SEASTR
One cool, drippy, Spring evening in 2022, I attended a film showing at Heritage Distilling Co. (HDC) in Gig Harbor, WA. All I knew going into it was that a friend of my dad’s had directed a film called Stand Up which was about “some badass ocean women”. Sold. So, I bundled up and embraced the thumping rain as I dashed from the car to the warehouse where the showing was to take place. The energy in the room was buzzing. Filled with community members, the space felt warm as people piled in, antsy for what was to come.
We talked, shared stories, and caught up with friends and family (and grabbed drinks from the open bar) as we waited to be seated. Then, the film’s director and production team ushered us to the lines of folding chairs that sat before the projector screen.
Along with the production crew, one of the two stars of the film, Erica Lichty, stood before us to introduce the film. She was the most intense, beautiful, and powerful woman I’d maybe ever seen. She was tall, clearly very strong, and had a quiet confidence that radiated outward. Yes, I was fangirling and possibly, girl-crushing.
Then they rolled the film. That next hour or so brought so many emotions: inspiration, wonder, sadness, beauty, power, connection, and longing.
Stand Up is an incredible docudrama film that follows two women – one being Erica - as they competed in the insanely challenging “Seventy48”, a 70-mile race across vast stretches of the Salish Sea, only open to human-powered craft who must navigate their way from the port of Tacoma to Port Townsend. They have 48 hours to complete the trek and are completely on their own throughout the race (no support craft).
These ladies not only tackled this challenge, but both finished strong, when over half of the racers dropped out due to exhaustion and terrible weather conditions. Oh, and they were each on Stand-Up Paddleboards, one of the hardest ways to compete in the Seventy48.
Adding depth to the story, the film also captures each of these women’s journeys through domestic violence and mental health, framing their deep connection to the sea. The physical, mental and emotional challenge of the race is a metaphor as they battle their way back to balance and create space for healing. This film is so much more than I expected.
Here's the trailer...
And so began my connection with Erica. Almost a year after the film showing, we reconnected through the Cold Water Women Instagram page. Without knowing who was behind CWW, Erica, acting as the SEASTR account, DM’d me, asking to collaborate. When I realized who she was, I was floored, humbled and thrilled.
What is SEASTR? A non-profit, founded by Erica, on a mission to “optimize the human/environment connection, using water to engage the under-represented in their own process of healing and evolution, making a difference for themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Access. Community. Empowerment.
There are so many things I could write about Erica and her creation of SEASTR. But to keep this a blog post, instead of a book, I’m just going to focus on the SEASTR Women’s Retreats. (I know, perfect.)
On August 7-9, 2023, SEASTR took a group of women to the Olympic Peninsula coast, west of Port Angeles to engage in their first ever women’s retreat (!).
This retreat is designed to bring women together in a safe environment and turn inward, taking slow moments to sit with themselves and others, participate in meditation workshops, bond through ocean play of all kinds, and create community in a time where so many of us feel this longing for connection.
The retreat was a huge success, by every definition of the word. It brought together a group of strangers, bonding over shared experiences and creating new ones. A safe haven for women to talk about whatever their hearts desired, a space of healing, empowerment, connection, and play. I know, sounds magical, huh? In my interview with Erica she mentioned that there will always be spontaneous ‘pop ups’ here and there, and that they are focused on foundational programming at the moment. Sustainability and tangible change comes with hard work, constructive programming and community.
SEASTR has been developing a sailing component and has started getting more women from all backgrounds on the water. Their newly formed BIPOC committee is helping other sailing groups in the PNW facilitate outreach and coordinate collaborations with other like minded organizations. Adventure paddling clinics will continue and they have recently been asked to develop a paddle program for young women in North Seattle. Stay tuned for more updates!
“While access to the maritime community is a multi-faceted conversation, our low-cost programming aims to help alleviate the financial factor, break down the barrier of affluence, and encourage equal access. Inclusion will change the way this world operates and with reciprocity we create sustainability.”
SEASTR
If you are interested in attending a SEASTR event or simply want to learn more about Erica and her journey click here.
Visit the SEASTR Instagram for updates on upcoming events.