An Interview With Susan Ronaldson of Status Row
wildbumble® is on a mission to form a team of superheroes to join her in saving the planet and to reduce stress, heroes who will inspire the ordinary to achieve the extraordinary.
This week we have been speaking with Susan Ronaldson who is one of three making up Status Row who have entered the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2018. Caroline Wilson, Jess Rego and Susan Ronaldson make up Status Row. A team of “3 ordinary ladies” as they like to describe themselves looking to achieve the extraordinary.
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2018
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is the premier event in ocean rowing – 30 crews from around the world competing to cross 3000 miles of ocean, powered only by their own strength and determination. This is the world’s toughest row!
Status Row will cast off in December from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands rowing around the clock for over 50 days to reach Nelson’s Dockyard English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda.
The boats are seven meters long and just under two metres wide. Built of fibre glass, carbon fibre and Kevlar, they have only a small cabin to provide protection from the waves, storms and powerful sun rays. If the waves prove too much and a boat capsizes, they are designed to self-right.
The boat has to be equipped at the start line with everything they’ll need for the entire journey and they’ll not be able to take any repair, help or food and water during the crossing. The team will have a water maker (a machine to desalinate the ocean water), the latest technology to navigate and communicate, and all their rations on board. Most of their food will be dehydrated but Susan says they will take a good supply of chocolate and of good old hobnobs to keep them buzzing!
Inspiration
Susan explains that the documentary film A Plastic Ocean triggered their passion to help reduce plastic pollution. From an early age they have been environmentalists but now more than ever they are driven to pursue the cause of reducing plastic pollution.
On the 17 May 2018 Status Row will be showing A Plastic Ocean at the Whirled Cinema, SE24 0HN and inviting you to buy tickets via the link below:
A Plastic Ocean is described by Sir David Attenborough as "one of the most important films of our time". This award-winning film is an epic global adventure that documents the shocking consequences of our disposable lifestyle. It goes on to investigate how our addiction to plastic is impacting the food chain, and may be affecting our health and wellbeing.
They are looking for support to help raise funds so that they can have the right equipment in time for start in December later this year. Do reach out to the team if you are interest in supporting them or even learning more about this challenge and the cause.
Mission
1. CLEAN UP THE OCEAN
Status Row firmly believes it starts at the source with education and small changes in our everyday habits can soon add up to make a world of a difference. Refuse that straw, reduce your reliance on plastic bags (carry a trendy tote), reuse your water bottle (buy a bottle like Water-to-Go) and recycle the rest.
2. ROW ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
An incredible adventure of rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic.
3. INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION
Over the past 50 years, Status Row have unfortunately seen our marine environments damaged beyond belief. But one generations actions can reverse that. By committing to this challenge this team of 3 amazing ladies hope to inspire every person to push beyond their perceived limitations. “You are your only obstacle and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. You are never too young, old or late to follow your dreams!”
4. SUPPORT CHARITY THE MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY
This adventure is not just about the physical and mental challenge of the row. Central to the mission is using the row to make a difference. Ocean conservation combines the teams shared passion for the environment with their love and respect for the sea. The more they have learnt about the threat of plastic pollution, the more they realised there is an urgent need to act and raise awareness. Who better to partner with in this cause than the UK’s leading charity in this sector: the Marine Conservation Society.
Connect With Status Row
You can connect with Status Row on Twitter Instagram via their website.
We will be supporting the team every stroke of the way on this super challenge and wish them every success.
Stay Safe Keep Buzzing!
Selchouk Sami
Founder