Challenge 1. The worlds most challenging row.
Challenge 2. Doing it sustainably.
It’s no secret we turn up in full force to support anyone putting themselves through the riskiest of adventures to smash a record. When Sofia got in touch from @thebristolgulls, we eagerly awaited a day to meet in Bristol to chat about the Gull’s endurance training and mission to complete the row sustainably.
Meet Aileen, Chloe, Lorna and Sofia.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. if you want to go far, go together.”
Not only are the Bristol based gulls training to take on the biggest global row challenge with the goal to beat the previous female record, they’re raising awareness of plastic pollution and promoting a healthier relationship with our waters.
If you don’t already have the challenge on radar, the annual takes place in December, departing from San Sebastian, La Gomera, Canary Islands and finishing in the English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda. Around 30 crews from around the world take part. The aim is to complete the crossing unassisted. The current all-female crew record is 34 days, 13 hours, 13 minutes..
We met the lovely Sofia in Bristol back in August and realised the incredible lengths the gulls are going to and how much time, around full time jobs we’ll add, they are dedicating to doing the row as thoughtfully as possible. They’re leaving ripples in the water sports sphere and hope to shape big changes to the challenge itself.
They’re having an eco row boat specially made which takes in to consideration many elements not yet considered. They’re considering unique drinking water options to stay hydrated on board. They’ve been uniting with previous challengers for valuable advice, and closer to the time will even be sleep training.. since they each have 2 hours on 2 hours off.
As well as sharing the Gulls story, we want to build awareness around other sustainable brands supporting them during the competition, as well as giving you visibility in to their training schedule and empowering vision. The gulls want to hear from you if you know of other brands who could support the race, other companies with the environment at the forefront of their mind. They’ve already got the support of sea2sea, a Sustainable eyewear brand who use 100% recycled ocean plastic waste and abandoned fishnets to create unique active glasses, as well as X X X X
Want to know more about the Gulls? Follow their journey on social media, see what BAM kit’s helping them through training, and keep an eye on our channel for an exclusive interview and training schedule with them coming soon.
Rowing interest been sparked? Find a local rowing club through this link: https://www.britishrowing.org/go-rowing/find-a-rowing-club/ or get in touch with the Gulls through social media for any extra help and advice.
