You are described as an illustrator, artist, surfer and activist. If you had to choose one of these roles, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose none of the above as, I do not like to be trapped in any role in general. I like to stay curious, keep evolving and try out many different ways of living.

In all the different areas of my life and work, I like to create visual storytelling and express feelings or experiences through different art forms and media. I see this as a versatile skill that can be used to inspire, to be an outlet for feelings, or as a powerful tool to provoke change and communicate important issues about ocean conservation.

You sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on a tiny sailing boat with two female companions. ​​What was the initial idea, the reason for this adventure?

The initial idea was to trace the journey of plastic as it travels across the Atlantic. Living in the Canary Islands, I witness firsthand the plastic that washes up on our beaches every day. Much of this debris has traveled vast distances, often carried by the Gulf Stream and the same winds that boats use to cross the ocean.

Beyond this mission, I was also driven by a personal desire to embark on the ultimate, most authentic adventure – one that takes you far from civilization and the comforts of modern society, leaving you fully exposed to the raw power of nature.

How bad are our oceans really doing? Do you have a vivid memory of the trip that left a lasting impression on you?

During our voyage across the North Atlantic with Women & the Wind, we kept a logbook to record every piece of plastic we spotted floating by. In 30 days of sailing, we saw plastic every single day. It was shocking to witness so much waste, even in the middle of the ocean, far from land and human activity. This experience was a reminder of how our actions on land have a massive impact on life at sea. The plastic pollution crisis is not just real – it’s urgent, and it demands immediate attention.

What is everyday life like on an Atlantic crossing, being surrounded by water only? What challenges do you face? Is there also such a thing as, for example, boredom or were you constantly scared maybe?

Spending a long period at sea is a truly unique experience – one that’s hard to capture in just a few words. I loved being away from external distractions, the internet, and my phone. It was refreshing to simply eat, sleep, read, and stare at the ocean for hours. In today’s world, we’re so accustomed to constant stimulation and endless streams of information that it can feel difficult to just be still. Personally, I miss that feeling of boredom – the kind that allows your mind to slow down. At sea, I found joy in having the space for long, uninterrupted thoughts and the ability to be fully present, focusing on just one task at a time.

The biggest challenges at sea are the boat, the crew, and your own survival. There’s no one to call for help, and if something goes wrong, rescue isn’t easy. This forces you to take full responsibility for yourself – you have to trust your own abilities and take charge of your own life. It also makes you hyper-aware of the essentials. Water and food are no longer unlimited resources, so you must consume less and make everything last. The experience reshapes your perspective on what is truly necessary.

You come across as someone who is not easily satisfied and is always looking for new challenges. What are your plans for the coming period?

We are finally releasing our documentary about the Atlantic crossing, and with that comes some traveling to promote the movie. I am excited to get out and meet people, engage in dialog and see what this will bring. With the launch of the movie, the women & the wind foundation will follow, and the goal is to raise funds to help facilitate women-led environmentally focused adventure projects. After all of this the only thing I am really dreaming of is to relax, do less, spend more time with family and friends and of course surf as much as possible.

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@laerke.fun.heilmann