Sea Legs
Chris Howard
1) Why GB Row Challenge?
As skipper of a crew it was important to me to know that the crew were not only up to speed from a safety perspective but also in terms of fitness and physicality. We trained on the water and on land even completing PNOE breath analysis and a variety of RYA courses, I also had the team dynamic and individual personality’s tested by a friend who works with high performance groups.
In all honesty it’s not something that was on my agenda but I had a gap in my calendar and thought it would be good addition to my adventure CV. I liked the idea of the challenge and I also wanted to work with a team I didn’t know professionally or from previous adventures.
2) What was your best and worst experience?
I think that’s a tricky one, best experience for me was the relationships I built both onboard and prior to leaving, I was very lucky, the team were all great people and had very impressive attitudes to most things. We bonded well during the challenge and we had a common goal and passion for collecting the environmental data.
Happiest moment, I suppose, was the tribute messages from them individually post rescue. Most frustrating probably being rescued and unable to continue.
3) What experience or qualifications did you have before undertaking GB Row Challenge?
I am an experienced competitive rower and have completed an independent Atlantic crossing. I’ve spent most of my life on or by the water on expeditions all over the world. I’m RYA Ocean Yachts master qualified with a host of other qualifications including; seamanship, astronavigation, VHF, sea survival & meteorology.
4) The collectionof scientific data is an instrumental part of GB Row Challenge, did you find this a hinderance or was it motivating.
It was massively motivating and in fact made everyone quite proud to be part of the event, in fact for us as a crew I think that became the overriding reason for being on the boat.
5) How hard is GB Row Challenge? Is it really the World’s Toughest Rowing Challenge.
It’s like anything in the word of adventure or endurance, 80% of this challenge is mental. I believe anyone with moderate fitness can achieve this challenge, the difficult element is the patience, the understanding of the waters and weather and the management of conflicting personalities. It’s tough for sure, I don’t think it’s the toughest thing I’ve ever done but I definitely think it’s close to being the toughest rowing race in the world, if not the toughest.
6) What surprised you? What is the most important thing you have learned?
I was surprised to see certain personality traits emerge in people across the board not just in my boat. Both for good and bad, the humility gained for adventure ought to furnish you with a fairly stoic approach to life and when a justified belief in oneself is challenged by tiredness, hunger, exhaustion etc it can be hard to keep oneself in check - often I wondered when people might wake up to the idea that being onboard was their new life, their new routine, their entire new existence. It seems to take a different amount of time for that to happen to every individual, if at all. This surprises me in such accomplished people. I have learned that I can remain calm and rational in any circumstance including during a heli-rescue at night.
7) What would you do differently if you were to do the challenge again?
I would ensure the crew had longer to train together and I’d also like to have had more control over fundraising, charity choices, comms and crew publicity. I would absolutely enforce rules on kit a bit more, much of what was taken by individuals and crews is entirely unnecessary. Kit lists can always be trimmed.
8) What advice would you give to future crews?
Live it. Don’t just turn up and pay lip service, either become the person that envisaged completing the challenge or don’t do it. You’ve got to wholly commit to this stuff or not do it at all- there’s no middle ground and in terms of ego, there’s no place for it so if you need to have a conversation with yourself about who you are then get it done sooner rather than later.
9) What are you missing most now back?
I miss the daily routine and knowing I was doing something positive for the environment.
I never miss anything from home when I’m on expeditions except my family. Largely because it helps me commit and understand that’s what happens in the road, adventure, challenge is just normal life and that’s the way life should be.
10) What insights or learnings have you gained from the row that you will take back to your normal life?
That the idea of being rescued isn’t as horrendous as one imagines, in 20+ years of adventure all over the world I’ve never been rescued so I learnt that I could do that and moreover take positives from it. This is my normal life… tricky one.
11) Would you recommend others to give Gb Row Challenge a go and why?
I would absolutely recommend people step out of their comfort zones in any way shape or form, this challenge is up at the top of the list for me and I’d ask anyone to consider it. Yes, I’ll recommend it to a few people separately.
One quote to inspire others?
We all have a choice about how we act and react… do both with a little more kindness than necessary.
