Shoreseeker is an outdoor adventure company designed to bring the incredible experience and enjoyment of ocean rowing to a wider audience. By providing a matched fleet of industry-leading boats and equipment, professional training, and planned races, be that a 48-hr challenge in the UK or up to five days around the Mediterranean.
Claire had the luxury of joining Shoreseeker and she told us all about her adventure!
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us Claire. Please tell us about your adventure…
In September 2015 we were part of the trial race from Barcelona to Sardinia. My husband was in the other boat which created a great excuse to try and win! The training leading up to the event had taken us into a different world away from the general chores at home and work, and made us feel like sports men and women, part of a top quality team. I didn’t know my rowing partners at all before the race but formed such a close bond so quickly due to the need to be a close team. We had to work together to pack the boat, learn how to use all of the equipment and most importantly decide on the contents of the snack bags - crucial when rowing at 3am! We quickly had a great technique together as we had vowed to always have at least one person on the oars. Whilst we weren’t pushing hard, our technique was hugely effective and before long we were leading the race.
We pulled ahead and were rowing strongly for four days before a storm hit and meant we had to sit on the sea anchor, waiting for the wind to calm down so that we could move forward again. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t get better and after a capsize resulting in a man over board (who was attached to the boat so always safe) we had to be rescued and taken to the safety of land. Although we knew we couldn’t have continued in the conditions at the time, within minutes of leaving the boat, we were all longing for the gentle swaying of the boat and two hour shifts of rowing. Such amazing memories.
Sounds incredible! Tell us about some of the memories the adventure gave you, which you don’t ever want to forget?
I loved the ability to become someone I am not normally back at home. On the boat I was a sailor, a rower, an adrenaline junkie, a sports woman and an intrepid adventurer - all the things I would love to be more often, if daily life and parenthood didn’t get in the way. The moment I always think back to was rowing on day three. My fitness was improving every day, sea sickness had passed, and all our confidence was high. We were rowing through the night with perfectly clear skies watching a total eclipse of the moon and dolphins swimming nearby. There was not another boat, building or light to be seen - just us using our own power to row across the sea watching this incredible natural phenomenon. Magical.
Amazing! What new challenges would you like to undertake?
I’m always trying to think of new challenges (apart from bringing up two girls!). The next challenge I have booked is to climb Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains and camping in the Sahara desert. This is after a mud race and triathlon!
What a great plan! So, who inspires you and why?
Anyone who gives it a go with limited means to do it. You don’t need to be hugely athletic, rich or have loads of time to achieve dreams. I have a friend who runs a woman’s blog, Queen of the Mile - she has managed to complete some awesome challenges completely off her own back and gets involved with some great companies as a result. She has shown to me how you can always keep pushing yourself and to make the most of your life.
What are you most proud of being able to do today that you could not do a few years ago?
I’m braver now in my 30’s than ever before to make things happen in my life. I realise I’m more in control of my life despite the growing commitments at home, and where there is a will there is always a way. I completed a 100km race in 19 hours, just 10 months after having my first baby. I love to challenge myself, push the limits, and enjoy the satisfaction of the end result.
Wow, what an achievement! We learn from our mistakes and they have the ability to improve us, but people are scared to make them. What would you say to a person who is scared of making mistakes?
I try to live by the mantra of not regretting what you have done, but what you haven’t, especially when the opportunity arises. Mistakes make you into the person you are, they create you and drive you to achieve your goals. Also if it turns into an adventure as a result it creates awesome stories for the pub! No-one remembers the weekend they stayed at home and watched TV all day.
You can say that again! For you what does adventure bring which enriches your soul and makes you happy?
The chance to do something that makes other people sit up and think ‘that sounds cool’ pushes me. I want to be able to sit in my comfy chair at 90 yrs old and be able to tell my great grandchildren stories of my past adventures, and for them to be proud of me.
If you could make a 30 second speech to every woman, who is interested in adding more adventure into their life, what would it be?
Just take the chance. Why should men have all the fun out there?! There is nothing to stop you doing it if you have the mind-set for it. My sister is in a wheelchair and yet she’s taken part in sailing, skiing and mud races. If there is a tiny part of you interested in taking part in a challenge there is a huge possibility it will be awesome. Also, don’t think too much about it - just book it, tell lots of people you’re doing it and start the training. Bit by bit before you know it you’ll be on the start line and loving it.
Great advice! What do you think makes women feel more confident about planning their own adventure?
I’ve never felt I can’t do something just because I’m a woman, and as a mother of two girls I sincerely hope they never feel like that as well. The only person who can get you onto the adventure is you, regardless of being male or female. I think the best way to do it is to plan your dream adventure however outlandish, and then put into place where needed slight adjustments or back up to make it happen. I was able to backpack solo around Africa for four months by using touring companies and pre planning sections.
What are the three biggest lessons adventure has taught you?
1. If you don’t, someone else will.
2. The stories at dinner parties are worth all the stress, planning and training.
3. They teach you to take control of your life and to enjoy it to the full.
With reference to how adventure is commonly portrayed as a male interest, how do you feel we should address the Gender Gap?
More role models who come from all walks of life. For example, I was a new mother when I took part in the Shoreseeker Challenge - motherhood needn’t stand in the way of achieving your dreams. Women are just as capable as men so more exposure of women achieving these goals can only work to inspire more to take part.
Claire thank you again for speaking with us!
If you’d like to hear more about Shoreseeker Challenge and what they have to offer, get your tickets for WAExpo Takes to the Water on 22nd April in Bristol, HERE!
