Bear Grylls has become known around the world as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure.  His journey to this acclaim started in the UK on the Isle of Wight, where his late father taught him to climb and sail. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Bear went on to spend three years as a soldier in the British SpecialForces, serving with 21 SAS. It was here that he perfected many of the skills that his fans all over the world enjoy watching him pit against mother-nature. Despite a free-fall parachuting accident in Africa, where he broke his back in three places, and after enduring months in military rehabilitation, Bear went on to become one of the youngest ever climbers to reach the summit of MountEverest.

Bear went on to star in Discovery Channel’s Emmy nominated Man Vs Wild and Born Survivor TV series, which has become one of the most watched shows on the planet, reaching an estimated 1.2 billion viewers.  Off screen, Bear has lead record-breaking expeditions, from Antarctica to the Arctic, which in turn have raised over $2.5million for children around the world. In recognition for his expertise and service, Bear was appointed as the youngest ever Chief Scout to 28 million Scouts worldwide, was awarded an honorary commission as a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Navy, and has authored 10 books, including the No 1 Bestseller: Mud Sweat & Tears.

Every year the death toll on Mount Everest rises, and for every six mountaineers who make it to the top, one will die. Yet at 7.22am on May 26th 1998, Bear entered The Guinness Book of Records by becoming the youngest, and one of only around thirty, British climbers to have successfully climbed Everest and returned alive. He was only 23 years old. Previously, in 1997, Bear had become the Youngest Briton to climb Mount Ama Dablam in the Himalayas (22,500 feet), a peak once described by Sir Edmund Hillary as 'unclimbable'.

Prior to the Everest Expedition, Bear, also a Karate Black Belt, spent three years with the British Special Air Service (21 SAS). What makes his story even more remarkable is that during this time he suffered a free-fall parachuting accident in Africa where he broke his back in three places. After months and months of rehabilitation, focusing always on his childhood dream of Everest, he slowly became strong enough to attempt the ultimate ascent of the world's highest peak.

Bear's first book, Facing Up, went into the top 10-bestseller list and was a worldwide success. The book touched people through its honesty, courage and humility. When not scaling mountains, Bear is a popular guest on television shows such as BBC1's Heaven and Earth, BBC's Ready Steady Cook, Richard & Judy, GMTV, and radio programmes such as Radio 2, Radio 4 and Five Live.

In 2003 Bear successfully completed another world breaking expedition, leading a team across the North Atlantic Arctic Ocean in a small open rigid inflatable boat. Suffering weeks of frozen spray and icebergs, the expedition was filmed for a documentary, and was raising funds for the Prince's Trust charity. The book on this remarkable journey, Facing the Frozen Ocean, and was short-listed as Sports Book of the Year. Bear was awarded an honorary commission in the Royal Navy for this record-breaking feat.

Bear's first major TV Series was for Channel Four. Escape to the Legion followed Bear as he discovered the realities of joining the French Foreign Legion. On the back of the success of the documentary, Bear was commissioned to present an 8-part TV Series for Channel Four titled Born Survivor: Bear Grylls. The show features Bear parachuting into some of the most inhospitable environments on earth and demonstrating survival skills.

On 17 May 2009, Bear was elected as the youngest ever Chief Scout to the Scout Association, becoming the figurehead to 28 million Scouts around the world. For Bear, this is his proudest post, standing up for young people from so many different cultures and countries, helping them realise their dreams, explore the world, help in crisis countries, and benefit from being part of a worldwide family. For Bear it is all about encouraging life values, outdoor skills and a sense of pride, belonging and camaraderie through adventure.

Bear has a natural talent for communication and his speaking has brought him worldwide acclaim. He speaks to corporations all around the world on his experiences and how these can help in a business environment. He is among the youngest and most successful motivational speakers in the world.