15 Volunteer Life Savers known as the ‘Red Nose Mussel Rowers’ from the south coast of NSW have launched their surf boat today to take on one of the toughest ocean journeys in Australia for a brilliant cause.
VIDEO: MusselRowers - Womens Red Nose Bass Strait Crossing
The all-female crew have departed from Port Welshpool, Victoria. The estimated 320 km epic journey will be a massive achievement, but the real motivation behind the crossing is to raise money for the now famous Red Nose Day Foundation.
What is estimated to take about 7-8 days island hopping across the Strait, the girls will row in a traditional surf boat proudly on loan from Broulee Surfers Surf Life Saving Club.
The boat is named in honour of two amazing women being Broulee Surfers Life member Claudia Dixon and Kathy Glinsky of Avoca SLSC who was tragically killed in the Thailand tsunami in 2004.
The trip celebrates an amazing female members of SLSA.
‘We have been chomping at the bit to get going. We know it will be hard, but the Red Nose Charity do amazing things, and our hard work will be worth it to be able to support their work’ said Michelle Cottington who is one of the 8 women taking part.
‘This trip is not for the faint hearted and the girls who have put up their hands to take it on are experienced in long distance ocean rowing. They will have good days and bad, but the adventure and challenges are something they will never forget’ said Shannon Small.
Training began in chilly conditions, and so too the efforts to cover the costs of the trip which are nearing the $50,000 mark. The biggest chunk of costs being that of the support boat and fuel costs. Once running costs are covered, the important fundraising efforts begins for Red Nose Day.
Opportunities exist to sponsor a rower, or donate you might consider $1 a km.
Donations can be made via GoFundme – RED NOSE MUSSEL ROWERS - https://gofund.me/d3ce07e0
THE RED NOSE MUSSELROWERS
Taryn Carver
Michelle Cottington
Anna McGlynn
Kirsty Luff
Elle Pannowitz
Shannon Small
Ash Bujeya
THE RED NOSE SWEEP
Rob Pollock
THE RED NOSE SKI PADDLERS
Scott Carver
Andy Lawson
Above: the training.... so much training
