Oli Russell - Cowan on Rad Season
WHAT WAS THE CATALYST BEHIND STARTING RAD SEASON?
Five years ago I was on my honeymoon in Central America. I found it hard to find events and festivals going on that were a bit different and had an element of adventure and general radness to them. - There was no detailed information or website with an easy to use calendar or location map saying what the festival and events season was and where it was happening for action sports and epic cultural events. So when we returned to Australia after the trip the idea was born to create a website that had all this information in a concise format.
YOUR COMPANY IS CALLED ‘RAD SEASON’ - WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR RADIST SEASON TO DATE & WHY?
Certainly not this year ;-) Joking aside last summer in Europe has been the most epic season so far. I went to 25 festivals in 4 months across Europe with my wife and our 2 year old son.
IF YOU COULD ONLY LIVE IN ONE SEASON FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I love them all, as all season's have something rad to offer. If I had to pick one I would go with summer. Coming from the UK originally, summer always brings out the best times and it's when most events and festivals happen.
HAVE YOU HAD A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE? WHAT FLASHED BEFORE YOUR EYES?
I've had one or two haha. I was in a boat accident on a surfing trip in Nicaragua where the boat hit a freak wave and launched 20 foot in the air. I got knocked out for a minute or two and all I could think of was should I try and jump off the boat or brace myself for the landing ;-)
WHAT IS YOUR CHOSEN ADVENTURE CRAFT?
I would have to say a surfboard. However, I'm getting into my mountain biking at the moment. I try to get on the bike as much as I can if there's not much surf.
WHAT DOES THE ‘SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE’ MEAN TO YOU?
The spirit of adventure to me means to always open yourself up to new opportunities and challenges in your life. Be open minded and you never know what may happen.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT LIVING LIFE BY BEING SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX?
I've learnt to never take myself too seriously. Life is about having a good time and making a positive impact on people that you surround yourself with.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE, WOULD YOU ADVENTURE ON LAND OR SEA?
Sea
HOW HAS COVID IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS?
In February 2020 we showcased over 600 events and festivals on RadSeason.com. All of those events got cancelled this year, went virtual or postponed until next year. Therefore, we had to change our strategy. We focused on virtual events and we also created the Rad Season Podcast to stay in touch with the events, adventure and action sports communities. We are now producing live stream shows and podcasts for travel and action sports companies. 2020 has been one hell of a ride.
