Reality Bites
There’s a plethora of ‘reality’ survival programs on our screens at the minute. The wilderness, and how to survive its many moods is all the rage. Bear Grylls is perhaps the biggest star of the celebrity survival scene…right down to the launch of his own action figurine. But is it all hype? With reports of Bear staying in five-star hotels when he’s supposed to be sleeping under the stars the question remains: who’s the real deal and who’s faking it? Here’s our guide according to Australian survival expert Bob Cooper.
Bear Grylls, (Britain, Man vs. Wild)
In many cases Bear Grylls’ antics should be viewed as anything from highly inexperienced antics to stupidity, or just television hype entertainment – nothing more. Unfortunately Grylls continues on with little regard to real survival techniques, and with little to no respect of the animals or plants he uses as subjects. Some of his so-called survival bush foods also come under scrutiny and should not be tried by anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Common sense determines that there are some things one should simply just avoid in order to preserve one’s own life in survival situations.
Ultimately, what is the point of taking such obviously unnecessary risks in the midst of a survival situation which, for most people, already represents a fearful and hazardous dilemma? This sensationalist method serves as a bad example to impressionable youths and the older unknowing populous about what is and is not appropriate behaviour in these situations.
These television programs can only widen the gap in the understanding of our natural environment, which is often portrayed as the adversary.
The benefits of harmonious, respectful interaction with the wilderness are not highlighted or demonstrated. This television model of survival is one of “fight the wild”, rather than let nature be your teacher and work with the wild, not against it.
That said, Bear Grylls has my congratulations for reawakening the art of wilderness survival by increasing the interest and basic knowledge of millions of people. Coupled with limited good advice, he presents a very entertaining but unfortunately not very real experience for the viewer.
For the above reasons, and especially after the BBC sent me the script for Bear Grylls’ Australian Kimberley episode, I declined the offer to be Bear’s instructor and the set “fixer” – the episode had to be filmed “no more than two hours from a motel”.
Worst Case Scenario (which, funnily enough, has Bear demonstrating urban survival skills) premieres in Australia on Discovery Channel, 21 October at 7.30pm (AEDT).
Man Vs. Wild currently airs on Discovery Channel on Thursdays at 7.30pm and is available on DVD.
For plenty more on-screen adventure check in to yourdiscovery.com/au/. or see the man’s own website (maybe pisk up a figurine) at www.beargrylls.com.
Les Hiddins (Australia, Bush Tucker Man)
The ‘Bush Tucker Man’ delivered genuine enthusiasm combined with his real Aussie character, which certainly suited television. Both his honesty and the fact that he gave credibility to the Aboriginal people who taught him much of what he knows about bush foods and their preparation skills made his series credible, interesting and educational.
ABC DVD has just released a new box set Bush Tucker Man – The Complete Collection RRP $49.95, available through ABC Shops, ABC Centres and ABC Shop Online shop.abc.net.au.
Ray Mears (Britain, Survival with Ray Mears)
Another survival presenter who gives credit where it is due. He doesn’t claim to be an expert in every situation. On the contrary, he admits to still learning, as we all are. He also introduces the human interest aspect to his television programs by describing the background of the people whose knowledge he is relaying to us.
(As an aside, Ray believes the Australian Aboriginals are the best contemporary example of how to live using Stone Age technology. Ed.)
Ray also has a go and lets us know when he is genuinely struggling with some of the skills-based activities. Both educational and an insight into the peoples whose lives used to depend on these life-saving skills, Ray’s hints could actually save someone else’s life.
Check out Ray at raymears.com. His television shows Survival and Extreme Survival with Ray Mears are on BBC Knowledge (australia.bbcknowledge.com / through Foxtel).
Ray’s books are also available at Borders bookstores.
Les Stroud (Canada, Survivorman and the new Survive This)
Just try surviving this over-dramatised script and its set of orders that lack guidance, respect or teaching. Another television series that will cause the expected results of hardship and conflict, this time on a bunch of young junior survivors, with no prior instruction in the art of survival.
With Les’ amount of good experience he could have shared some of that knowledge instead of being the young ones’ critic – he could have been their guide. This is unfair on the participants. Total rubbish.
Survive This has already aired on ABC1, but is sure to resurface on the ABC and/or pay TV soon. Survivorman screens on Discovery Channel. Or check out survivethis.com or lesstroud.ca.
Cody Lundin and Dave Canterbury (US, Dual Survivor)
These two men are similar but different. Similar in instructing styles, since both have that upfront, matter-of-fact approach – the very American way. The difference is barefooted Cody has a lust for keeping everything natural and minimal versus Dave’s military approach and equipment-based solutions. Neither is wrong or right in their attitude – I believe a combination would best suit 21st Century survivalists and that is what their series provides to viewers.
Both these guys have great amounts of experience and, from what I have seen, they always lean on either good equipment or good bushcraft skills and don’t take foolish chances.
Here you have real survival teachers, real survival knowledge and real life-saving attitudes.
Dual Survivor is on Discovery Channel dsc.discovery.com/tv/dual-survival.
Check into codylundin.com or wildernessoutfittersarchery.com.
THIS REVIEW was written by Australian survival expert, Bob Cooper. See (bobcoopersurvival.com) for more tips and courses on survival (WA based).
