An adventure athlete Cazz, 29, has rowed across the Pacific Ocean, swum the English Channel and run multiple ultra-marathons. She’s currently a team rider for Loco SUP, paddleboard racing in the UK and Europe and can 100% confirm she’s happiest when on the water!
Why do you want to row an ocean?
I rowed across the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii last year and absolutely fell in love. Since I got back I’ve spent a lot of my time wishing I was back out there so when this opportunity came up I couldn’t resist! Lots of people have asked why I don’t just sail somewhere instead, but there is something so special about being out in the ocean in a tiny little boat that you have to actually row if you ever want to get back to land! The tougher the challenge the more I tend to love it, usually because I’m far to stubborn to ever give in or admit defeat… Challenges like this are also far bigger than just the people involved, and raising awareness of PTSD and championing positive mental health in general is so important.
Have you taken part in a big adventure before?
My biggest adventure by far was last year when I rowed 2400nm across the Pacific Ocean in the Great Pacific Race with two other girls becoming the first crew of three to row the Pacific and the youngest crew of three to row any of the world’s oceans. Before we signed up we had never rowed and hadn’t spent longer than a few days at sea, so we had absolutely no idea what we were getting ourselves into!! Before that I swam the English channel twice as part of two different relay teams, have completed a few 100km ultra marathons and numerous multi-day walks and paddles.
What are you most looking forward to about rowing?
The sunrises and sunsets that you get at sea, the wildlife, swimming in the ocean so far away from land, surfing the boat on huge waves, the conversations that occur after weeks at sea with the rest of the team, eating as many snacks as you like without wondering if you are going to end up obese.
What do you think the biggest challenges will be?
Sore bums! It’s a really long way from Australia to Africa and most of it is spent sitting down.
What 3 strengths do you think you will bring to the crew?
Lots of laughter, ability to keep going when things get really tough, sleeping curled up in a very small space whilst on para anchor.
What advice would you give to your 10 year old self?
Dream big and don’t listen to anyone who tells you you can’t do something!
Aside from friends and family, what do you think you will miss most while you’re at sea?
The gym!! This may sound ridiculous given you spend twelve hours a day rowing, but it’s very repetitive and the thought of being able to do exercise a different way is quite appealing after a while!
If you could only listen to one album for the whole crossing, what would it be?
I’m being a rebel and going with a Podcast… ‘My Dad wrote a Porno’. Guaranteed to make you laugh even when you’ve been knocked off your seat for the umpteenth time in an hour by massive waves.
What would you sing at a karaoke night?
Far too many choices. Probably some 90’s cheesy pop.. I claim to hate Karaoke but once I’m up there I’m all over it.
What will you bring as your luxury item?
Nutella. Can never have enough Nutella on an ocean rowing boat.
What is the most annoying habit other people have?
Having an issue with something or someone and saying nothing but just letting it linger until it becomes a big issue and everything kicks off!
Favourite Book?
Just finished the Tattooist of Auschwitz which I would highly recommend!
Tell us an interesting thing about you people should know…
I can lick my elbow… party trick nailed.
