In 1986 a ragtag team of twelve explorers attempted to kayak the Amazon from source to sea. Their journey began 16,000 feet up in the Peruvian Andes and ended 4,200 miles away at the Atlantic Ocean. They faced death at every turn, running class 5+ rapids, grappling with drug runners, negotiating with guerrilla armies, and overcoming a mutiny.

For the author Joe Kane the trip was transformative. "So all I can say is this. For a while at least the Amazon sucked me out of my cocoon and my life has been the better for it. To anyone seriously considering a flying leap into the void I say, go."