Nikwax athlete and accomplished paddler Sonya Baumstein currently is training to be the first person to complete a 5,700-nautical mile solo row from Choshi, Japan to San Francisco, California in 2015.

Baumstein, 28, has an extensive adventure resume. Most recently in 2013, Baumstein became the first person to SUP the Bering Strait from Big Diomede to Alaskan mainland, just north of Wales, AK. The year prior, in 2012, she sea kayaked from Seattle to Juneau, AK; and in 2011, Baumstein successfully rowed across the Atlantic, from the Canary Islands to Barbados.

Inspired by more than just her spirit of adventure, Baumstein’s motivation is also driven by her commitment to raise awareness for climate change. During her solo row from Japan to San Francisco, Baumstein will collect information that will be analyzed by NASA to increase knowledge of how global warming is impacting our oceans. Baumstein’s boat will be outfitted with a device that measures ocean salinity, temperature and depth.

As the global leader in environmentally safe aftercare and waterproofing solutions, Nikwax is passionate about helping athletes – including Baumstein – achieve their outdoor adventure goals. “We at Nikwax believe that a passion for the outdoors and adventure goes hand-in-hand with the desire to help protect our environment,” said Heidi Allen, Marketing Director for Nikwax N.A. “Therefore, we are thrilled to be sponsoring Sonya on her upcoming voyages. She is an amazing athlete who is not only an intrepid adventurer, but also a supporter of scientific study and education.”

To help Baumstein achieve her goal, Nikwax will outfit Baumstein’s boat with the Spectra Rowboat 150 water maker that is vital to her expedition. The water maker will supply Baumstein’s drinking water, as well as the water she will use to properly clean and care for her gear during her journey. Nikwax also will supply Baumstein with products – including Tech Wash, TX.Direct, Polar Proof and BaseWash Travel Gel – to help clean and maintain the water repellency of her gear to assure she stays dry and warm during her journey.

Baumstein is an accomplished ocean rower, paddler and backcountry adventurer, all of which make her an impressive addition to the Nikwax team of athletes. To follow Baumstein and her expeditions, visit her website at sonyabaumstein.com.

Watch Sonya’s Bering Strait journey below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik4Eut9fGVU

For more information about Nikwax and its team of athletes, visit Nikwax.com.

Image and video courtesy Nikwax