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Ky Furneaux

Survival and Outdoors Expert

Ky Furneaux is a survival expert, outdoor guide, and professional stuntwoman based in Australia. She’s been featured in over 100 films and TV productions, and has hosted, produced, and participated in some of the most extreme TV survival shows including MTV’s Made and Discovery’s Naked and Afraid. She has authored 5 survival books, including "The Superwoman’s Survival Guide" and "Survive: The All-In-One Guide to Staying Alive in Extreme Conditions", with the goal of sharing her knowledge of survival techniques with others. As an accomplished stuntwoman, she won a Taurus Award in 2012 for Best Female Stunt Performer and has doubled stars like Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Jaime Alexander, and Sharon Stone.

Education

  • BA, Business, University of South Australia

Professional Achievements

  • Published five works as an author, making her one of the most published survival authors in the world
  • Created her own three-part mini series, titled Outback Lockdown
  • Participated in some of the hardest survival challenges ever attempted on television

Certifications & Organizations

  • Winner, World Taurus Stunt Awards, "Best Stunt Done by a Female", 2012

Favorite Piece of Advice

You are capable of far more than you believe you are. What you perceive as your limits are only just the beginning of what you can achieve.

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Forum Comments (3)

How do you become a stunt double?
To become a stunt performer, it usually takes about 3-5 years. It is different in every country so it’s important to check and see the requirements of your country. For example, UK and Australia have certain qualifications and experience in different physical disciplines that you will need to be considered. I find that working on set as an extra or background performer is good as it gives you on-set experience and allows you to introduce yourself to people in the stunt world. I would also compile a video of your best action skills to be able to send to stunt coordinators to prove you have what it takes to work as a stunt performer.
How do you survive if you get lost or stranded in the wilderness?
The most important thing to do if you get lost or stranded in the wilderness is to not panic. Get out of immediate danger and then take a second to assess your situation. Unless you have a known goal in mind, it is better to stay put and make the most of the location you are at as it’s easier for rescuers to find you if you are not moving. My next actions will depend on what I decide is my most important survival need. A good way to prioritize your needs in a survival situation is to look at the rule of threes - you can last 3 hours in extreme heat or cold so if you are in one of these climates, shelter and warmth or cooling down will be your priority. Next you can last about 3 days without water so begin to look for a good water source. Lastly, you can last about 3 weeks without food so generally this won’t be a priority until all other needs are taken care of.

My next priority would be rescue. This involves making my location as visible as I can from both the air and ground. A large SOS in a clearing and bright colours tied to trees to attract attention helps as well as assembling fire making materials to create a smokey fire if I hear planes or helicopters.
What's essential to prepare for a hike?
Before heading off on a hike or camping trip I would be looking at the climate expected for that region at the time of year I am heading out and preparing accordingly. I would make sure that I have both paper versions as well as electronic versions of the area map and look at what type of animal interactions are common in that region. I would also make sure I had the right gear for the trip and enough resources either with me or available in the area to make sure my trip is successful.

I think the most important piece of gear to carry with you into the outdoors is a good bushcraft blade . There are many trains of thought as to what works best but I will always go for a 6”, full tang blade with a reputable company such as MoraKnives. You can take care of all of the rest of your basic needs more easily with a sharp blade.

Q&A Comments (11)

When should a full-body harness be used?
A full-body harness is essential and very useful for children. Because children's hips aren’t fully developed, they can slip out of a standard harness if they fall upside down. These harnesses are also used in situations where upside-down suspension could be an issue, though they’re less common in rock climbing. You’ll often see full-body harnesses in activities where people spend long periods suspended and need extra comfort and security. They’re also crucial in stunt work, where performers may need to be suspended or held in specific positions.
How can I make a humane trap?
You first need to assess your surroundings and consider the type of animal you're trying to catch. The goal is to use a system that quickly incapacitates the animal without causing harm. You’ll want a fast-closing trap that either traps or holds the animal securely until you can release it. Depending on what you’re trapping, you might need to choose between a deadfall trap or a snare, both of which can be effective. A deadfall relies on a weighted object that falls to trap the animal, while a snare works by tightening around the animal as it moves through the trap. Also look at the materials that's available to you—whether it's a box, sticks, rocks, or wire—then design your trap accordingly. Make sure the trap is strong enough to hold the animal without injuring it. The key here is to act quickly and check your traps regularly so you can safely release the animal as soon as you catch it. This way, you’re trapping for control or relocation and not harm. Lastly, always follow local regulations when setting your traps.
How can I make the knot more secure?
To make your knot more secure, you need a strong base. Tie a figure-eight knot at the end of your rope and leave about two feet of tail. Then, thread that tail through the right harness loops – check your manufacturer’s recommendations for which ones to use. Next, you take the end of the tail and thread it back through the original figure-eight knot. This will tighten it up a lot. To make it even more tighter and secure, tie a few half-hitches near the main knot. These half-hitches will act as a backup to stop the tail from slipping. To be extra safe, check the knot closely to make sure it’s tight and there are no twists in the rope. Some climbers like to add an extra knot, like a simple overhand knot, at the end of the tail for even more security. Just make sure you have enough tail when you do this.
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Co-authored Articles (98)

