We are Rowing the Atlantic December 2024
Preparing to row the Atlantic December 2024 (Yes, that’s this year!)
The background
Realising late in 2023, I had missed my opportunity to get on either Gladiators or University Challenge, I said ‘yes’ to joining a family friend (Will Lomas) on the challenge of a life time.
If the title doesn’t give it away …. We have entered the World’s Toughest Row. An unsupported rowing race across the Atlantic ocean, from La Gomera to Antigua, some 3,000 Nautical Miles.
Teams usually take two years to prepare for the race. To add to the challenge, we have one year! I should also add, that the body shape of those with the extra years advantage, are at this stage very different to my own (as was noted during our sea survival course “down south” earlier this year).
The opportunity
I would love to say that when the opportunity to enter this race first crossed Will's path, I was the first and only person he thought of contacting …. The true story is slightly different.
Challenges like this are, I believe, entered into after alcohol, tales of how much you bench press and how long you can hold your breath in the bath. Cloudy headed, the morning after, you open your emails and there staring at you, is acceptance to row 3,000 miles, whilst having to raise large amounts of money to even enter the race and a further commitment to raise money for charity.
To be clear, nothing like the above happened. My “opportunity” was via my wife, Sj, who volunteered me to race with Will after a chance encounter with Zoe, Will’s wife, on the beach during a standard tropical day in Rhosneigr.
It transpired Will’s original rowing partner had dropped out and after Will had received an answer of NO off everyone he had asked who could either swim or spell ocean. For Will, the challenge was disappearing faster than the tide at the inland sea. When the opportunity was presented to me by SJ, with the words, "That’s right up Adams street" I did wonder whether we were having marital problems, but after a short period of time I said yes and the oars began to move with words “I do love you” in my ears.
What stage are we at
The title of this piece “preparing to row the Atlantic” is exactly what we are doing. Today is Jan 11th and there is no given that we will make the start line.
Between now and race start, December 12th 2024, in La Gomera ( a small island just off Tenerife ) we have a huge amount to do. Most excitedly is to take delivery of ‘Lucy’ (our ocean rowing boat). ‘Lucy’ is 7.32 meters long and 1.7 meters wide and currently mid Atlantic making her first crossing.
‘Lucy’ needs to be rowed by Will and I for a minimum of 120 hrs to test every safety device, communication piece and drill that will allow us to make a safe crossing. Our training will be around Anglesey so if you see us shout encouragement or abuse whilst transferring money to our fundraising pages.
We need to be able to dissemble and reassemble the water maker, understand the electrics and above all, not get injured before race start. We need to learn about each others strengths and weaknesses, deal with discomfort and frustrating uncontrollable challenges. 80% of the race is, I am told, about getting to the start line.
All of the above needs to be done whilst raising sponsorship and funds for the charity we are rowing for.
INTERESTING Facts
ABOUT WORLD’S TOUGHEST ROW AND THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP 2024
Race starts 12 December this year La Gomorra
Race finishes sometime in Jan/Feb in Antigua
It could be as quick as 40 days or as long as 60 days
We carry all our own food and water
We are raising money for UnLtd Charity
Our shifts will tend to be 2hrs on 2hrs off
Training is currently between 10-14hrs a week
This years race has already had 3 marlin strikes and a tragic fatality
Neither Will or I have rowed a proper boat before
There should be around 40 boats in the race
Why do it
Most of us have lost someone or had life changing events that rock our world. Both Will and I have endured ours. Most recently we have seen a close friend suffer a life-changing injury which makes you realise that if there is an opportunity seize it or time will steel it from you. I do know that both of us have an absolute desire to prove something to ourselves more so than to anyone else.
OUR Charity - UnLTD
If you are interested in helping us get to the start line and support what we both believe to be a fantastic charity we would be incredibly grateful. We will have fundraising events throughout the year with plenty of updates on our own website and social media.
On the 3rd August there will be a fundraiser at Braich-Y-Parlwr (Will Lomas house) to wish the boat ‘Lucy’ good luck and to chat to world record holder Duncan Roy (our coach) who will by then know a lot more about dumb and dumber (us)! Tickets will cost money but it will go to a great cause and it will be one heck of a send off.
We are rowing for UnLtd, an organisation that invest in social entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs come from largely disadvantaged areas and offer some form of business that will vastly enhance the local area and residents' living there. 50% of the awards committed are for black, asian minority and disabled entrepreneurs throughout the UK with a focus upon funding and supporting innovative and sustainable solutions that can meet the needs of our ageing society.
A final note
In preparation for the race we were asked to provide a mission statement and on this note we will close;
“To be the best prepared team to enter the 2024 campaign: best prepared in understanding ‘Lucy’, how she handles and best drilled for the "pressure moments". We are in a race to go as fast as we can whilst not compromising on safety or morale. When we reach Antigua we do not want to be heard saying " We could have done better ".
There are corporate sponsorship packages available if interested please email adamandwillrow@gmail.com
Adam Hardman
