How to Row Across the Atlantic Ocean

Row Across the Atlantic Ocean

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Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean is a feat accomplished by fewer than have climbed to the top of Mount Everest. The sport of rowing is as much a psychological as it is a physical challenge. Rowing across the Atlantic will take 60+ days and can be extremely rewarding but is accompanied by some serious risks.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Rowboat
Training
Food/Water
Emergency Locator Transmitter
GPS
Survival Equipment

Step1

Rowing across the Atlantic is a rewarding challange Buy a rowboat - You will first need to determine the type of rowboat you'll be using. There are rowboats designed specifically for long distance ocean rowing.

Step2

Train - It will take at least several months to prepare for a long distance row. Join a local rowing club and take overnight trips in your free time. When you don't have time to row, go to your gym and work on strength and stamina. It is also important to train psychologically. Make sure your state of mind is strong enough to live without everyday luxuries for a long period of time.

Step3

Plan the Trip - There are many routes you can take as you start your voyage across the Atlantic. You will have to determine where the ocean currents will be favorable for the trip. Being stuck in bad currents can put serious delays on your travel time.

Expect to be at sea for at least 60 days. Make sure to pack enough food and water to last for the entire trip. You will also want to bring a radio or some other type of recreational device.

Step4

Depart - Expect to travel about 50 miles per day. You will need to be seated from 6-12 hours per day rowing to make decent time. Make sure your Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) and GPS have extra batteries.

Don't expect to sleep well if you are rowing solo. You will need to wake up every couple of hours to make sure the boat is not being pushed off course.