our mission
mission
We are Team Ocean with a mission to row across the mid-Pacific in order to raise awareness the impact climate change is having on our water availability. We, Bela Evers (Transformation Consultant & Ocean Rower), Wilco van Rooijen (Professional mountain climber and polar explorer), Bram Mayer (Police Officer) and Sara Eenhoorn (Mountain Guide) will set out in May 2024 from San Francisco and row non-stop 4500km in shifts of 2 hours on and 2 hours off to Hawaii. It’s going to be tough to say the least but the mission is clear.
Our Story
Being outdoor adventurers, we are grateful to be so close and ‘as one’ with nature. Yet it’s saddening to see what is happening on the front of climate change and the impact it is having on our water supply.

By rowing the Pacific it is our mission to raise awareness and change behaviours when it comes to how we go about using and treating water. The UN predict that by 2025 there will be a shortage of water in 30% of the world covering 50 countries.
We will use our expedition as a ‘living lab’ to highlight the need of being self-sufficient on water usage, so every drop counts. As part of their mission, we will create awareness, school programs, citizen initiatives and company programs, but we can’t do this without the support of partners and sponsors, so hop on board. Sitting back is NOT an option.
Let’s row this ocean together.
Our Core Values
Our Values as a Team
- Work together
- Respect for nature and each other
- No room for ego's
Extraordinary Experiences
Adventure frees the heart and brings with it extraordinary experiences. Between the team we have climbed mountains, rowed an ocean, crossed the polars and more… being outdoor adventurers has magnified the superiority of nature.
We are nothing compared to the mighty elements around us and it is the art of being ‘as one’ with mother nature that tests us as humans. The extraordinary experience is not what you do but how you come out of it the other side.
The Timeline
October 1, 2022
Test Row
We take our first row together with Ralph Tuijn with strong winds. Wilco rows for the first time experiencing blisters and sore back side. But he craves for more.
October 8th, 2022
Boat in Zutphen – Training Begins
The energies are with us. We are spurred into our dream thanks to the loan boat from Ralph. Guests rowers join us for training – who will join us in the team?
January 10th 2023
Campaign Begins
Starting our campaign involves, PR, marketing and even building this website. We are getting the party started!
February to June 2023
Rowing Hardewijk to Amsterdam
We’ve done our river training on the Ijssel and heading on a little expedition from Harderwijk to Amsterdam over the course of 3 months (read our blog).
June- July 2023
Finalizion of team and our boat
We’ve finalized the team and collected our boat from the UK. The next level training is about to begin!
Late Summer - Winter2023
Long Distance Training
Training long distance. From the Ijssel to the Ijsselmeer, the Wadenzee and finally taking the boat out to the North Sea
January 2024
New Year Reception
Time to raise your glasses and bring out a toast to family and friends who will be behind us every stroke of the way.
Feb-April 2024
Last Preparations
After training for a year and a half, time has come to realise this big adventure. Preparing the boat, food, and last logistics to make the start line in the US. And time to give the team a big send off.
May 2024
Departure
The moment we have been living towards. This is going to be surreal.
Summer 2024
Mission Accomplished?
We aim to have completed the rowing part of the pacific crossing, but our ambition is to continue our quest against climate change.