Liz Clark left aboard her Cal 40, Swell, at age 25 and has since sailed over 20,000 miles throughout the Pacific. Amber Stronk of Summer Sailstice ocean conservation partner, Sailors For the Sea, caught up with Liz for some insights on her sailing and her on-going efforts to save the oceans and planet:
Liz Clark is a passionate conservationist, sailor, surfer and author of Swell: A Sailing Surfer's Voyage of Awakening, a memoir which details her time sailing in the open sea while developing a profound connection to the earth and committing to a life of sustainability.
Liz learned to sail at seven years old in San Diego, California on a small, red sailing dinghy. When Liz was 10, her family went on a 5,000-mile, 6 month trip down Mexico’s Pacific coast which began her lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. Liz has lived aboard her sailboat for over a decade writing, photographing her experiences and working as a brand ambassador for eco-conscious organizations. She has gained worldwide recognition as an environmental activist and adventurer.
Sailors for the Sea’s Communication Manager, Amber Stronk, had a chance to talk with Liz about her sailing experience and passion for protecting our oceans. As a Sailors for the Sea Ambassador, Liz believes Green Boaters can be catalysts for change when it comes to restoring the health of our oceans.
Amber Stronk: Can you tell me a bit about how you began sailing and what was your “aha moment” that turned you into an ocean conservationist?
Liz Clark: When I was a kid, we sailed from San Diego, California to Mexico on our family sailboat. We visited the most incredibly pristine bays and coastlines and witnessed extraordinary wildlife. When we’d sail into busy ports I remember being troubled by the amount of trash and pollution I’d see in the ocean. It was this stark contrast between beautiful ocean wilderness areas versus what I saw in coastal cities that turned me into a passionate environmentalist early on.
Read the complete interview here.
