Udupi, Karnataka – In the demanding realms of high-altitude mountaineering and whitewater kayaking, Anne Mathias stands out as a unique force. Hailing from the coastal town of Udupi in Karnataka, Anne has not only shattered gender and age barriers but has also set new benchmarks in winter mountaineering through her remarkable achievements.
From Coastal Roots to Mountain Peaks –
Anne’s journey into mountaineering began unexpectedly. During a visit to Himachal Pradesh, an impromptu solo trek near Dharamshala led her to lose her way in the Dhauladhar range. This humbling experience ignited a passion for the mountains, prompting her to enroll at the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where she received formal training in mountaineering techniques.
Her dedication culminated on February 14, 2018, when she became the first woman to complete an alpine winter ascent of Stok Kangri (6,153m) in Ladakh. Undertaken in alpine style—carrying all equipment without the support of high-altitude porters—this ascent is considered one of the most challenging forms of mountaineering. Facing temperatures plummeting to minus 40 degrees Celsius and wind speeds of 50 km/h, Anne and her partners Keval Kakka and Lapu displayed exceptional resilience and skill during the expedition.
Conquering Rapids: A budding Force in Whitewater Kayaking
Transitioning from mountains to rivers, Anne has established herself as a growing presence in the Indian whitewater kayaking world. As a safety kayaker and trainee river guide with Aqua terra Adventures in Rishikesh, she ensures the safety of fellow adventurers rafting through the beloved rapids of the Ganges. Her role demands not only technical proficiency but also acute situational awareness and leadership.
Anne’s talent was on display at the International Malabar River Festival in 2022, where she secured two silver medals in the intermediate kayaking category. Further showcasing her versatility, she dominated the 1st National Sea Kayak & Stand-Up Paddling Championships in Tuticorin clinching three gold medals in sea kayaking events.
https://www.thevibe.me/editorial/0414-annie-mathias-first-alpine-winter-ascent-of-stok-kangri
A Multifaceted Contributor to Adventure Sports
Beyond her athletic endeavors, Anne has played a pivotal role in promoting adventure sports in India. She managed social media for Kerala Tourism contributing to the success of prominent events like the Megha Kayak Festival 2022 and the Malabar River Festival 2023. Her efforts have been instrumental in elevating the profile of these festivals and encouraging greater participation.
Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Support
Despite her impressive accomplishments, Anne’s journey has been largely self-funded. Unlike counterparts in states such as Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, where governmental support for women in adventure sports is more prevalent, Anne has relied on personal savings to finance her training, equipment, and expeditions because of the age barrier that most places have when giving access to help and sponsorships to budding athletes.
An Inspiration for Aspiring Adventurers
Anne’s story is a testament to determination, resilience, and passion. Her transition from a coastal upbringing to achieving feats in some of India’s most challenging terrains serves as an inspiration to many. Through her achievements, she exemplifies the heights that can be reached with unwavering dedication and a pioneering spirit.
https://www.instagram.com/wandering_dreamcatcher?igsh=dWJlM25wcThrb3hx
For those interested in following Anne’s journey or exploring potential collaborations, she maintains an active presence on social media under the handle @wandering_dreamcatcher.
Anne Mathias continues to redefine boundaries in adventure sports, embodying the spirit of exploration and breaking new ground for women in India and beyond.
