Busy, Busy, Busy
The last couple days have been pretty crazy over here. I have been doing tons of interviews - Jimmy Kimmel, all the news and a bunch of morning show stations, ESPN's Jim Rome is Burning, and a follow up story for ESPN: the magazine (with Chris Jones - due out next Friday), oh and Mark and Brian radio show and tons more. I've also been chilling with my friends and cleaning up Intrepid. I still haven't finished doing my laundry!
I have been talking to MTV about possibilities of them doing a series on my next adventure which has been very cool. By the way, if anyone has any good ideas for my next adventure, either comment on the blog here or email it to me at zacsworldadventure@yahoo.com.
Tonight, the Westlake Yacht Club hosted a 'welcome home' party that was a blast. A lot of people showed up just to say 'hey' and welcome me back.
My family and I are going to the Do Hard Things conference tomorrow in Costa Mesa which should be great and then on to the Giraldo at Large show tomorrow night.
Lots happening here. I'll try to keep ya all up to date with whats going on over here.
Peace,
Zac
I have been talking to MTV about possibilities of them doing a series on my next adventure which has been very cool. By the way, if anyone has any good ideas for my next adventure, either comment on the blog here or email it to me at zacsworldadventure@yahoo.com.
Tonight, the Westlake Yacht Club hosted a 'welcome home' party that was a blast. A lot of people showed up just to say 'hey' and welcome me back.
My family and I are going to the Do Hard Things conference tomorrow in Costa Mesa which should be great and then on to the Giraldo at Large show tomorrow night.
Lots happening here. I'll try to keep ya all up to date with whats going on over here.
Peace,
Zac
posted by Zac at
9:58 PM
43 Comments:
Great to hear your doing so well Zac, we haven't seen any Jen photos lately Whats the status on your book and on jens?
What an killer story, I am new to the site and the Around the world thing I know, I must have had my head buried in a hole, in my defense I'm on a military base thats classified and we're not allowed much internet. Its been super fun reading all the blogs about Zac while on leave. God was watching over you dude. I have followed the Praxis shows for along time about sailing around the world and the ocean rescue, when I get out of the military I want to go sailing or work in the boating business. I watched your video's they really made me want to get on a boat and see the world. Some made me think maybe I need sailing lessons first, but awesome dude and Praxis thanks again for more good ocean shows. What a great hook up praxis and Zac.
Thanks for keeping in touch Zac.
Glad things are going well for you.
Always good to hear what you are up to!
UK friend
I picked up on your adventure when you were leaving the Marshall Islands. I think that what you accomplished is quite remarkable and I am grateful that you made it back almost in one piece. You asked for some input into your next adventure and I have decided that I want to add my two cents worth of advice, even though I know that you are not going to like it, nor do I have any expectations that you will follow it.
First, you need to get out of debt! That means your parents need to be paid back something towards the $150,000. Secondly, if you are going to have another adventure, it needs to come out of your earnings and not your parents. You have brothers and sisters that also have needs and your parent's resources are not a bottomless pit. Thirdly, if you believe in doing hard things then prove it by getting a college education. A college education does not necessarily mean that it has to be converted into dollars and cents or into a vocation. You are smart! You claim that you believe in God. Is it not true that your God gave you a mind to do the best thinking that you are capable of doing? Then don't insult your God by doing shabby thinking!
Ergo, your next adventure should be to obtain a college degree! Do something hard!
Your unknown friend,
Brian
Zac I have followed your story for most of your trip and it has been a real pleasure and a lesson in faith of our Lord and Savior. I ask that you continue that faith journey and stay strong against the Hollywood side that wants to water down your faith or show it less genuine. You are a shining star to Gods Glory! Humble yourself before the Lord Resist the Devil and he will flee from you! I wish great things for you and pray for your heart in all that is being offered to you. God Speed and God Bless.
Zac,
Here's an idea for the MTV gig - how about a show that chronicles your trip to every inhabited island in the world which can only be accessed by boat?
