Companies that have helped me on my journey
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Rowing the North Atlantic
Rowing the North Atlantic is a monumental feat that requires incredible physical and mental endurance. The North Atlantic is known for its challenging weather patterns, strong currents, and unpredictable conditions, making it one of the most demanding bodies of water to cross. On 28th Jan 2016, approaching midnight – I was sitting in my rowing position on the “Toby Wallace”, a light-weight ocean rowing boat; ‘primed and ready for an attempt’ on a world record. Our challenge was to Row across the North Atlantic, setting off from Marina Puerto De Mogan Gran Canaria, 4815Km. / 2992 miles to Port St Charles Barbados faster than anyone before. I was musing !!!! Rowing the Atlantic…
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London 2 Paris Rowing Challenge
The London 2 Paris Challenge in 2010 requires extreme physical endurance and considerable mental strength. It’s the perfect example of open water rowing’s most demanding aspects; a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I looked forward to an interesting and equally punishing journey from Big Ben, down along the River Thames, across the English Channel to La Havre and up the Seine to the finish at the Eiffel tower, a distance of 440 nautical miles. We rowed an old-fashioned traditional Thames Waterman Cutter; 34ft long, with a beam of 4ft 6”, in timber (clinker-built). We started from Big Ben, London, rowing our Thames Cutter towards the sea. Rotating six rowers and…
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Camping / Equipment & Accessories, Climbing / Caving, Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure, Marine, Mountaineering, My Blog
Cordage
Cordage has endless potential uses… It is a must-have for every adventure, from a day’s hiking or the rigours of long expeditions into the wildernesswith all the necessary quality requirements – “Strength, Flexibility, Durability and Lightweight”. There are so many ways will come in handy during family camping holiday, on a day’s hiking, sailing or out in the remote wilderness; on occasions it is the survivalist best pal…. My personal cordage preference is Dyneema – I always carry a 50 m spool (weights 120g), diameter 1.8 mm with an average break load of 455 kg. It has a smooth and hard wearing polyester cover for easier handling and smoother running. Dyneema is lightweight, high…
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Coastal Rowing
Coastal rowing is a form of rowing that takes place on the Sea; also on lakes, or large rivers, as opposed to traditional rowing which typically occurs on calm, inland waters like rivers and lakes. Coastal rowing boats are designed to handle rougher conditions and waves, with features such as wider hulls, higher freeboards, and self-draining cockpits to ensure stability and safety in challenging environments. Coastal rowing often involves longer distances and endurance-based racing, with races typically held along coastal routes or around islands. It offers rowers a unique and dynamic experience, requiring adaptability to changing conditions and a strong sense of navigation and seamanship. Coastal rowing can be enjoyed…
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Harrowing Realities of Ocean Rowing
The Toby Wallace Atlantic Row – January/February 2016 Harrowing Realities of Ocean Rowing Tragedy struck in the night of February 14th. Location close to 18 29′ N 039 06′ W. over a thousand miles from land. Simon gave a loud warning shout, “big wave”. I looked up to see a monster swell coming at us fast out of the dark; it was the size of a two storey building. This rogue wave was arriving from unexpected direction intent on broadsiding our row boat. Not to break over but pummelled through us like a water tornado. The immense power of unstoppable maelstrom of angry sea water lifted me and ripped my…
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Me Helmsman ??
The first leg on an incredible Atlantic Adventure. I’m on the helm of the Southern Child, a 40ft yacht. The picture was take whilst crossing the infamous Bay of Biscay on a 2000miles passage to Las Palmas; to become acquaint to the sea. My second ‘big’ mistake. Sea sickness is bad enough but I fell awkwardly during a heavy squall and gave my knee a really walloping; causing a swollen lump rise up to the size of an orange, on the inner side of my metal knee. I personally attempted to feed most of the fish between the English Channel and all the way across the Bay of Bisque. #livealifetodiefor #MoreThanMyPast…
