Facing the might of the North Atlantic Ocean. Alone.
Many believe that to row an ocean is to conquer it. Those who have rowed will tell you that’s definitely not the case – the ocean merely allows you to pass. With a little luck thrown in too!
Ocean rowing is not an easy sport whichever route you choose, but the North Atlantic is considered one of the toughest. That’s why the record for a pairs crossing has stood unbroken for 115 years.
Andrew and Roz will leave from the East coast of Canada (location to be confirmed) and row over 2,500 miles to the UK. After crossing the North Atlantic, the team will continue up the Bristol Channel and into the inland waterways of the UK. Their aim is to make it to London in time for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
This row is about much more than setting a new world record. The team are also working to raise money to buy a legacy fleet of rowing boats for able bodied and disabled young people, and run OAR Inspiring – an education program that aims to bring the different aspects of ocean rowing to life in the classroom.
Life at sea
Out on the water Andrew and Roz will be completely on their own. They will carry all supplies, food and equipment onboard and will be self-sufficient for the time it takes to get to the UK. Although they will be able to communicate with their support team on land, they won’t have a support vessel. Andrew and Roz are both experienced ocean rowers but this route will be a test even for them.
The team will row two hours on and two hours off, twenty four hours a day, alternating so that there is always someone at the oars. It’s an immense physical effort and on top of the inevitable damage to their bodies, it will push them beyond breaking point mentally, time and time again.
But even after they’ve successfully crossed the ocean, the challenge continues as they navigate up the busy shipping lanes into Bristol, and then weave their way through the British canals, locks and rivers all the way to London.
If you’re interested in getting involved in the OAR Project, find out more here.