Hey Zac, thanks for the up date..sure sounds like your busy..hope your getting sleep in between.
Really awesome news about all the offers your getting.
So your looking for ideas huh? I'm not sure i would get to into the MTV thing..too much publicity will take away your privacy..Its gunna get hard to just go to the movie or mall with your friends and family... you can already see how certain peeps get all up in your face for no stinkin reason.. once your out in the public eye that much your life will def. be different. I know you and your folks will continue to make the right choices.
What ever you do, im sure you will do well..just don't let any one rush you into any thing..unless of course its your mom getting you to clean your room and finish that laundry lol.
Have fun!!
Laura in Bermuda Dunes
I pray for wisdom for you Zac. Don't do anything towards your next adventure without bathing the entire thing in prayer to see "if" and "what" you are to do. God will lead you and confirm His direction for you as you seek Him.
Many blessings!
@Brian -
"Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Matthew 16:23
I am really confused why MTV is interested in your adventures? Have you watched any of the programming lately? It seems to me that they are really good at exploiting young people and their absurd behaviour. Zac's adventure would be seen between the programming of The Real World and The Hills...hmm. Whatever you decide to do, just don't become another "Speidi".
Definately would love to see more adventures out at sea. (btw you mis-spelled Geraldo's name)
You're probably tired of advice but get your education You seem bright enough but without an education you'll just lose everything you make just like all those idiots that win the lotto.
I have enjoyed your journey Zac,I'm not religious so won't get into all the God stuff but I will say Thank Allah or someone that you made it safely back. Be careful in show Biz every single person in the industry is full of bs and will steal you dirty boxers and sell them. But it sound's like your working with a uniquely good production company, and some great photographers. Great work.
And Bo get back on your meds, that just over the top. Honestly turn down the evangelical hysteria a little it's way over the top on this blog. Zac sailed around the world he didn't walk on water around the world. It wasn't a miracle that he made it he had a father to make it happen maybe more than he should have. Your blog is fun to read may a little over the top so be careful and don't buy your own Public Relations, more people fail when they start believing the things they write.
Good luck you deserve something good.
Zac---Thanks for keeping the blog going and letting us know what is happening. Robin Graham's second book "Home is the sailor" and his story after the round the world adventure is also facinating. He still lives in Montana the last I heard. Whatever you decide to do in the way of an adventure, make it a good one but one that CAN be done. I personally would like to see you go back out with Intrepid to some exotic place. You are a born sailor and belong at sea rather than in Montana.
Rusty
Zac,
I think you're awesome! I find myself in that 'too young to be your mom and too old to be your friend' category. But I hope my boys grow into young men of integrity and spirit like you.
Keep walking the walk. I've been watching your blog for several months and am impressed at your tenacity and also impressed by the solidarity in your family. Those are some amazing parents you have! Enjoy them for who they are. Many, many blessings to you!
Don't get into the "fast lane" Zac,
I know of an author,Christine Kling,who writes while living on her sailboat.
My suggestion,write your story without an ending,on Intrepid.
By the time you get to the last chapter...........you'll figure out the ending!
Sure,you may think you have to "strike while the iron's hot",but I'm thinking shooting stars just burn out quickly.
You've got so much more discoveries ahead.
MTV???seeking fame and fortune?(I can't see God backing you on that one?)
Look for something more meaningful!
Straight Wakes,
Mike S.
Do what feels right for you Zac. You are only young once! I would consider lifes experiences equal to education. You have learned to be self sufficient at an age where a lot of kids are still relying solely on their mom and dad.
Hey an adventure I've thought would be fun, is driving the Trans-Pacific hwy, from Prudhoe Bay Alaska to the tip of the South American continent. Think of all the experiences along the way!
I enjoyed reading your blogs! Keep up the adventurous spirit.
A fellow adventurer...
Dorothy
Primary objective is to recoup 150,000 dollars, unless someone want's to just "give" it. I suspect that's Laurence and Marianne's life savings.
