Many of you may have noticed that the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge rowing race has begun. 35 teams and solo rowers have set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands in search of adventure. Perhaps in search of themselves or something equally profound. Whatever their reasons they are in for one incredible journey. We’re not part of this ever growing race. Nope, we’re independent and I like it that way. I have nothing against this race, John himself competed in it in 2011/12, and I’m sure the rest of us in Team Brain Waves have thought about entering! But our time to take on the mighty ocean fast approaches. The ‘start line’ is nearly here for us!
The journey began in a few days when some of the team began the long drive down to Cadiz with our boat to hop across the water (on a powered boat!) to Lanzarote. All the hard work of getting the boat ready for our off is coming to fruition. Excited much? Hell yeah we are!
As Christmas fast approaches thoughts become more and more dominated by the row. What will the weather be like? How much sea life will we see? Does Liz ever stop talking? Does she snore? Will the hairs on top of Billy’s nose grow as long as Alex’s head hair? How long will Alex’s sea sickness last? Will my refusal to get on a erg be to my detriment? There are so many questions, many much less important than the ones listed here, but one thing is for sure; we are in for one hell of a ride!
I didn’t personally think I’d ever do another row, but here I am, stoked to be a part of this incredible rag tag team who are not just in it for the adventure. We are a research vessel too and the schools intiative is something that we hope will help inspire a new generation of adventurers. Maybe not just rowers.
I’m sat writing this in the heart of a rainforest, far from any ocean, listening to the sounds of the forest chirping away, wildly aware that the sounds of the ocean will be vastly different. We live on such a diverse planet and I cannot wait to experience the open water once again.
Friends and loved ones support us even if they don’t fully understand why it is that we want to do this. But that just highlights how wonderfully diverse we are as humans too.
It’s not for everyone but this team are about live out dreams. The Atlantic crew are up first but I know for a fact that John and Rachel are already buzzing about 2020 and their row too.
We are team Brain Waves and we are frickin awesome.
