“Here you go! Second test crossing finished! 13 days of rowing, 1800 KMS, we did it.
This crossing was very important for all of us, because we had to test: the understanding between the crew members, the safety equipment, our rowing equipment (glasses, wetsuits, sun cream…) and our board. Answer questions about diet, hydration and sleep patterns.
This crossing was important for me because it was a real training on the high seas, a life on board with 11 people and without seeing your relatives. I had questions about the comfort on board, the sleeping rhythm, and especially the night rowing and the sea sickness.
I must admit that it was far from easy, a lot of questioning, doubts, fears and tears. You ask yourself if you are capable of it, if you will succeed, if you are really made for this project. I had never rowed in 2.50m swell in open sea and especially for 13 days.
I will say that the hardest part for me was the night row. It is a source of anxiety, of fears of not seeing anything and not knowing what is going on. You have no control over anything and you are in an unpredictable environment full of mystery. This adrenaline rush is hard to handle because after my stint, I was still in it and I had trouble falling back asleep.
But the strength of the group prevails, because the friend before you is rowing, she is tired… and you have to be on time to replace her and do the same. It is above all a collective challenge, but it is also an individual challenge. You are alone on your board, facing fears and kilometers of water and nothing, and that’s where your mind has to do the job.
When you arrive, seeing other people than the crew, seeing the “land” again, your family, it gives you a great feeling! But it’s a strange feeling, the project ends, you go back to your hotel room, you don’t row anymore, you go back for a full night… but it’s almost like missing the boat! As if you didn’t want it to end… too weird!
For 13 days, you keep in mind the moments when you struggled, when it was difficult … and when you arrive, all these moments you forget them and you keep only the positive.
I would like to tell and make live what we live during x days at sea, to tell how it was hard, my fears and my fears. But I think it’s impossible to realize that. You have to live it!
Today, after this test crossing 2, I know why I am doing this project. I do it for myself, to prove to myself that I can do it. I want to live this experience and surpass myself.
I got involved in this project also for its values and causes: to support sick children and help them live their dreams. And then I do it for the people who miss me every day, who are no longer there but who help me to surpass myself and give the best of myself, I want them to be proud of me.
Photo credit: Jérémie Gabrien
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1 Km = 100 euros *
or free donations!
For example: by giving 100* euros my donation is divided as follows
*60 € dedicated to the Super Optimist program (sick children) and educational programs of prevention of health sports in schools + 40 € dedicated to the sports, medical and scientific expedition.
Thank you so much for your support and help