First order of the day that.
Thereafter the pressures off and one can pick and choose what to do and not to do.
.....make us proud,Zac.
Hi Zac
Been following your blog for about the last 2 months. Read it all. I commend you on a great feat!
I live in Mammoth Lakes, CA and miss the ocean greatly. I'm raising my two kids 12 & 14. When they head off to college I plan to get back on a boat, and cruise and surf.
For your next quest I recommend you get a backpack some good shoes and start hiking. To prepare for an Everest trip you have to take steps. Take a look at this list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highest_mountain_peaks_of_North_America
Do some of these peaks. Its still summer, maybe get a group of friends and go on a few back packing trips up here in the Sierra. get some mountain legs started as soon as you can . It will be a good break from all the media hype and will help you get focused on your next mission. Go 4 it! Andy
cool, glad you made it all the way around safe and sound- my wife's a Sunderland -it's always fun to see anyone with a matching name doing something cool. Keep it up, and have fun. I've had her out on a Hobie 16, and a Hobie wave before- not quite the same, but sailing is fun regardless.
After reading your blog, I see that you believe your strengths are sailing and playing football. As fun as they may be, it might be hard to support an adventurous lifestyle doing either of them solely. Someone suggested driving across America - that has already been done many times and you don't have a driver's license. First, graduate from high school or get your GED. Go to college - that might be the hardest thing you can do at this point, and it will truly last your lifetime. Many excellent colleges would be proud to have a student with your drive on their campus. Don't miss out on this opportunity to live among your peers and do some book learning. A flash in the pan moment on MTV or any other adventure reality show will not get you through your entire life. Education is the key to success and will last a lifetime.
Cathy G in LA
Zac,
You should check out this web-site in which you can watch free documentaries on-line.
http://www.snagfilms.com/films/browse/topic
They have a few films about the Artic and anything else you can think of. This might motivate you in the direction that interests you the most.
I watched the Jimmy Kimmel interview and he even told you not to rush into anything so quickly. I would take that as great advice from someone who knows the industry.
RG
Hi There Zac,
Has Intrepid been calling your name?? There MUST be a bond of some kind there!
I have to agree with Andy, if Everest is in you sights, you will need to start somewhere and work your way up to it. Have you climbed at all? Do you know how to use the gear you will be using for such a climb? And it does take money to prepare and make an attempt at the climb, with no guarantee that you will summit. The minimal guide fee will run at least $65,000 then about $8,000 for gear, $2,000 for airfare, and of course you will want to visit your lawyer before you leave to get a will made up unless you already have one, so another $1,000 for that. Of course you may already have the gear if you have climbed. Most would not want to climb with you if you have to go out and buy your first set of crampons before you pack for the trip. Not saying you have to go to college, but if you did, you could get some good climbing experience over the next several years, working your way up to tackling Everest. Get some sport climbs, then trad and some comps. My son has been climbing for 4 years, and in October he will be climbing El Capitan in Yosemite. Will take about 4 days. He has had to work his way up to the skill level needed, and he has had to work and save his money to buy his own equipment. The adventure for him has been getting himself to this point in being able to do it.
Everest wouldn't be much of a next big adventure if you just pay somebody to haul you up to the top of it.
Don't let the pressure of doing the "next big thing" rob you of enjoying being a 17 year old and experiencing what teen years you have left, you don't get them back.
Best Regards,
Bob in OKC
Praying for wisdom, balance, conviction, and joy in all your journeys. Check out a beautiful prayer, "St. Patrick's Breastplate." You can find it on-line. A new friend shared it with me. May it help you stay shielded and grounded.
Often have the music "Youth to Youth" shared on one of your video posts floating through my head. Perhaps in some way prophetic for you.
In Christ,
Janis
You asked for it, Zac, so here goes...
Write the best book you can about your trip around the world. (Edit it with real patience). Go to university and study physics, while getting your air pilot's license... get your PHD in geology, and then try to be on the first crew to Mars if NASA is serious about that. I can't think of any other way of topping what you just accomplished. Which no one is asking you to do, by the way.