Emma Wolstenholme
I met an old bobsleigh friend (Lamin Deen) at a Bremont event in Henley and he told me he was training to row around Great Britain. I told him that if he had any questions, to feel free to ask me and hopefully I could help, even if it was just with contacts etc. This turned into the skipper of team Sea Legs (Christian Howard) asking me to join their team and of course I said yes as it sounded like an epic adventure. The people seemed a great mix, too, and the added element of collecting data on microplastics, sound pollution and eDNA also appealed, since I had recently returned from a sailing expedition from Iceland to Greenland where we made a documentary on climate change which was shown at COP26. (#teamumiaq) We were also given the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity as our charity but, having recently raised £92,000 for the Air Cadets on my previous row, and with the limited time I had available, it was quite hard to raise anywhere near that figure
2) Your best and worst experience of the Challenge?
The most amazing part for me was when the dolphins would come and swim next to, in front of and even under our boat! I think they thought they were part of the GB Row Challenge too, and were racing us to the finish line...There was also a seal that chilled out next to us in the glorious sunshine just South of the Isle of Wight. We stopped rowing to say hi (see video!). 'Worst' is probably a strong word, but I was disappointed in how much was left to me and the lack of team effort in the week prior to the start of the race and, when I voiced my concerns, was put down in a very public fashion: I almost didn't get on the boat and, knowing what I know now, I wish I hadn't agreed to be part of that 'team'.
3) What experience or qualifications did you have before undertaking GB Row Challenge?
Before undertaking the GB Row Challenge, I had recently returned from a solo attempt at rowing across the Atlantic (Feb 22) that ended due to a catastrophic failure with my electrics. I also had extensive weather and navigation experience from my time as a navigator in the RAF, as well as my sailing experience (Coastal and Offshore, day & night, ) and Day Skipper theory (which includes nav/tides/currents/weather etc).
As aircrew, you carry out survival courses, including sea survival but this is not recognised from a civilian perspective so I also carried out the RYA Sea Survival course part of GB Row's requirements.
GB Row also mandated that a certain number of the crew have the RYA First Aid qualifications, so I re-qualify my RYA First Aid Course. I already held the VHF Radio course prior to my solo row and the requirement to complete the GB Row Challenge swim test.
Prior to the row, we also had to conduct a certain number of hours rowing as a team, some of which had to be at night.
4) The collection of scientific data is an instrumental part of GB Row Challenge, did you find this a hinderance or was it motivating?
It was great because it felt like we had a mission to achieve and at 1200 every day, we'd make sure the microplastics system was working properly and, if it needed adjusting, it only took a few minutes to sort out. Not a hindrance at all - just something good and hopefully the start of something bigger.
5) How hard is GB Row Challenge? Is it really the World’s Toughest Rowing Challenge?
Event-wise, yes, I think it is. It's one of the more accessible rowing challenges though, due to the low costs involved, but challenge-wise and technicality, there is so much more that goes into it than the Atlantic for example. Hardest rowing challenge - well, you can make any challenge as hard as you want it to be.
6) What surprised you? What is the most important thing you learned during the Challenge?
I was surprised to hear that the other two teams had already been rescued and due to our challenging comms with shore meant we did not hear about this until we were being towed in ourselves by the RNLI, at the instruction of Maritime and Coastguard Agency. If I was to be in the same situation again, I would only inform the Coastguard of any capsize if the team wanted to be rescued. This was not the case in our situation; frustratingly, they insisted on towing us back to shore and cut the rope loose when they realised they couldn't manoeuvre into the marina, whereupon we were blown onto shallow ground and beached on an outgoing tide. I still maintain, had we not been towed back after our capsize, we may have completed the row.
7) What would you do differently if you were to do the challenge again?
If I was to do it again as a team, I would want to ensure all personnel had the same level of knowledge as each other and that tasks were equally distributed throughout the team. Including before setting off.
8) What advice would you give to future crews?
Make sure you know your team and that they are good in a crisis and proactive when things are business as usual. This is not the Atlantic.
9) What insights or learnings have you gained from the Challenge that you will take back to your normal life?
Rowing. The simplicity of life on board. Even though there is plenty to do, it is very focussed whereas life is so varied!
10) Would you recommend others to give GB Row Challenge a go and why?
100% Definitely. But they should be doing it for the right reasons, not just something to put on their CV.
One quote to inspire others?
Never turn down an adventure.
Jason Mckinlay
I was in the unusual position of looking for a challenge and the timing was great when asked to help a team out around 8 weeks before the row began.
