Programs Blog

New Hair, Who Dis?

June 30, 2025
Us with King Neptune, pre-haircuts

June 30, 2025

Time: 1935

Location: North of the Equator

Weather: Clear skies and good wind

Hello from the northern hemisphere!

Today was a special day because we officially became shellbacks! For those who aren’t familiar with sailor lore, a shellback is a sailor who has passed over the equator via ship, while a pollywog is a sailor who has yet to do so. We officially crossed the equator yesterday (three times because we have to turn around to deploy science equipment), but today we completed the associated ceremonies that give us our new titles.

During class we got a visit from King Neptune himself who informed us that we have to prove ourselves to travel in his domain. We were instructed to make some kind of skit to perform for Neptune and his advisors (including some fish heads). My group made an interpretive dance depicting the Ekman Spiral, which is the pattern of how water travels at different depths. The other groups sang songs, described different birds, and acted out converting a person into a fish. Luckily, Neptune was satisfied with all of our performances so we were deemed worthy.

Next we soaked ourselves in the water of the sea (aka walked through a hose) and some people kissed the fish heads. Of course, everything was optional and up to our own comfort. After this step, we were all given a certificate that verified that we are indeed shellbacks, and we toasted our accomplishments with an orange drink washed down with a spoonful of “zooplankton”, followed by celebratory cake. 

After cake a bunch of people participated in an old sailor tradition for new shellbacks: shaving your head. Some people shaved everything off, some just cut their hair short or changed to a new hairstyle, and some people didn’t change anything. I will leave who did what as a fun surprise for everyone’s loved ones for when they get home. 

To end the day some people splashed through the hose, while others sat on the cabin top and watched the sunset. It is so lovely to end every day by watching the sun sink beneath the water, surrounded by an amazing group of fun and fantastic people. 

Lots of love to all my friends and family, including but not limited to Mom, Dad, Bryce, Daisy, Ellie, siblings, Luka and Mabel, and other assorted family and friends.

Sophie Wilcox, B-Watch

Purdue University