Maybe you can get Neil Armstrong to finally tell his side of the story of his own adventure... that would be something nobody else has been able to do, yet.
It would also be something if you were able to help your Dad pay off the costs of the trip so far. From experience, that might be the hardest thing of all.
That's about it, skipper. You will always be Zac Sunderland, the boy who sailed around the world.
Good job Zac. Busy, busy, busy. Hope the book is coming along well - we're out here waiting. Glad to know you and Intrepid still have lots of contact :-)
Keep us posted. There are so many adventures out there waiting for you. I know that you will find the one you are supposed to find.
Praying for you,
Kathy
Bend, OR
According to today's Los Angeles Daily News, it appears that Zac will be set, sponsor-wise, and should have some nice endorsements for quite a while.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_12910921?source=rv
He signed with Don Franken, a celebrity and sports agent in L.A.
Good Luck Zac! It looks like Laurence and Marianne will be paid back sooner than expected.
Marilyn in Woodland Hills
Zac,
Be careful who you connect with. Your connection to Good Fight Ministries may be very polarizing. Keep an open mind. You have seen it is a big world. Live what you have seen.
Andy
Zac, Marianne, Laurence are you all, believers of the Good Fight Ministries?
It's interesting because so far everyone's concerns for Zac are right on. The sharks and vultures out there ready to pick his bones to bits.
While at the same time, that's just what he's traversed as he cruised around the world, the sharks below ready to shred him to bits, and the vultures circling above awaiting him to drop dead.
Innately and instinctively he naturally transverse the original of all of this, one then must wonder, if the superficial, the Hollywood, the man made same of it all, can trick him or overwhelm him or entice him, to lean over, fall overboard so the sharks can get to him, or lay their day dreaming till death's bed, where the vultures can then swoop in and pluck out his eyes.
Reality vs. fiction.
That there might be a reality tv series "thing" be worthy of recording for all"
natural boy cursing through natural sharks and vultures vs. city boy encountering man made same.
Who will win :-)
Next adventure: A cruise to Alaska to survey cetacean breeding and feeding. You have a sailboat so you can be quiet and sneaky.
Zac is a fan of Good Fight Ministries on his Facebook.
A Friend in CA
what is this Good fight ministries? I'm open to learning, but from the website they sound like Muslims or any other extremists, so what's the dealo
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/men/article6725769.ece
Zac....
It may help for you to know WHY "and my clients" interest in your adventure began!!!
Not only was a young man sailing the unknown "to most" seas, but blogging about his findings, revelations and the rest of the world in a very natural down to earth form.
It was real, heartfelt and very educational on every level I can think of....The quiet blogging coming together at a global level of caring and anticipation from the experienced to curious!
There doesn’t seem to be a separation of mankind....just helping hands and real life movement. It made me even feel a closeness to Intrepid like I was supporting and cheering her on, learning as you INTREPIDLY forth went!
I still talk about the flip-flops on that island! The dinner that was served to you of I think it was pig blood and liver soup in that diner that was so honoured to serve you! How amazing were they! lol! The blogging of encounters of the miss-understood great sharks of the oceans...! I didn’t know they ate mostly at night! The upheaval in some communities without a bullet-proof vest! Yikes! I didn’t know of a booby bird! loll! How about the "news to me, believe it or not" flying fish!!
Alligators!!!! That hat you wore to walk on the bottom of the ocean with the locals! I can go on and on, and have!
How about that boom you stood on that was on the ocean floor in a remote place!
Your adventure, I believe, brought the world just that much closer into the areas that need our attention "like the plastics in the ocean", you taught me more about the winds, trade winds, currents, great swells and squalls! (I, like the mass majority didn’t know storms were called that!!!!)
........
My friend, unless YOU are.....I'm not tired, nor finished with what Intrepid can teach or maybe even "change" in the ways of plastics or lest how we view the untold stories of the coastlines or open oceans GLOBALY!