2) Your best and worst experience of the Challenge
It was a fantastic experience all around. As an experienced endurance athlete with over 30 years’ experience, I appreciate their can be tricky times and that’s what we sign up for, in essence. I really enjoyed every element including the frustrating ones. The only area that was abstract to me was the team communication within. I look at my own team and no other when I’m involved in an environment where close quarters are called for. It’s pointless looking elsewhere.
3) What experience or qualifications did you have before undertaking GB Row Challenge?
Having rowed across the Atlantic Ocean a number of years ago, the requirements were to have an element of Ocean Yacht Masters Training. I successfully achieved this qualification.
In addition to this, in preparation for the 2013 around GB Challenge, I also qualified in VHF & Day Skippers course. My rowing partner and I also took additional qualifications on reading coastal tidal flow extensively. We managed to achieve the Pairs World Record which has been challenged many times since - unsuccessfully.
4) The collection of scientific data is an instrumental part of GB Row Challenge, did you find this a hinderance or was it motivating.
Hugely motivating. A big factor in being a part of the 2022 event. AND of taking on the challenge a third time, potentially.
5) How hard is GB Row Challenge? Is it really the World’s Toughest Rowing Challenge.
It wasn’t hard in any way aside from that outlined above. It’s a privilege to row around our beautiful British Isles. It’s only people that make it demanding - the physical side is personal, teamwork is the key. It’s about respecting the ocean, feeling it. Becoming as close a part of the waves and calm seas as possible. If one attempts to conquer an ocean there will be a gentle slap from the sea. If one continues with arrogance and disrespect, it will throw you overboard and will still respect YOU in the morning. Our seas demand respect and this approach should always be adhered to. I heard far too many cries of ‘come on then, give me your worst’. I won’t be part of that approach again.
6) What surprised you? What is the most important thing you learned during the Challenge?
I learned that the sea, the water, and I, understand one another. I also learnt that I cannot impart my respect of our ocean on others. I knew this before and the respect I have for these seas is as before. I feel the ocean understands me a little more if anything.
7) What would you do differently if you were to do the challenge again?
Everything in this area was correct and I’d amend nothing. I was ready.
8) What advice would you give to future crews?
Spend a LOT of time together, not on the sea necessarily - even a five-night training row wont prepare you properly for this challenge. Conditions are manageable with patience. Find out what people’s limits are so that you can relax.There will be stronger people on a team, fitter people, but the key is what you do FOR your teammates. Roles are important, as is a relaxed approach to others.Lack of ability in areas is SUPER key. I knew what my teammates could and couldn’t do and did more of the work they couldn’t to help so it went unnoticed. This is kindness. Kindness is everything. On the water or dry land. Be KIND.
9) What are you missing most now back? What did you miss most when on the water?
As you know, I have events all year round of different physical needs so threw myself back into training straight away. If anything, I’m more certain after THIS row, that I’ll go back to sea for challenges and, whether that be solo or as a team, I look forward to that.
10) What insights or learnings have you gained from the Challenge that you will take back to your normal life?
Really, that I’m very good at sea, more myself. Multi day sporting activities, certainly up to three months are my arena. They are a very veer very distant second to the time I spend with my children, but events of this type are still second after all!!!
One quote to inspire others?
“Momento Mori, Momento Vivere” This is not just a quote. It’s a lifelong lesson that will never change… People have to be truly ready to do this
Lamin Deen
1) Why GB Row Challenge?
I wanted to do the row because I like to challenge myself and partake in things that the average person thinks they can’t do or wouldn’t be able to hack mentally.
2) What was your best and worst experience?
My best experience was seeing in the UK from the outside in, seeing wildlife that I never knew existed in the UK waters and working smoothly as a team.
The worst experience was being totally out of control and being dictated to by the ocean, not to mention capsizing.
3) What experience or qualifications did you have before undertaking GB Row Challenge?
Before taking part in the row I had nearly no experience on the water and gained my qualifications in a short space of time that really helped me along the way.
4) The collectionof scientific data is an instrumental part of GB Row Challenge, did you find this a hinderance or was it motivating.
Collecting the scientific data was definitely motivating and was one of the reasons why I took part in this challenge. At times it was challenging but just remembering what it would bring to the big picture quickly focused us to the job.
5) How hard is GB Row Challenge? Is it really the World’s Toughest Rowing Challenge.
Listen, this is hard in every way: mentally, physically and rowing into the unknown is one of the toughest parts that you cannot prepare for. This is a bundle of hardness and I challenge anybody to say different.
