Embark on Your Ocean Adventure
So you’re thinking about rowing across an ocean?
Brilliant. Mad. Inspiring. We like you already.
Ocean rowing is unlike anything else on Earth. It’s more than a race — it’s a test of mindset, muscle, and mental grit. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. At The Ocean Rowing Company, we’ve built the boats, trained the crews, and rowed through storms so you don’t have to learn everything the hard way.
This is your no-nonsense, all-oars-in guide to preparing for the World’s Toughest Row.
Milestones in YourJourney
Timing is everything. Here’s how to break down your prep year into bite-sized, rowable pieces:
12 Months
Commit and Equip
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Assemble your team – Find crewmates you trust when things get salty.
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Secure your boat – This is the big one. Ordering your boat early means you'll train and race in the same fast, light, dry and safe machine. She’s your home for 40+ days, so make her count.
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Pick your model – D12 (solo), D23 (pairs) or D34 (team of 3–4). All are carbon-built, self-righting, and race-ready.
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Kick off fundraising – It’s never too early to find sponsors who believe in your mission.
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Start physical conditioning – Think endurance, core, mobility. Basically: row, squat, stretch, repeat.
9 Months
Train like you mean it
- Start on-water training – Learn your boat, your oars, and your teammates.
- Book safety courses – Sea survival, first aid, VHF radio. You need them — and race organisers will check.
- Gear familiarisation – Know your electronics, watermaker, autopilot and grab bag like the back of your sunburned hand.
- Set shift routines – Practice your 2-hour row / 2-hour rest system until it becomes second nature.
- Refine communication – Create team protocols for decision-making, stress, and (crucially) snack management.
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6 Months
Test your limits
- Simulate race conditions – Overnight rows, sleep shifts, storms (if you're lucky).
- Dial in nutrition – Your body will need 5000+ calories a day. Plan it now, so you’re not gagging on freeze-dried curry later.
- Mental prep – It’s you vs. the ocean. Meditate, visualise, train in discomfort. Repeat.
- Begin media engagement – Share your journey and build a following. People love a good ocean saga.
- Start packing smart – Begin trial-packing your gear. If you can’t find your toothbrush in the dark, try again.
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3 - 1 Months
Lock it all in!
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Checklist everything – Equipment, backup gear, flares, food, fluids. If it isn’t on a spreadsheet, does it even exist?
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Sort logistics – Boat shipping (we’ve got a fast-loader for that), flights, accommodation in La Gomera, the works.
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Storage & Prep – Decide on short-stay or long-stay for your boat. Need help? We’ve done this dance before.
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Final race briefings – Go over race rules, get your paperwork in check, and triple-check your grab bag.
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Taper training – Pull back on intensity and focus on rest and recovery.
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Media & PR – Time to get loud. Post, pitch, and share — people love following salt-stained underdogs.
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Visualisation & mindset – Picture yourself rowing into Antigua. Feel that sun? That’s what we’re after.
Why your boat matters (a lot)
Your boat isn’t just a vessel — it’s your team member. At TORC, we build boats designed to keep you fast, dry, upright, and a little less grumpy at 2am in 4-meter swells.
All our boats:
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Are self-righting, so you pop back up even after nature throws a tantrum
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Use carbon-fibre composite construction — strong, light, durable
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Are designed with input from Mark Slats, who’s basically a storm-whisperer
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Come with training, support, and the legendary Carlo logistics system (yes, that’s a real thing)
Training & Mindset
This isn’t about being the strongest. It’s about being the most stubborn, the most prepared, and the best teammate.
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Row in all weather – Don’t just row when it’s sunny. The ocean won’t.
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Train shifts – Practice the 2-hour row / 2-hour rest routine.
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Communicate – Create systems now for dealing with conflict, fatigue, and decision-making.
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Work with The Ocean Rowing Company– Our training plans, test rows and support can be customised to your team.
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Gear, Safety & Smarts
You’ll need a lot more than a boat. Here's a basic kit list:
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Navigation: GPS, AIS, chartplotter, compass
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Communication: VHF radio, satellite phone, emergency beacon
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Power: Solar panels, lithium batteries, waterproof wiring
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Safety: Life jackets, grab bag, fire extinguishers, harnesses
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Comfort: Dry bags, proper bedding, good food, great playlists
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Redundancy: Spares of everything (especially oarlocks and morale)
At The Ocean Rowing Company, we ship every boat with a spec that meets or exceeds Atlantic Campaign standards — and we can walk you through every bolt.
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Logistics (aka “the boring stuff that matters”)
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Shipping to La Gomera – Yes, we do that. With a custom fast-loader system.
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Storage & Prep – Short-stay or long-stay options available.
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Onsite final checks – Need someone to run over your setup at the dock? We’re there.
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Marina coordination – From La Gomera to English Harbour (Antigua), we’ve done this before.
Carlo runs this ship on land. You’ll want his number.
Final Thoughts
You don’t row an ocean alone — not really. You need a great boat, a solid team, a clear plan, and a community that’s been there.
At TORC, we’ve rowed it, built it, lived it. And we’re here to help you row your race — safely, smartly, and maybe even with a smile.
Want to talk preparation, boats or freeze-dried food strategy? Get in touch.
Building a Strong Rowing Community
At The Ocean Rowing Company, we believe that the journey across the ocean is as much about the community as it is about the rowing itself. Our community is a vibrant network of passionate rowers and enthusiasts who come together to share experiences, offer support, and celebrate achievements. We foster an environment where knowledge is freely exchanged, and every member feels valued and encouraged. Whether you're a seasoned rower or new to the sport, you'll find a welcoming space where camaraderie and mutual respect thrive. Join us and become part of a community that is dedicated to pushing boundaries and achieving greatness on the open waters.
