Natalia Cohen - Coxless Crew

Natalia Cohen

Team Member

Age: 40

Job in the “real” world: Travel professional/Operations Manager/Nomad

Past adventures/sporting success: Leading adventure tours in over 15 countries, doing the Inca Trail 10 times, the Camino de Santiago, Pacific crossing by sailboat monitoring plastic pollution and managing a remote eco-lodge in Tanzania (initially being the only woman in a team of 30 local men!)

However, I’m not sure that anything can really prepare you for a challenge of this enormity.

Why am I doing the row? I have always had a love of water. I am a Pisces, an enthusiastic swimmer, find the sight and sound of the ocean deeply meditative and get a great sense of peace when I am near or around water. It’s where I feel at home. So… I suppose you can say that I have always been drawn to the ocean.

I don’t seem to have chosen a conventional lifestyle, which has been highlighted by the fact that I’ve lived and worked in over 50 different countries over the last 15 years, consistently forcing myself outside my comfort zone and immersing myself in different cultures.

One thing that has always been constant is that I’ve always been fascinated by people, the mind, its capabilities and the strength of the human spirit. This wonderful will of spirit, this triumph over adversity, particularly prevalent in the destinations that I have explored, never ceases to amaze me.

Whether it’s a woman fighting with breast cancer, an injured servicewoman battling to find a way back into society, a woman struggling in a male dominated business world, communities in the developing world dealing with daily existence or any human stressed by their own personal demons, it’s the power of peoples spirit that drives them forward.
I am intrigued how the Row will challenge me and excited to explore the depth and breadth of my own spirit and mind. I want to use the insight gained from the planning, execution and lessons learnt during this experience to inspire and motivate others after it.

What excites me most about the row? Learning a multitude of new skills, how to work effectively as a team, how to manage our nutrition, physical training and mindfulness and the fact that the row itself will be happening the year I turn 40, is all very exciting. It will be an insightful journey that will hopefully allow me to believe in the unbelievable and inspire others to do the same.

What am I going to miss the most? Colour variety, a shower/bath, regular sleep, family and stillness!

What food will I miss the most? Fresh fruit and vegetables.

What am I looking forward to the most? The journey and all that it brings.

An abstract fact about me: Whilst preparing for the row, I will be experiencing my first real winter in 14 years!!! (A challenge in itself).

My power song on the boat: ‘Waves’ by Mr Probz was playing when I first met ‘Doris’ and has definitely become a huge song for me.