before editing outdoors (phone, possibly laptop). Very impressive.

 

great-glen-way-map

A Cause Close to Ben’s Heart

Beyond the adventure, Ben’s journey had a deeper purpose. He was raising funds for the charity A Leg To Stand On, which aims to bring mobility to children in developing countries with limb disabilities. By sharing his story and inspiring others, Ben hoped to raise awareness and support for this important cause. Ben raised over £4000 on this adventure, and you can help by donating here.

Inspiring Millions Through Creation

Ben Kilner’s passion for creation has resonated with millions of people across social media, inspiring them to embark on their own adventures and pursue their creative endeavours. 

Why Hundreds Are Tuning In: The Power of Ben Kilner’s Content

Ben Kilner’s infectious passion for creation is the driving force behind his viral social media success. Here’s why hundreds of thousands tune in:

Relatable Authenticity: Ben’s genuine enthusiasm and honest portrayal of his challenges have made him incredibly relatable. Viewers can see themselves in his journey, inspiring them to believe that their own dreams, there own projects are achievable.

Cinematic Storytelling: Ben’s ability to capture stunning footage (Go Pros, Drones, creative shots galore) transformed his DIY project and then his adventure into a cinematic experience. His attention to detail and visual storytelling draws us in, making us feel like we are part of the journey, of the experince.

Empowering Inspiration: By sharing his triumphs and setbacks, Ben empowered viewers to believe in their own potential. His story proves that with determination and creativity, anything is possible.

A Thriving Community: Ben’s social media channels are a haven for like-minded individuals. The sense of community fostered engagement and amplified his message, creating a positive and supportive environment.

Episodal Gold: Each episode is short and jam packed with goodies, leaving the viewres salivating for the next chapter. 

In essence, Ben’s content resonates with viewers because he is authentic, inspiring, and empowering. Ben Kilner’s incredible journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of supporting those who dare to dream big. With the help of Lomo Watersport and his unwavering determination, Ben is not only achieving his goal of inspiring a million people but has also made a significant impact on the lives of children in need. His story is a reminder that adventure can be found anywhere and that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting effect.

We look forward to the next adventure, keep inspiring Ben, Team Lomo