College and educations can be found by ways of computers and people on the go as your mom and you have proved!
MOST OF ALL......AS YOU HAVE SHOWN......"REMEMBER"......SAFETY FIRST!!!!
Keep blogging!
Zac, what about tieing in sailing with an important environmental and oceanic thing like global warming? Polar? Anarctica's ice field and wildlife effects. Just a thought. Check out David Ainley at www.penguinescience.com.
Best,
Brian
Zac--
At first, I thought all this talk about Mt. Everest was kind of a joke, just for comparison to what you've actually accomplished. Mt. Everest would seem to be a "step down." How serious are you about Everest--or any mountaineering--at this point?
Considering where you live, surely you have some experience hiking or climbing in the mountains. If not, the Santa Monicas would be an excellent training ground for starters--rugged terrain, nasty plants, the occasional criminal-- not as sensational as tropical islands or glacier-clad peaks, but good for gaining experience. It wouldn't cost you much, unless you got hurt or killed.
There are other challenging and breathtaking mountainous areas in southern California that would be a good "jumping off point" if you wanted to become better acquainted with mountains. Probably more people have died in the San Bernardinos than on Everest! The main things lacking here are extreme elevation, extreme winter conditions, and notoriety.
Anyway, you have already reached a "pinnacle." Any further exploits are going to rely heavily on your God-given communication skills to stir up people's interest in, and understanding of, what you are trying to achieve.
Keep blogging, and give that book your best effort!
First, congratulations on an exceptional accomplishment. There’s a reason so few have solo circumnavigated successfully; it’s physically, emotionally and financially difficult. You’ve proven that you (and your family) have what it takes to do “hard things”.
Second, paying back your family is certainly the ‘right thing’ to do If that has to be done by aligning yourself with MTV, so be it. I do think that if MTV is showing interest, the Discovery Network should also be contacted. Hey, maybe Nickelodeon might be interested, as well.
Third, as someone with a couple of degrees, let me offer contrary advice about pursuing higher education. Your degree can wait. You can apply for a deferred enrollment. But, strike while the iron is hot. Don’t lose that adventuring momentum. There is some cache in being known as “that young adventurer”. You’ll know when it’s time to corral that adventurous spirit and settle into the more sedate college life. You might even be able to pay for it by then.
Finally, my suggestion for your next adventure would be to ride a bicycle around the world solo. I’ve done it, and believe that you could also. You should be able to do it in 15 months for less than the cost of one year at college. It’s an adventure accessible to any reasonably fit person. It doesn’t have to be very dangerous or uncomfortable. I would be happy to help with routing, outfitting, etc. You can contact me through my website, www.OnceAroundOnaBicycle.com.
Other potential adventures that might interest you would be:
Kayaking the Inter-coastal Waterway
Thru-hiking one of the long distance U.S. trails (AT, PCT, CDT, ADT)
Riding a motorcycle around the world (Prudhoe Bay-Ushuaia-Cape Town – Nordkapp)
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you well. I’ve enjoyed following your blog this past year. Thank you.
Mike Clancy
Congratulations on your trip, Zac. As far as suggestions for your next adventure - first, stay close to God and don't let the fame get to you. Second, how about trying to survive a year on a deserted island?
Zac,
It's good to 'hear' your words and that you and family are ok. Glad also to hear that you are enjoying your notoriety at the moment..
well, enjoy your youth....you really are young only once. When that leaves, there is no turning back....so continue to pray before you plan your next steps, rely on your folks who know you and love you more. I know you'll do the right thing.
Once again, it seems like 'anon' people who insist on pushing MP down our throats are back...let us continue to just ignore them (as all they seem to want is attention!) and concentrate on why we have this blog. Please don't let ignorance or jealousy rob us of participating in the aftermath of the Historic adventure NO ONE can take away from Zac...it's all about Zac, whether he is on the water or on land. Zac is the man!