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Make a Teepee

A traditional plains teepee (also spelled ''tipi'') is a roomy and durable structure that is big enough to house a fire and several people comfortably. livable in hot or cold weather and, when you've assembled the necess...

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Light a Match

When it comes to starting a fire, matches are one of the oldest and most reliable options around. Matches use the heat created from rubbing against a rough striking surface to ignite a small amount of flammable fuel. Whi...

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Read a Nautical Chart

Nautical charts are an important navigational tool even when you’re familiar with a waterway. A nautical chart helps you figure out which way to go, how deep the water is, and the location of harbors. You will also kno...

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Use an Analog Watch as a Compass

If you ever find yourself lost in the wilderness or adrift at sea with no way to tell which direction you're traveling, an analog watch (or any similar clock face) can act as a compass and help you get your bearings. All...

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Pack a Trekking Pole

If you’re going on a hiking trip and you want a little help navigating tough terrain, you may want to bring your trekking poles with you. Trekking poles make it a lot easier to stabilize yourself while you’re hiking,...

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Survive an Apocalypse

What will happen if society collapses? What would you do if there's no one to help you or your family? Disaster preparedness is more than worrying––it's also about being practical, preparing for realistic scenarios a...

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Survive a Nuclear Attack

What would you do to survive if nuclear war broke out tomorrow? You’re not alone if you’re worried as you scroll through your feed or watch the news. Experts say the risk of all-out nuclear war is unlikely, but knowi...

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Close a Pocket Knife

Pocket knives are useful tools for making cuts on the go. Knives come in a variety of styles with different locking mechanisms to keep the blades secure. No matter what style knife you're using, it can easily be closed a...

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Escape from a Sinking Car

Any car accident is frightening, but being trapped inside a sinking car is absolutely terrifying. Fortunately, you and your passengers have a good chance of escaping from a sinking car if you stay calm and act quickly. U...

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Start a Fire with Sticks

If you're camping or hiking and discover you have forgotten the matches, knowing how to start a fire with sticks is a very useful skill. The bow drill and hand drill method are well-established fire-starting techniques t...

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Identify Flint

Flint, also known as chert, is a type of sedimentary rock that has many uses. It was once commonly used to form rudimentary tools like knives and spear tips. Flint is often used by outdoorsmen to create sparks for a fire...

30+ Hilarious Campfire Game Ideas for the Whole Family

The top bonfire games to play when camping with any group There’s nothing like cozying up around a campfire and playing an energizing and giggle-inducing game with your friends and family! If you’re looking for a gam...

How to Prep & Staying Safe During Martial Law (With Expert Tips)

Prepare for martial law and protect your family from harmThe idea of martial law is scary for many people—especially if you've lived your life in a relatively peaceful region. The biggest key to surviving martial law i...

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Survive a Tsunami

A tsunami is a series of destructive and dangerous waves that are typically caused by earthquakes and underwater seismic activity. If you live in a tsunami hazard region, make sure you know what to do in the unfortunate ...

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Survive a Fall from a Two Story Window

Whether you accidentally fall off a balcony or you’re trying to escape a fire by jumping out of a window, the thought of falling multiple stories is pretty scary. While there's no guarantee for survival, there are ways...

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Create an Indoor Tent

Tents are fun for kids and adults alike. Tents are fun for playing house or for gathering during story time.They make great reading nooks, meditation spaces, or just quiet spaces in which to hide away. You can make a sim...

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Tie a Stopper Knot

A stopper knot is a specific type of knot used at the end of a line to stop the line from unraveling or passing through a hole or device.. 23 October 2024. They are commonly used in activities like fishing, sailing, clim...

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Jump from a Moving Car

Jumping out of a moving car is not something to be taken lightly. It is quite dangerous, and you will almost certainly sustain some injuries. However, there are some instances where staying inside a moving car is actuall...

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Use a Slingshot

Slingshots can be a lot of fun, and can even be a great way to practice your bowhunting skills. If you have a slingshot, it is important to learn how to use it safely and with proper form in order to avoid causing damage...
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