Ocean Rowing

The sport of ocean rowing started in 1896 when a pair of Norwegian fishermen decided to row from New York to Europe - a 2500 mile journey which took 92 days and 22 hours. It was not until 70 years later that the feat was repeated by Sir Chay Blyth and John Ridgeway. From then on the sport never looked back and now prospective ocean rowers have the opportunity to join one of many races across the Atlantic or Indian Oceans as well as the option to 'go it alone' independent of any race. Although the sport is growing rapidly only around 400 people have rowed across an ocean.

The boats can hold anywhere between one and 12 oarsmen and are designed to hold all the equipment and food that is required for a long trip at sea. Several ocean rowers have limited or no experience of rowing before which highlights that ocean rowing isn’t just about technique and physical strength but the crew’s ability to cope mentally with the challenge.