#5 OLLY HICKS

March 7, 2024 Ben Saunders

“To enjoy rather than endure.”

Episode #5 of the New Frontiers Podcast is now live!

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In today's episode I sit down with Olly Hicks, an old friend, a record-breaking adventurer, and these days, the founder of a fascinating startup.

Olly's life has been deeply intertwined with the ocean. Like me, his first big expedition was at the tender age of 23, when he made history by becoming the first person to row solo across the Atlantic from America to England, and he has since used a pair of oars or a kayak paddle to propel himself more than 7,000 miles at sea.

He has witnessed some incredible sights, including what he calls the 'nightclub under the sea’ – an awe-inspiring display of bioluminescent phytoplankton lighting up the ocean as he rowed.

Transitioning from the extreme solitude of the high seas to the collaborative venture of aquaculture, Olly’s latest adventure is as the co-founder of Algapelago. This initiative is pioneering the creation of large-scale offshore kelp farms, setting a benchmark as the UK's largest licensed kelp cultivator and offering a future model on ocean sustainability.

From learning to develop grit by understanding the importance of keeping your kit dry, to the effect that solo expeditions have on your view of the world – Olly offers a fascinating insight into both individual agency and courage, and the importance of marine restoration today.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FT

Today’s episode of New Frontiers is brought to you by the Financial Times.

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