Debrief #1 - a Debrief

In November of last year, we hosted a small and intimate event, our first Debrief Adventure Festival. After years of wanting to host something like this, often the 'vision' became way too big, and the initial enthusiasm would quickly get crushed by the weight of the, albeit self-imposed, expectation. But something seemed to have changed, who knows what, the expectation was lifted, and we went ahead with our first event, hosted at CHIp Studios in Ipswich.

Of course, in a very 'me' way, I announced it with about 6 weeks notice (as one of my uni tutors once observed, if it wasn't for the last minute, nothing would ever get done - I don't think they said it with the intention of it becoming a life motto of mine). But from ground-zero, to a venue, people, guest speakers, vendors...in just 6 weeks somehow, it worked. I say somehow, but the reason it worked has nothing to do with me, it worked because of the very cool people who are passionate and enthusiastic about the outdoors, adventure sports, and nature.

See, this is where I saw the opportunity, East Anglia, whilst many things, is not an adventure destination. There isn't an event like this, here (well there wasn't until now) because whilst Suffolk isn't the first place people think of when they think "adventure" - it doesn't mean that there aren't a huge number of outdoor and adventure lovers living here. Actually, the more I hear from local organisations, athletes, hobbyists, educators; the more I wonder why, first of all our own locals aren't more aware of what's on the doorstep, but also why this isn't an adventure destination. Sure, okay, we're actually, factually, the farthest away from a peak you can get in the UK, but mountains schmountains I say (I never say that).

Back the event. I need to thank, of course everyone who came along to enjoy the evening, and also those who had some faith in me to put on something worth their while, the guest speakers: Lindsay Barker - local legend and Co-Director of Avid Climbing Emma Keen - Trail Run Club Manager, Run Coach, Ultra Distance Coach Peter Robinson - Outdoor Education expert, and Nature & Wellbeing researcher at Essex University Each bringing something unique to the evening, from growing communities and overcoming adversities, to insightful science and some intriguing anecdotes about licking trees. To those supporting the experience as vendors / exhibitors: Run Bright Roaming Sauna Set Wild Early Morning Yoga Club Avid Climbing YHA BMC and to Tenzing for providing the good energy!

Hosting this event was an education, the coolest thing from my perspective, was that everyone was stoked about it. So here we are. 3 months out from our 2nd event, bigger venue, same values. same chaotic and frantic whatsapps to the people close to me helping, supporting, being a crutch. I have no idea what the end goal is, or if there even is one. For now I'm just doing something I love doing, and the whole time you all keep wanting it, I'll keep doing it. See you in June.