Episode #40
Episode 40 - Suresh Paul
David Overton of Splash Maps speaks with Suresh Paul, founder of Equal Adventure, academic, and Royal Geographical Society contributor, about how inclusive outdoor experiences are designed and why they matter. The conversation also gets into a deeply human story about a custom map turned tablecloth, and how that small object helped create ownership, belonging, and even a hug. In this episode, they discuss: How Equal Adventure combines not-for-profit product design with charity-led community programmes Why tactile, personalised maps can help young people feel safe and connected to place The importance of inclusivity in fieldwork and geography Suresh’s five adventure habits for better planning, teamwork, and journeys The role of surprise, constraint, and patience in meaningful adventure Key topics Equal Adventure’s two-part model Suresh explains that Equal Adventure is split between a not-for-profit side that designs adventure sports equipment with disabled people and delivers inclusion training, and a charity side that runs community programmes. Why ownership of place matters A custom Splash Maps tablecloth for the Spey Valley became part of an outdoor programme, helping young people feel they belonged to the space they were exploring. Inclusive outdoor work is about access and understanding Suresh argues that if people cannot understand the world, they cannot look after it, so fieldwork should include more people, not fewer. Adventure habit 1: Start early Plan early, and keep planning late so experiences can be tailored to people rather than designed for them. Adventure habit 2: Allow for the unexpected Suresh emphasizes flexibility in planning and relationships, especially when working with people who may have been excluded before. Adventure habit 3: Value your surprises He shares an Okavango story where an unexpected repair led to an invitation, a hotel stay, and a sunrise on a veranda. Adventure habit 4: Carry just one bag Constraint helps reduce distractions and forces better choices, even when managing lots of adaptive equipment for others. Adventure habit 5: Don’t rush away Let the journey finish properly before moving on, so the experience can fully land before the next one begins. Heinz Wolff’s influence Suresh reflects on his late mentor, describing him as an inspirational taskmaster who always asked the question you did not expect. A long relationship with the Royal Geographical Society Suresh says Equal Adventure has worked with Explore and the RGS for decades, with a shared interest in making expeditions more accessible. Timestamps (00:00) Introducing Suresh Paul and the idea behind five adventure habits (00:30) Equal Adventure, inclusion, and the story behind the custom map (01:27) How Equal Adventure supports community programmes in the north of Scotland (04:12) A young person feels safe enough to give a hug (05:36) The Spey Valley tablecloth map and why tactile maps matter (08:07) Suresh’s background as an engineer and product maker (09:42) From tea boy to a not-for-profit factory with 500 products (10:25) Remembering Heinz Wolff and his influence as a mentor (12:08) Why inclusivity in fieldwork matters for geography and conservation (14:09) Equal Adventure’s long connection to Explore and the RGS (15:53) Adventure habit 1: Start early and give yourself time to arrive (17:38) Adventure habit 2: Allow for the unexpected in plans and people (19:19) Adventure habit 3: Value surprises, even the unexpected luxury of them (20:58) Adventure habit 4: Carry just one bag and keep the kit simple (23:49) Adventure habit 5: Don’t rush away when the journey seems finished (25:37) Thanks to the trustees and workshop team behind Equal Adventure (26:05) Recap of all five adventure habits (27:29) Closing thanks and goodbye
