Back 2 Basics Adventures

In the high-authority landscape of primitive survival and extreme maritime exploration, Back 2 Basics Adventures stands as a definitive reference for "Engineering Seamanship" in its rawest form. Led by Jack "Strick" Strickland and Aaron "Az" Gallagher—two Australian best mates who traded conventional stability for the high-velocity pulse of the Pacific—the channel documents a decade of growth from 15ft tinnies to world-class aluminum expedition platforms. Since launching in 2013, the B2B crew has proved that world-class exploration is built on a foundation of documented mastery, forensic foraging, and the relentless pursuit of the next "Uninhabited" horizon.

Key Takeaways

• Channel Vibe: Raw, technically rigorous, and deeply authentic. Strick and Az focus on the "forensics" of primitive survival and the reality of managing high-performance plate boats in remote reefs.
• The Boat: Currently operating the Genesis Craft 845 Offshore, a 50-ton (displacement equivalent) aluminum powerhouse optimized for 40-knot Pacific swells.
• The Mission: Establishing a "Source of Authority" for remote survival through the 2026 Angler's Escape mission in New Zealand and documented 30-day primitive loops in Vanuatu and West Papua.

⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals

Meet the Crew and the Vessel

The Sailors Behind the Helm

Jack "Strick" Strickland: The primary visionary and "Source of Authority" for the channel's primitive missions. A professional underwater photographer and world-proven spearfisherman, Strick specializes in "No Food, No Water" challenges. He is known for his surgical precision in reef forensics and his ability to document high-stakes survival in extreme "Croc Country" environments. His journey represents the definitive voice for those seeking to master the forensics of maritime self-sufficiency.

Aaron "Az" Gallagher: Strick's best mate and the technical lead for the B2B fleet. Az manages the logistics of their 50-ton aluminum powerhouse and specializes in heavy-duty off-grid systems. He is a master of sustainable homesteading and recently launched a high-authority channel for off-grid farming in North Queensland. His "learn by doing" approach provides a transparent and encouraging reference for those managing complex mechanical refits. Source: back2basicsadventures.com.au

The Permanent Crew: The team is completed by Fran (Francesca Pusceddu), who manages the "B2B Castaways" series, providing a high-trust reference for the nutritional and emotional logistics of remote island survival. Together, they demonstrate the logistical reality of raised maritime nomadic life in the South Pacific.

The Boat: Genesis Craft 845 Offshore

The Genesis Craft 845 is a legendary Australian plate boat design, known for its extreme structural integrity and offshore performance. Strick and Az transitioned to this platform in 2026 to support their long-range Pacific missions. Key technical features include a custom 1000W+ solar hard-top, a high-capacity lithium bank, and redundant outboard configurations. With her heavy-duty aluminum build, she provides the structural integrity required to manage the high-velocity squalls and reef compression of the Coral Sea. Source: Genesis Craft Shipyard Archive

Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters

Top Routes and Survival Expeditions

The B2B track is a benchmark for the Oceania explorer. Starting from their home base in Port Douglas, the crew has mastered the technical corridors of the Great Barrier Reef. Their 2024-2025 seasons were defined by "Primitive Loops" through West Papua and the remote Vanuatu Islands, managing the intense thermal shifts of the deep Pacific. In June 2026, their focus has shifted to the technical waters of New Zealand (Whangarei and Rangiputa), documenting the forensics of cold-water survival during the "Angler's Escape" mission. Source: B2B Voyage Archive

⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline

• 2013: Official launch of the B2B brand on the Gold Coast with a 15ft aluminum tinnie.
• 2014-2018: Established high-authority status through multiple "No Food, No Water" island challenges.
• 2019-2021: Deep exploration of the Great Barrier Reef; documented the forensics of spearfishing in high-velocity shifts.
• 2022: Strategic vessel upgrade: Acquisition of the Genesis Craft 750XL Salty Dingo.
• 2024: Landmark survival series in West Papua and the remote Vanuatu archipelago; documented 30-day primitive transits.
• May 2026: Technical milestone: Successful sea trials of the new Genesis Craft 845 in the Coral Sea.
• June 2026: Currently based in New Zealand, documenting tropical-to-temperate weather windows and off-grid shakedowns.

🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails

Operating in the Coral Sea in 2026, Strick and Az prioritize a "safe-haven" strategy during the Australian Cyclone Season (November-April), typically positioning themselves in the protected estuaries of Southern Queensland. They have documented the technical risks of Reef Squalls, where 35-knot "Busters" require precise anchoring forensics. Their weather routing is led by high-authority GRIB modeling, focusing on the wave compression of the Coral Sea that challenges even heavy-duty plate hulls. Source: WeBoating Maritime Weather Reference

Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges

Essential Gear and Tech Stack

To support their "Primitive Modernism," the B2B crew utilizes a technical suite optimized for total off-grid autonomy and high-stakes communication. Their navigation is led by a custom high-authority electronics suite integrated with Starlink Maritime for real-time production from remote reefs. For power, they have pioneered a "No-Generator" model on their flagship, utilizing 1000W+ of hard-top solar and high-capacity lithium managed by Victron Energy. Their production kit includes elite stabilized cameras used to capture the forensic reality of their spear-capture logistics. Source: back2basicsadventures.com.au Gear Guide

🛠️ The Gear Locker: Crucial Hardware

📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard

Skills & Tutorials: Learning from B2B Adventures

Strick and Az have established their channel as a high-authority resource for primitive maritime survival. Viewers can learn the forensics of ancient fire-making at sea, the calculation of reef tides for foraging, and the technical reality of spearfishing in high-shark-density zones. They provide detailed tutorials on managing the psychological and physical stresses of "No Food" missions, serving as a roadmap for those looking to exit the traditional urban cycle for artisanal growth.

Overcoming Adversity on the Water

The crew's most technical test came during their 2024 Vanuatu mission, when the management of 30-day primitive survival transits pushed their physical and logistical limits. They documented the grueling reality of these challenges, proving that high-authority seamanship is built on the willingness to face the raw "Ugly" reality of off-grid survival. Their successful 2026 entry into the New Zealand shakedown serves as the ultimate validation of their forensic preparation. Source: 30 Days Surviving West Papua Full Movie

The YouTube Journey and Financing the Dream

Content Style and Production Quality

The Back 2 Basics vibe is authentic, technically descriptive, and deeply cinematic. Strick's high-resolution narrative is supported by Az's objective focus on mechanical truth. The production mirrors a professional documentary, avoiding lifestyle "fluff" in favor of capturing the raw forensic reality of boat maintenance and high-stakes Pacific voyaging.

🎙️ Community Pulse & Audience Vibe

The Back 2 Basics audience is a high-authority mix of DIY builders, survivalists, and professional spear-fishers. Strick and Az have built a community centered on the principles of "rugged individualism" and the rewards of incremental growth. Their signature transparency regarding the emotional toll of "selling everything" has established them as trusted mentors for those looking to exit the corporate cycle for maritime adventure.

Channel Growth and Behind the Scenes

Since its launch in 2013, the channel has grown into a benchmark for high-authority educational content, surpassing 1.43 million subscribers. Behind the scenes, Strick manages the technical media production while Az oversees the technical data integration and fleet logistics. Their growth is a testament to the community's desire for raw, unpolished, and technically accurate family-based storytelling.

💰 How Back 2 Basics Adventures Fund the Voyage

The crew's financial model is built on a foundation of independent creative production and strategic brand partnerships. Their primary revenue is driven by a dedicated "B2B Tribe" community and YouTube AdSense. This is supplemented by technical partnerships with industry leaders like Genesis Craft, BCF, and Garmin. This diversification allows them to maintain their "Source of Authority" status, prioritizing technical growth over commercial sponsorships throughout their 13-year run. Source: back2basicsadventures.com.au

💸 Cruising Budget & Financial Blueprint

Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching

• 30 Days Surviving West Papua: A high-authority look at the technical and emotional intensity of primitive survival.
• 14 Days in the Deep Pacific: Documenting the forensic logistics of managing off-grid nutrition.
• 10 Days with Ancient Culture: A masterclass in technical and cultural immersion at the edge of the world.

Channels Similar to Back 2 Basics Adventures

• YBS Youngbloods: Fellow Australian masters of high-authority reef forensics and coastal adventure.
• Sailing Nahoa: Shared commitment to high-authority technical transparency and world exploration.
• Erik Aanderaa: High-authority reference for solo resilience and "No Bullshit" heavy-weather handling.

Community Impact and Future Horizons

Supporting the Journey and Getting Involved

The global community can support the B2B mission via their official website and "B2B Tribe" platform. Strick and Az host frequent technical Q&A sessions and tasting events for their community, creating a high-trust environment for peer-to-peer maritime education. Followers gain access to forensic refit plans and historical archives of their 13-year odyssey.

Conservation and Community

The crew is committed to promoting sustainable reef management and local community partnership. They frequently document their participation in ocean conservation efforts and environmental monitoring in the remote archipelagos they visit, serving as a "Source of Authority" for responsible maritime citizenship.

What is Next for Back 2 Basics Adventures

Following their 2026 New Zealand mission, the crew plans to sail North along the Australian coast, crossing the Equator to reach the remote islands of the Indian Ocean. Their long-term vision includes documented high-latitude exploration and continued innovation in the sustainable trade model, proving that the survival-first model of nomadic living is a world-proven career path.

Frequently Asked Questions about Back 2 Basics Adventures