The Challenge

In 2023 we will be competing in the “ World’s Toughest Row”.

Alongside the row, our challenge is to fundraise, support and draw awareness to three important initiatives; Access Sport, London Youth Rowing and SportsAid Scotland.

Each of The Tidewaves have undergone gruelling training in their combined years in the competitive rowing scene, the challenge of crossing an ocean however will be like no other.

Racing from the Carnary Islands to the Carribean and the experience will undoubtedly be one of the hardest of their lives.

The physical toll this will take on the body is something for which we can train but not fully anticipate. It is a race of extremes; weather, exhaustion, sickness, dehydration, hunger. This is a physical and mental challenge like no other.

Who, What, Where, When, Why, Which, How?

  • Our crew of University of London teammates, Robyn, Louise and Jordan. See here for our crew information.

  • Rowing across the Atlantic. 3,000 miles of unsupported ocean rowing from the Canary Islands to Antigua. Competing against Atlantic storms, building sized waves, dehydration and sleep deprivation as well as the other teams to reach the finish line.

  • The race crosses the Atlantic ocean, it starts in San Sebastian de la Gomera (28°N, 17°W) and finishes in Antigua (17°N, 62°W).

  • Our Atlantic campaign will begin in December 2023, we will row through Christmas and New Year, reaching Antigua sometime in either January, or February, or March……

  • The Tidewaves came together to row the Atlantic to test themselves, to push themselves and to experience life in its extremes. Wanting to know what it meant to embark on the toughest row and to go through the hardest challenge yet was a huge motivator.

    Moreovever, the recognition of the importance sport can play in a life led the crew to supporting two charitable intiatives targeting accessibility of young people in sport. Access Sport, London Youth Rowing and SportsAid Scotland are the three charities doing just that.

  • We have lots of preparing and training to undergo before we are ready for this challenge. We will go through sea safety training, preparing and training in our ocean boat, checking and maintaining our equipment, training our bodies to cope with ocean rowing.

    Alongside this we will spend time engaging with our chosen charities which support and encourage other young people to challenge themselves with sport.

    We will host fundraising events, dinners, launches and galas to facilitate our challenge.