News
Three women, a boat, the Atlantic and whole load of plastic
Trio with no rowing experience take on the world’s toughest row to increase awareness of plastic pollution and raise funds for Marine Conservation Society
Three office workers, whose biggest daily challenge up until now has been crossing London at rush hour, are taking on the world’s toughest row, as they set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands bound for Antigua. It’s a feat fewer people have completed than have climbed Everest and the all-female crew are tackling it with no previous rowing experience.
Susan Ronaldson (42), Caroline Wilson (31), and Jessica Rego (28) are one of 30 teams taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. The teams left the Canaries on December 12th and will arrive in Antigua in around 50 days’ time.
The trio, ‘Status Row’, are hoping to highlight the amount of plastic in the Atlantic as they row their boat, ‘Poppy’, 3,000 miles day and night for over seven weeks. The crew are also raising funds for the UK’s leading marine charity, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), where Susan Ronaldson is a trustee.
Susan, from Essex, Caroline from Hackney and Jess, who’s originally from Bermuda but now living in East London, say preparing for the event has turned their urban lives upside down: “We all have full-time jobs, so in the evenings and weekends we’ve transformed into fundraisers, beach cleaners, public speakers, event organisers, social media fiends, logistic planners, first aiders, content writers and gym buffs. But we know it’s all going to be worth it.” said Susan.
Image: Team Status Row
Carrying all their food and supplies on board the 7m x 2m vessel, they’ll face 40ft waves, sleep deprivation, isolation, salt sores, and sharks. Before signing up to the challenge, the team said they’d not been on a rowing machine let alone a rowing boat, and all three have spent the last eight months building up strength and stamina with weights and improving endurance doing two hour-long sessions on an indoor rowing machine. Whilst at sea, the team will be burning between 6,000 – 8,000 calories a day!
Caroline Wilson says she feels an unbelievable sense of pride for everything they’ve achieved as a team to get this far: “We’re coming to the end of the first chapter in what’s going to be an almighty trilogy; I’m sad for this part to be over, but so excited to start the next. I’m most looking forward to experiencing something so unique, and really testing the limits of endurance. It’s such a privilege to be able to undertake this event and I’ll try not to forget that when that massive 40ft wave is fast approaching, which is the thing I’m least looking forward to! When people consider how difficult this challenge is going to be, it helps to put into perspective how seemingly hard is it to refuse a single-use plastic bottle.”
Susan Ronaldson says right now it almost doesn’t feel real: “Arriving at the start line I feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I’m most looking forward to being out with nature; sunrises, sunsets and hopefully, an array of wildlife. I’m least looking forward to the exhaustion, both mental and physical. There’s been lots of interest in our campaign to row an ocean, which has given us a platform to talk about how people can change their plastic habits and protect the environment, and it’s something that I plan to continue when I return home.”
Jess Rego says she’s feeling constantly stressed: “We’ve come so far, but there’s still a lot to be done before we take on the Atlantic. It’s all getting real now. I’m most looking forward to the simplicity of life at sea, after all the planning and preparation is done. I’m least looking forward to the chicken tikka! I hope that we can prove that everyone had the ability to do their apart to tackle a large challenge. We often stay that tackling plastic pollution is like rowing an ocean in that it’s one small action at a time. If every person following our race adopted one new habit to cut down on their plastic pollution, I would see that as a major win.”
Sandy Luk, MCS Chief Executive Officer, says: “The challenge our trustee Susan, along with Jess and Caroline, is about to embark on is simply enormous. Everyone at MCS is in total awe of what they’re about to undertake. They are all so passionate about raising the profile of ocean litter. And what better way to do it than by rowing through the pollution. Sadly, we know they will see all too much plastic and other debris as they row from the Canaries to Antigua. However, their first-hand knowledge will be invaluable, and we look forward to working with the team to further raise the profile of the crisis our oceans are facing when they return to the UK.”
Team Status Row left San Sebastián in La Gomera, off Tenerife, on December 12th, with up to 30 other teams from around the world.
You can support them by making a donation here – https://uk.virginmoneygiving.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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