CWF Africa to Americas Expedition Day 14: Wildlife Inspires Rowers through Difficult Seas

OTTAWA, Feb. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Three days after the CWF Africa to Americas Expedition launched from Senegal a massive wave crashed down on the OAR Northwest ocean rowboat. The immense force broke an oar, swept away some supplies, and almost claimed the captain. Now 14 days into the trans-Atlantic rowing expedition the crew pushes forward inspired by face-to-face wildlife encounters with dolphins, flying fish and seabirds.

"These four young men are rowing across the Atlantic to raise awareness of the danger the world's oceans are in," said Wade Luzny, CEO Executive Vice President, Canadian Wildlife Federation. "The public is invited to join the journey online and to show solidarity with this incredible conservation challenge."

The two American and two Canadian rowers are attempting this Guinness Record-setting ocean row in a fully-equipped 1800 kg (two ton) boat outfitted with the latest safety and communications gear. The 8.8 metre (29 foot) boat is loaded with supplies to survive 100 days at sea.

"Our goal is to connect and educate the public about conservation through the power of adventure," says expedition member and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Adam Kreek.  "We aim to promote the benefits of science and communicate the beautiful mystery of our oceans, while inspiring young people to branch out, explore our planet, and connect with the power of nature."

The adventurers are rowing 24 hours a day in two person shifts studying the state of our planet's oceans as well as the state of their personal health, with help from the University of Washington, University of Calgary Centre for Sleep & Human Performance and a number of other institutions. When they are not rowing, the athletes will sleep in one-, two-, and four-hour shifts, monitored by scientists to study their irregular sleep patterns and circadian rhythms while under constant duress of the extreme journey.

For more information, visit YourWildAdventure.ca and OARNorthwest.org.

ABOUT OAR NORTHWEST
Founded in 2005, OAR Northwest is a non-profit organization specializing in Ocean Adventure Rowing and Education. OAR Northwest connects with partners to propel youth, schools, community members and businesses to showcase the outdoors, marine habitat and healthy lifestyles. Face-to-face interactions with expedition crew members, online tracking technology and adventure learning curriculum help achieve these goals. For more information, visit OARnorthwest.org.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN WILDLIFE FEDERATION
Founded in 1962, the Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Wildlife Federation