WAExpo Takes to the Water
The Women’s Adventure Expo Takes to the Water is on the 22nd April 2017. The event will be hosted at the MShed, situated in Bristol’s historic harbourside, and our first WAExpo venue in 2015. Join WAExpo as we once again deliver an inspirational day for people, interested in, or engaged in Adventure, and specifically water Adventure!
Our Amazing headline speakers will cover a wide range of water based activities. From epic ocean crossings, to swimming some of the planet’s most challenging waters, you will be inspired by adventure with boats, floats, kayaks, boards and more; or even be inspired to find your nearest spot for a wild swim.
In addition to the headline speakers the day will deliver a variety of 20 minutes talks from water champions and organisations. You will have the opportunity to learn first-hand from fantastic water based projects, plus plenty of time to network and gather resources throughout the day.
In true WAExpo style, WAExpo Takes to the Water will leave you empowered , inspired, buzzing and ready to jump into your next adventure!
Tickets are now available, click on the link below to order.
Tickets
Programme
Programme times subject to change.
10:00am Doors open
10:30am Welcome and introduction
10:45am Ocean sailing - Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
11:30am Open-water swimmer Beth French - 7 Oceans Challenge
12:15pm Tackling plastic pollution - City to Sea
12:30pm Lunch break
1:30pm Expedition kayaker Erin Bastian - Adventure paddling
2:15pm Marine Biologist and SCUBA diver Bev O’Kane of Marine Conservation Society
2:30pm Tea break
3:00pm Adventurer Sarah Outen MBE - Around the world the world by human power
4:15pm Open-water Rowing - Shoreseeker Challenge
4:30pm Networking
5:00pm Event close
The WAExpo reserve the right to make programme changes, please check here before the event for any new information.
Speakers
Natalie Fee and City to Sea
Della Parsons and Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
Marine Conservation Society
Shoreseeker Challenges
Sponsors
Silversea Expeditions
Awe-inspiring and humbling, Silversea Expedition ships will take you to some of the most remote regions of the planet, enter the realms of the Polar Bear, explore a pelagic wonderland, or visit volcanic plateaus. These immersive experiences expand your global perspective, whilst providing education.
The Clipper Race
Regarded as one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is crewed by people from all walks of life. Twelve teams compete over eleven months, with each of the 700-intrepid crew taking on either an ocean crossing, combining several legs or completing the full circumnavigation.
Shoreseeker Challenges
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.
SUNDAY ACTIVITIES!
Make a weekend of it! Let’s face it, once you have WAExpo in your sights, you will want as much WAExpo buzz as you can get. We have a free pre-event drinks night on Friday the 21st, with short talks and networking, and just because we know you love to get active, on Sunday the 23rd our partners SUP Bristol and Shoreseeker are offering taster sessions in and around Bristol Harbour.
You never know until you try and this is your chance! An exclusive opportunity for you to get on the water in an ocean rowing boat. Shoreseeker are offering one hour taster sessions on the Bristol waterways. This is a unique opportunity to experience the intensity of ocean rowing. Rowing session are available from Shoreseeker Challenges on Sunday 23rd April, after WAExpo. Click HERE to view more details and book your session, spaces are limited, early booking advised.
From rowing to Paddle Boarding, maximise your weekend and try SUP boarding or simply have a more chilled out water experience after all the inspiration from WAExpo. Click HERE to book your SUP Bristol taster session in Bristol Harbour, sessions running Sunday 23rd after WAExpo.
WAExpo Takes to the Water are delighted to be working with some fantastic brands. For more information on sponsors, exhibitors and stands please click on the link below.
Getting to the venue
You can travel to WAExpo Takes to the Water by boat, bike, car, train or on foot! For more information on travel and how to plan your trip, click here.
Facilities
Our venue is equipped with fantastic facilities to support most needs. More information, including access can be found by clicking on the Venue Information link.
Food and Drink
WAExpo Takes to the Water will have a pop up café at the event for refreshments and snacks. The venue also has a Café on the ground floor with hot and cold food, and drinks available all day.
Because we know it’s hard to wait for a WAExpo event, here is some inspiration to keep you going from Speaker Erin Bastian.
“Patagonia: In Search of the Hidden Glaciers, my hardest expedition to date. Follow the team through the hardship of Patagonia’s renowned weather, to the stunning iceberg days they dreamed of. A place that challenged my leadership, my motivation and every inch of my filming skills.”
Erin Bastian
Are Men allowed in the Women’s Adventure Expo?
Yes absolutely, the expo is a platform for all people to celebrate, promote and inspire women through adventure. Although the Expo is aimed at female development, we hope many men will join with our mission and goals to empower women in the adventure community.
What did visitors think of the WAExpo 2016?
Our feedback survey found that 95% thought the event was excellent or very good, and 5% rated the event as good. We have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback, with 85% saying they learnt something new, and 78% saying they felt empowered and gained inner confidence.
Are Expo events suitable for my friends?
Yes, we find many people you would not necessarily expect, are empowered by adventure, and perceptions are challenged. The atmosphere at our events is incredibly positive; it’s hard not to walk away feeling motivated and uplifted. We strive to make adventure inclusive to all women, no matter what physical ability, life stage and/or social position.