6) What surprised you? What is the most important thing you have learned?
Personally, I learnt a lot about my own body, how much the body can really take physically and mentally, and how important teamwork is when you have no support.
7) What would you do differently if you were to do the Challenge again?
This answer is simple, I would definitely have a lot more time on the water with the team to learn about each person inside out.
8) What advice would you give to future crews?
Prior planning and preparation prevents pitiful poor performance. and enjoy it.
9) What are you missing most now back? What did you miss most when on the water?
When I was on the water I missed my family/children greatly.Now I’m on dry land I miss the camaraderie between teammates and, strangely, the rations! LOL
10) What insights or learnings have you gained from the row that you will take back to your normal life?
I have learned that you must cherish each day, respect the sea and every single member of every team matters.
12) Would you recommend others to give GB Row Challenge a go and why?
I would recommend this race to certain individuals that come into the arena with the right mindset and would urge them to be as best prepared for it as they can be.
One quote to inspire others?
Sometimes your comfort zone can be very uncomfortable.
Sophie Harris
1) Why GB Row Challenge?
I did this for three reasons:one for the love of the sport and the sea, two because I wanted to show myself I could and thirdly to inspire others that anything is possible despite perceptions of others especially around disability, being a single mum and from a low income. This was my biggest challenge post amputation.
2) What was your best and worst experience?
Best experience getting to the start. Worst being rescued. Frustrating, not finishing.
3) What experience or qualifications did you have before undertaking GB Row Challenge?
I had five years rowing experience, a mix of coastal and fine boat from my time with GB Para development and some indoor. I undertook RYA Competentcrew, Day skipper, Sea Survival, Basic Navigation, SC Vhf. Over 200 hrs of team training time.
4) The collection of scientific data is an instrumental part of GB Row Challenge, did you find this a hinderance or was it motivating.
This was hugely exciting, but it definitely could’ve been smoother, especially the collection of the samples.Other tasks took priority at points, having to prompt to get them done.
5) How hard is GB Row Challenge? Is it really the World’s Toughest Rowing Challenge.
Harder than it needed to be, but this was more due to clash of characters. Yes I do believe this to be the hardest purely because you don’t know what to fully expect until you’re out there. Statistics prove that and yes you can have all the course and knowledge and water time but it’s evident that tide and weather waits for no one. You can plan ahead but its ever changing and its appreciating that and not thinking you can’t change course or wait out or whatever because it might look daft or be wrong, if you feel it’s not right then go with it.
7) What surprised you? What is the most important thing you have learned?
Because of the time and energy involved it’s a bit anti-climactic, but that’s down to personal journey. That I have resilience, I am more capable than I give credit for, or others have of me. To feel completely confident in what you’re doing or saying. The character strengths of the team clashed in places for the good and the bad, trust of the team wasn’t always there but that I think was due to the infancy of the team.
8) What would you do differently if you were to do the Challenge again?
When I do it again –Either all or finish what was started it would be good to have all courses of the same select delivery, so not to disband the team. Emphasise the importance of the weather and tide and what could happen. Highlight the roles to skipper and first mate early on to allow for better understanding and for those with similar strengths to accept its not them but know that their strengths are 100% needed elsewhere, and that you all come together not matter what. More team building away from the training.
9) What advice would you give to future crews?
Be prepared to be knocked down but also get back up, refresh your mind all the time - you have to eat sleep breathe something like this.Ultimately, enjoy it. No comparison of other challenges. Anything is possible.
10) What are you missing most now back? What did you miss most when on the water?
Now back,the routine that became my life – planning, organising, updating and missing the friends / family I had made from our team.
On the water I missed the busyness of my life, by that I mean the row is busy but it’s also so regimented that you feel you’re not doing a lot when you most definitely are you’re rowing 12hrs a day or longer! My family and friends.
11) What insights or learnings have you gained from the row that you will take back to your normal life?
Tackle all my fears head on, that its ok to be a certain way and that if you stand by your worth then you will shine, you’re always learning. Appreciate life more.
12) Would you recommend others to give GB Row Challenge a go and why?
Yes – Help to evolve and face any fears, the once in a lifetime experience that is our everchanging coastline. Be a part of science and history. Networking.
One quote to inspire others?
I can, you can, we can, if someone tells you no then you show them yes!
