Something we deeply value and make time for, are dedicated individuals who take on remarkable challenges for meaningful causes. For the last few years we have supported some extraordinary teams taking part in the Worlds Toughest Row across the Atlantic Ocean. 3000 miles of non stop ever changing ocean, extreme weather, marlin strikes and of course the rowing, hear from some of our past current and future teams taking on this epic challenge!
Introducing our team for this year: 2Stroke
Longtime friends Karl Austen and Ed Shaw, share a passion for adventures and sports. Inspired by watching a family member row the World’s Toughest Row in 2020, they formed team ‘2Stroke’ to take on the challenge despite being novice ocean rowers. Their journey is about family, adventure, and giving back, with the belief that anything is possible with determination and support. They have been raising awareness and funds for Dementia UK and Prostate Cancer UK - charities close to their heart that they care deeply about!
Meet the team:
We can’t wait to watch them take on this challenge! Hear from the team as the the race start draws closer:
“As the race start draws nearer we are making final preparations for food packing, equipment checks, kit and clothing and of course the ongoing physical training.
We’ve prepared very well, having spent over 200 hours on our boat Pegasus in UK coastal waters. We now have our eyes on the end goal and visualising the race and everything it will bring. All we can do now is hope that our discipline and determination will see us through. Support from our sponsors has been fabulous.
This campaign has certainly not just been the work of the 2 man crew but of a whole host of people who share our passion and vision. Rooster certainly have all of that in bucketloads.”
A tale from last year through the lens of Team Vibe the Wave
Highs:
The stars, watching weather come in, experiencing it all, making the most of the little things, the unknown...the list is endless...
We chose to “live the adventure” it was our team ethos, and we totally bought into this idea and embodied in. For example we have “Funday Friday” which entailed a treat each (extra snacks and a fizzy drink, or in my case champagne!) and a team surprise (we took it in turns to organise it). These became massive highlights.
“The World’s Most Remote Cocktail Party” was a massive high, closely followed by our last Friday at sea where we enjoyed Full Moon Friday Party (neon face paint, usb disco balls, lei necklaces, beers, cocktail buckets and 90’s tunes banging out loud).
Lows:
Being absolutely soaked by a rouge wave having just got into fresh dry clothes – every. Time.
Two words: bum sores. Enough said.
Swollen and blistered hands. We had days when we could barely grips the oars, and once you’d managed to wrap your paws around them, it was two hours of trying to ignore the agony.
The main message we have for the lows is: every single member of the crew will have at least one moment of feeling low physically, emotionally or mentally (sometimes one at a time, sometimes all at once), and rallying as a team to help each other through them really is the only way to manage them. And the reminder that they will pass (although, maybe don’t say that in the moment as it isn’t always that helpful to hear!). Embrace your challenges as opportunities and celebrate every nautical milestone, no matter how small.
Pre race message:
The crossing is a truly unique environment and more than anything, a gift. Embrace it, for everything that it is; The good, the bad, the fun, the misery, the pain, the fatigue, the hunger, the scenery, the scary moments, the hilarious moments, the mundane moments, the routine, the closeness, the team, the bucket… everything.
As you row across thousands of waves, remember the journey is not about conquering distance, it is testament to the power of team work, perseverance and unwavering dedication. The ocean may seem vast and overwhelming at times, but your spirit, and collective strength will propel you forward through every crest and trough.
Whether you’re in it to win it, or for the experience, cherish it. There is no certainty, no guarantees. You are at the mercy of the weather and the sea. But there is true beauty in the simplicity of “boat life” and it will be with you forever. So, we wish you the very best of luck with fair winds and following seas!
Looking to the future: Team Offshoare
Looking to the 2025-26 edition of the Worlds Toughest Row our team of four: Offshoare have been busy getting the practice in already. Hear what they have to say a year out from when they will line up on the start line:
"Preparing for a challenge as immense as rowing the Atlantic demands more than physical strength - it requires meticulous planning and a commitment to refining every detail. We began our training this summer and are now working our way through the gear, the boat, and various drills to find out what works best for us. We are excited to see how much we will grow and learn over the next year leading up to the start of the race, and of course, during the crossing itself. The journey will take us around 40-50 days, which will really put our kit to the test.
With Rooster’s support, we are focused on selecting gear we truly trust, knowing that we can only bring a limited number of essential items. Having reliable gear is about more than just functionality and safety - it is about peace of mind and knowing that our equipment will not fail us when we need it most. Additionally, having team gear enhances our sense of unity, keeping our spirits high as we face the challenges ahead."