~ Row Extreme ~

The World Row Challenge Crew

WE ARE UP FOR ONE OF THE GREATEST TESTS OF HUMAN ENDURANCE EVER STAGED?

Richard Wood, Director of Row Extreme, Atlantic Solo Rower and World Row Expedition Leader reviews the Challenge:

In 2004 I successfully rowed the Atlantic Ocean solo. It was my second attempt, having abandoned a double bid in 2001. I gained extensive knowledge in all aspects of how to put a project of this nature together with the ultimate aim of achieving success. These experiences have provided a firm foundation on which to build the next major attempt;

TO ROW 3 OCEANS CONSECUTIVELY WITHOUT MAKING LANDFALL.

In order to achieve this Row Extreme is commissioning a bespoke ocean rowing boat built to a very high specification and learning from the considerable knowledge gained from other rowing projects since the first successful crossing made during the Ocean Rowing Society Atlantic Rowing Regatta in 2004.

As expedition leader, Richard will stay aboard for the whole voyage with one of my 4 crewmembers, overseeing offshore crew changes and re-supplies at the start and end of each ocean leg.

A crew of five people will row the World Row Challenge: four carefully selected individuals plus expedition leader Richard Wood.

Six hand picked individuals from a field of 46 from around the world attended the selection weekend at YMCA Lakeside on 28 – 30 July 2006.

The YMCA National Centre, Lakeside has over 25 years experience in developing and inspiring teams from all walks of life. The selection process involved a healthy mixture of physical, mental and emotional challenges designed to test each candidate¹s ability to perform and keep on performing under pressure. The training and selection team supporting Richard, was lead by Ian Woods, Director of Professional development and former Olympic athlete, coach and member of the Olympic selection panel for Salt Lake City and Turin.

On the last day of the selection weekend, four individuals were selected and offered places to become proud members of the World Row Challenge rowing team. Each individual then had a four-week 'cooling off' period to make their final decision before signing their Expedition Agreement and becoming a fully committed member of the Team.

By September the crew was complete and rowers and rowing legs are now as follows:

The International Rowing Team comprises of three male and one female rowers, one Australian, one Canadian and two from the UK. Charles Robey from Australia will remain on board with Richard Wood for all three-ocean legs. Canadian, Alicia Hamel will join Richard and Charles on the Atlantic leg and Joe Leiserach (UK) will row the final leg powering the expedition back to Oz.

ALL members of the World Row Team will be as fully involved in the project as possible and Richard's policy is one of openness, honesty and integrity whilst maintaining strength of leadership.