January Carmalt’s spotted-seal Norfolk clothing is supporting Team Rowmads, a ‘motley crew’ of six who are taking part in the 2000-mile GB Row Challenge, starting in June. Here, January explains why the new Changing Tides collection is inspired by the team
We launched spotted-seal as a love letter to Norfolk and celebration of Britain’s glorious, and too often underrated coast. It was walking our lovable lab up Beeston Bump when it struck us there was a gap in the market for destination coastal wear celebrating the unsung beauty of our favourite corner of England. With this in mind, it was clear that our lovable seals with their deep ties to the region and universal appeal would be the perfect symbol for our clothes.
Now comes the hard work of building the brand – a never-ending journey of cementing our values, finding ambassadors and boldly committing to our market and mission without apology.
It was serendipity we stumbled upon supporting Team Rowmads and supplying them with our clothes. This rag-tag team of ex-army mates, brothers, mad rowers and adventure lovers understand celebrating Britain’s coast translates into a commitment towards preserving it for generations to come. An impressive crew of medics, engineers and trainers, Team Rowmads will take their love of our seas (not to mention penchant for physical and mental punishment) a step further by committing to rowing non-stop around the UK this June as part of the GB Row Challenge.
Dubbed ‘The World’s Toughest Rowing Race’, this gruelling 2000-mile row around Great Britain involves tackling four turbulent seas, volatile and changeable tides, unpredictable weather patterns, shipping lanes and with land never far from sight, the persistent lure of heading inland for a pint and curry!
What separates this from other epic endurance pursuits? Theirs is a mission with a purpose. Partnering with University of Portsmouth, the Crown Estate and other sponsors, Team Rowmads will be conducting vital marine conservation research on local wildlife (including seals!) studying microplastics in our seas, pollution levels, as well as contributing to groundbreaking medical research investigating the impact of extreme environmental and persistent endurance stress on the body, plus so much more.
Team Rowmads and their mission are the inspiration behind spotted-seal’s latest collection of coastal wear. Harnessing this same spirit of adventure with a nod to nautical heritage comes our range of classic hoodies and shirts boasting ocean tones, classic designs and premium fabric – all in 100% organic cotton. Made with intention and consideration for our seas all products are manufactured, dyed and printed within a six-mile radius in Leicester, UK. No pesky shipping lanes, here.
Our lighter, 350gsm oversized hoodies are perfect for warming down after a 2000-mile row, or ya know, a coastal stroll. These are made with soft, semi-brushed cotton fleece and printed with our classic solid seal and logo with ultimate wearability in mind.
Responding to popular demand we have also included long-sleeve t-shirts in the range embracing colours of the sea and cool minimalism. We love the relaxed fit, understated, graphic solid spotted-seal on the chest and spotted-seal logo printed length way on the sleeve- great for flexing the oars in style!
Team Rowmad model, Felix Wood, aka ‘Woody’, adds: ‘This spotted-seal hoodie is insanely comfortable, perfectly styled and somehow managed to stand out whilst being effortlessly chill. Easily my new favourite piece.’
Want to know more AND when Team Rowmads will be making their way around Norfolk’s ‘bump’? Follow Team Rowmads’ journey on @spottedseal_norfolklife @Rowmads, @GBRowchallenge. ‘Changing Tides’ is available to pre-order today at spotted-seal.co.uk
Featured image of Woody, and all other images, supplied by January Carmalt
This is just what we need in Norfolk, a brand with real ties to the region! Love the Changing Tides and connection with the rowers and our seas!
Love that it’s made in the UK!