Belinda Kirk facts for kids

Belinda Kirk is a British explorer and a business owner. She started a group called Explorers Connect. It helps people find exciting adventures and expeditions. In 2010, she led the first all-female rowing team to row all the way around Britain without stopping. They finished the amazing journey in 51 days!

Belinda Kirk: An Explorer's Journey

Early Adventures and Discoveries

When Belinda was 18, she traveled to Tanzania to study monkeys. Later, she traveled alone across Africa. This trip made her feel much more confident and changed how she saw the world.

She has also walked across Nicaragua and looked for animals in the Taklamakan Desert in China. These experiences helped her become the explorer she is today.

Creating Explorers Connect

Belinda used to work making TV shows. But she decided to quit her job. She wanted to help other people go on their own adventures.

Belinda believes that modern life can make us feel disconnected from nature. She wants to help people find challenges and explore the world around them.

In 2009, Belinda launched Explorers Connect. This group helps people find adventures both in the UK and in other countries. It includes both new and experienced explorers. By 2016, the group had 25,000 members! Belinda has even worked with famous TV adventurers like Bear Grylls and Ray Mears.

Rowing Around Britain: The Seagals' Challenge

In 2010, Belinda joined an all-female rowing team called the Seagals. Belinda was the leader, or skipper, of the team. Her teammates included a nurse from the Royal Navy and a former US marine named Angela Madsen.

They entered a big rowing event called the Virgin GB Row 2010. The goal was to row all the way around Britain. The Seagals lived on their small boat for the whole trip. Only two people could sleep at a time, and they took turns rowing in two-hour shifts.

Belinda and her crew became the first women to row non-stop around Britain. They completed the 2,101-mile journey in 51 days. This amazing achievement earned them a spot in the Guinness World Records!

Encouraging Outdoor Adventures

Belinda also organized the first Wild Night Out in July 2017. This was a special day to encourage people to try new outdoor experiences. She wants everyone to discover the joy of adventure.

Belinda Kirk is a respected member of the Royal Geographical Society and the British Exploring Society. These are important groups for explorers.

Belinda's Family

Belinda's father is Maurice Kirk. People call him the "Flying Vet." He used to be a veterinary surgeon and loves flying planes.

In 2016, Maurice took part in the Vintage Air Rally. This event involves flying old planes from Crete to Cape Town. Maurice made news when his plane went missing over Ethiopia. But search teams found him safe!