Daniel Bull has an unquenchable thirst for adventure.
The 38-year-old Aussie has climbed to new heights in the name of record-breaking - twice.
His perseverance has taken him around the globe, from Africa to Antarctica, scaling the highest mountains in the world and experiencing extreme conditions.
Recently we spoke to Daniel about his amazing achievements, and what motivated him to pursue such ambitious, physically exhausting, and dangerous record titles.
From a young age, Daniel loved the outdoors and testing his limits.
"I realised early on that whilst some people are afraid of heights, I actually had a passion for them.
"Most of my childhood memories are of aerial views, looking down on the action below.
"Since I was young I've had ambitions to travel the world. As I began my mountaineering career, I didn’t only want to tackle new climbing challenges, but to also experience different cultures, languages, foods and people."
It seems only fitting, then, that he received his first record title after he became the Youngest person to climb the Seven Summits and the Seven Volcanic Summits, completing the awesome feat aged just 36 years 157 days.
This entailed him climbing the highest mountain and the highest volcano on each continent, which he did over the course of 11 years between 2006 and 2017.
His ordeal was over when he reached the summit of the highest volcano in the world, Ojos del Salado, at the Argentina-Chile border on 27 April 2017.
This gruelling physical challenge required extensive training, as Daniel explains.
"Working around my day job, during lunch breaks, after work, and entire weekends, I climbed whatever and whenever I could. I moved to Switzerland to give myself the opportunity to train in the Swiss Alps.
"There wasn't a lunch break or an evening after work where I wasn't preparing in some way. I quite literally had to prepare myself for blood, sweat and frozen tears."
When his record was confirmed, Daniel celebrated the only way he knew how; by climbing Australia’s tallest mountain. Even his 99-year-old nan joined in the fun!
"I celebrated my Guinness World Records title by climbing Mt Kosciuszko, joined by my family. My nan, who was celebrating her 99th birthday on the day, made it part way up. We celebrated with a bottle of champagne."
After a decade of being committed to his record, many would have taken a well-earned break. But, as Daniel stood on the summit of Ojos del Salado, he spotted a frozen lake that inspired his next record title.
"I wanted to combine my passion for heights with my love of water and pursue my dream of breaking a new world record. Only barely surviving the descent, I decided to return - this time with my kayak."
And with that, just under a year after his first record-breaking adventure came to end, Daniel returned to attempt the record for the Highest altitude kayaking. He achieved this towards the summit, at an impressive 5,707 m (18,723 ft).
However, just getting to the location took an extreme toll on him.
"The weight was one of the biggest obstacles, having to battle with carrying my kayak up the mountain on top of the usual mountaineering and survival gear, weighing more than 50kg / 110lbs."
Once at the lake, Daniel used an ice pick to create a kayaking lane in the frozen water and began his attempt.
Despite paddling and familiarising himself with his gear beforehand, nothing was able to prepare him for the physical strain and freezing conditions of the lake.
"Kayaking in extreme conditions at high altitude was really going to be an unknown - I knew I had to accept that."
Even once in the kayak, the water and freezing temperatures created a deadly combination that still poised a huge risk.
"Water froze instantly as it splashed onto my gear. I knew that if I fell in, I’d practically be snap frozen. It was a good motivator to retain balance as I paddled."
As well as all of this, Daniel decided to attempt the record without the use of an oxygen mask or breathing apparatus, at a height where oxygen levels are 50% lower than at sea level.
Despite the difficulty of kayaking at such a height, Daniel already wants to push his limits and return to Ojos del Salado for a gripping third challenge – the Highest altitude swim.
Currently the record is held by South Africans Jean Craven, Herman van der Westhuizen, Chris Marthinusen, Evan Feldman and Milton Brest who swam at 5,915 m (19,406.13 ft) at Tres Cruces Norte, Chile, in December 2015.
"I'm considering whether to head back to the lake and have a shot at the swimming world record.
"I've done a lot of things people would consider foolhardy, but this would take the cake. Though, it'd be pretty epic."
These records seem even more unbelievable when you discover that Daniel suffered several health ailments as a child.
"I was aware of the body’s limitations and I decided that I didn’t want them to hold me back."
His strong, venturous spirit was also inspired by his parents, who took Daniel and his sisters on many expeditions – including a 65 km, six-day trek when they were just teenagers.
"They fostered a sense of adventure in me and gently pushed me out of my comfort zone."
Daniel credits his friends and family for helping him complete the awesome feats.
"Without a doubt I wouldn’t have achieved this without the support of amazingly skilled and generous people who’ve aided me along my journey.
"I've always dreamed of making history and entering the record books. It feels a bit surreal, but then I reflect on what I've invested and sacrificed to achieve these feats, and it becomes a lot easier to accept the acknowledgement.
"Even then I accept that it's a team effort."
Back in Australia, Daniel is now sharing his stories and delivering interactive talks.
"I want to demonstrate to people of all ages to dream big, aim high and that anything is possible."
You can check out his latest adventures or discover more about his interactive talks at www.unstoppabull.com.
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