Betty E., Lomita, CA
Hummm ... Just as I was saying to myself that it was time to step back from the adventure of many months and give my blog comments a rest, all this pops up. So I'll weigh in a bit and let it rest awhile (I hope!).
I know the blogging world is all about an open forum on experiences, ideas, viewpoints, etc., and yet it's taken a little courage. I'm sure, to allow all these varied opinions to be posted -- especially when they're centered on someone under 18. I suspect that for those of us older types who have been following along for the past 14 months or so, we've become a bit "parental" about Zac. I think we all want him to do well in life in every sense, and everyone has their ideas on what that means. We don't want Zac to get over-extended and burn out or make unwise decisions, nor his family amid the rush of excitement and opportunity. Part of me feels like I'm intruding a bit on someone's personal life to comment at all like this, but I guess that is unfortunately one of the prices you pay for fame, however fleeting it may be. And speaking of "prices," I'm assuming Zac would like his family to recoup some of their expenses, and I'm sure that's one element of all these ideas, and just knowing that he has to make a life/living for himself as he arrives at adulthood. And if any of us can do what we really desire in life and still be of service to others -- that is bliss!
I think that it's good to remember that Zac is young and will make some mistakes and some wrong decisions along the way (and probably his family too, just like any family, no matter how "together" they are. Heck, I'm a lot older and I still blow it sometimes. But the important thing is that he learns and grows from it all and ultimately becomes an even better, even stronger person instead of going in reverse -- not that we'd want him to make any life-ruining choices, especially when his private life is so public at the moment. As for the TV offers -- a lot of that depends on how it is contracted -- how much control will Zac and his family get to guide things in a positive way, etc.
We can just hope that he'll have the wisdom beyond his years with great support to think what kind of man he wants to be and want kind of reputation he wants in 10 years, 20 years and at the end of his life, and keep his focus on that somehow. To do what he did on the seas for all those months tells me that he's got an epic amount of discipline to draw from if he chooses to.
My only little suggestion -- and it's totally up to him -- is to take some time off from the adrenalin rush and catch his breath for a week or so before jumping into anything. Go camping off in the Sierra, maybe, with the three friends you trust most in life. Maybe take someone along who is a little older -- an early 20s person, maybe, who seems really wise and has your best interest at heart -- and just really have some down time and some honest but confidential "iron sharpens iron time." (Or maybe you take your friends sailing up to a quieter beach, say around San Luis Obispo County, and chill and think that way.)
Those are just a few rambling thoughts that I hope make some sense and are just thrown out to be among the things you all chew over. Thanks for letting me express a few thoughts in the blog tradition and ramble on, and now I'll try to do my own "retreat" from commenting for a while!
Hey, cheers!
--Jack Mulkey
in the South Bay
P.S. Zac -- I don't know if it felt like courage to you, but I thought the NOTW shirt you wore on the Rome show showed some courage.
OK, I meant for that post of mine to go with the "Doing Hard Things" comments. My bad! Now I'm done.
--Jack Mulkey
in the South Bay
@ Marilyn, thanks for sending the article about Zac.
It sounds like you're having a blast Zac. Good luck with the agent signing. I hope this will bring you everything you want in life. Please thank Mom & Dad for everything they did funding this trip for you. Your parents did something I believe very few would do. #1 having the trust and faith in you to actually let you go. #2 knowing that this would cost them a lot of money and still letting you go anyway.
You are a very luck young man to have such supporting parents. Enjoy them while you can, life is very short.
Have Fun,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Zac, Congrats on your achivement!! Youre an inspiration to EVERYONE! You Rock!
I live in Beverly Hills, CA and a few friends from the Pasadena area mentioned you will be the Grand Marshal for the Duarte Route 66 Parade? Is that true? If those are true rumors thats awesome!! I hope you stick around to sign pictures afterwards. I went to the website.... duarteroute66parade.com but its not posted yet so thats why I thought I ask you direclty.
Thanks
Love... Kayle Ann
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