meet the castaways: strick and fran
Back 2 Basics Castaways (B2B Castaways) is a YouTube channel dedicated to exploring the simplicity and richness of living off the land. With a focus on survival, nature, and resourcefulness, the channel showcases the bountiful offerings of our planet and teaches viewers how to thrive in the wild. Their stunningly beautiful videos capture the essence of nature, from cooking freshly caught reef fish on remote sandy atolls between Northern Australia and Indonesia to exploring the rugged sandstone escarpments of the Kimberley plateau.
a life inspired by adventure
Strick started his YouTube career with his best friend Az on the highly popular fishing and adventure channel Back 2 Basics Adventures. Inspired to create new content, Strick and his partner Fran launched B2B Castaways. The channel’s journey began with the Great Adventure series, where the couple initially planned for a one-month trip but ended up exploring Australia’s wildest and most remote coastlines for four months. Their first series features thrilling adventures, epic fish catches, and a reliance on nature for sustenance. Despite challenges like their boat, “The Salty Dingo,” springing a leak and being stalked by large crocodiles, they persevered and shared their experiences with their growing audience.
a life less basic: strick and fran
Jack Strickland, known as Strick, was born in Samoa and grew up on a coconut plantation in Papua New Guinea. He moved to Australia for high school and university, where he initially pursued engineering. However, his passion for fishing led him to start the YouTube channel B2B Adventures with his best mate, Az. Strick is a resourceful, knowledgeable, and skillful survivalist and adventurer, excelling in fishing and survival techniques in extreme environments.
Fran, born and raised in Italy, moved to Australia to pursue a Masters Degree in Marine Biology at North Queensland University. Now an Australian citizen, Fran is a Marine Biologist and the other half of the dynamic duo behind B2B Castaways. Her extensive knowledge of marine life and ecosystems, combined with her fearless spirit, enriches the channel’s content. Whether exploring underwater marine life or navigating extraterrestrial terrain, Fran is always ready for adventure.
A love story
Strick and Fran met in Townsville through a mutual friend while working on research boats. Fran, a Marine Biologist, and Strick, an engineer and Program Manager, were part of a Crown of Thorns starfish control program, addressing a significant issue for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Their shared passion for marine conservation and adventure brought them together, both professionally and personally.
Memorable Moments:
- Best Moments: Their epic fish catches, exploring remote coastlines, and successfully relying on nature for sustenance. The GIANT CRAB Catch & Cook (island survival) video is a fan favorite, showcasing their adventure through prime mudcrab country.
- Scariest Moments: Their first night on Great Adventure Three, where they were confronted by eight Indonesian men in a remote location, with no communication available, was one of Fran’s most frightening experiences.
- Crocodile Encounters: Fran and Strick have had numerous close encounters with crocodiles, especially in northern Australia. Their use of drones to monitor waterways adds a layer of safety and excitement to their adventures.
castaways life: a way to give back
In 2023, the couple launched a small business, Castaways Life, which offers a range of swimwear, beachwear, picnic items, and ocean-inspired jewelry. Their website emphasizes the sustainability of their products. Profits support beach clean-ups, education projects, coral restoration, and tree plantings. Strick and Az also offer a range of fishing and outdoor equipment through the Back 2 Basics Adventure brand. Purchasing from these stores helps fund their adventures on YouTube.
significant milestones
Since launching in June 2022, B2B Castaways has released over 150 videos and gained more than 1.32 million subscribers. Their content, marked by its authenticity and thrilling adventures, continues to inspire viewers worldwide.
Find b2b castaways on youtube
ou can watch Strick and Fran’s adventures on their YouTube channel, Back 2 Basics Castaways. Subscribe for a mix of survival tips, marine biology insights, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Join them as they embark on months-long adventures by boat, car, or sailboat, living off the land and embracing the wild.
For more information and to support their journey, visit their YouTube channel and check out their online store.
Asirika is an independent platform and is not affiliated with Strick, Fran or their YouTube channel B2B Castaways. All content related to B2B Castaways, Strick and Fran is curated and shared for informational purposes only, with no direct association or endorsement by B2B Castaways.
