While the whole team – sea and shore – eagerly waits for a favourable weather window to head for the ocean and to set off to Hawaii, we might as well have a little walk down memory lane.
Today, May 20th, is a special day. At least it is for Wilco van Rooijen – GROHE Team Ocean’s Team Captain.
May 20th 1997, after 70 days (!) skiing the hazardous and unforgivable terrain of the Arctic he arrived at the very top of our planet: Earth’s True North. Not very long after, also on May 20th, he again arrived at a top of our planet achieving to reach the Summit of the Mount Everest. All without carrying or using extra oxygen as support.
Today, May 20th 2025, Wilco is set to depart for his next daring expedition: Rowing the Pacific Ocean from Monterey California to Kauai Hawaii with his brave crew members Bela Evers and Ruurd Dasselaar. A monstrous non-stop unsupported rowing expedition for 4500 km or 2800 miles crossing the deep and dangerous waters of the Mid West Pacific Ocean.
You might wonder; is he a one-of-a-kind extreme sportsman, or is he a maverick playing trick or treat with life?
Probably a little bit of both where the first needs the latter (and vice versa) to succeed. Again, and again, and again.
Whatever is true, it’s also these crazy adventures and endeavours that brought him the appreciation, inspiration and urge for our Planet; her universal beauty, her delicate systems to create, sustain, and support life with her one-of-a-kind asset; sweet water.
You can ski the Earth’s Poles, climb the highest mountains or row the deepest oceans. All you need is some endurance, a little will power, and a good dose of craziness. Oh, and, let’s not forget, access to sweet water. Without the latter you will never succeed. Without sweet water expeditions fail. We fail. Everything fails. Life ends.
Think about this. The true value of clean sweet water. What does it really mean for us, for you? To you? How do you value it? How do you appreciate it? How do you preserve it? Think, just for a moment. And when you do; our Pacific-expedition is already a success!
Enjoy life. Appreciate water. Row with us. Row for #Aquawareness. Be crazy!
