Atlantic Ocean Row Race 2011

Atlantic2011

I have recently decide to take part in the Woodvale Ocean Challenge.

http://www.woodvale-challenge.com/

My question is...Does anyone know any ocean rowing clubs in/around dublin? Does anyone have any advice (maybe you know someone whos done it before?)

I've never rowed...and I have no experince on the open sea, so this will be hard. Very hard to say the least. But I've time on my side. The race is in December 2011. So I plan on doing all the training between now and then/

I'd love to hear anyones opinion on my plan!!

Tabnabs

Did you read this article?

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/1130/1224259707940.html

There's also a book on an Irish boat that took part in a similar race only a couple of years ago.

Atlantic2011

The Irish guys wrote a book?? Im have to have a look for that, thanks!

Ya I saw the paper the other day, hes a nutter to do it alone. Im going to try find a partner, I wudnt have the balls to do it alone.

Thanks for the help!!:)

JamesM

Two expert Irish oarsmen did it in 2006 and had to be rescued in mid atlantic. Two brothers, one deaf, also did it some years ago. I think that they were from Arklow.
Jim.

Pigeon Reaper

Ocean rowing has a high failure rate compared to other types of boat races. There are questions over the suitablity of the boats for the possible conditions encountered. I rowed for years and have been on small sailing vessels offshore in high winds and heavy seas and I strongly recommend that you gain experience in bad conditions before commiting. I also advise organising insurance for possible rescue/recovery costs incurred. You may want to try some IORA races to get a feel for offshore conditions before doing anything else.

Atlantic2011

Thanks for that lads. Gearoid Towey and Ciaran Lewis took part in the 2005 Woodvale race and capsized. They had to be rescued because their boat was badly damaged by the swell and it didn't self right, which all the boats are supposed to do with the proper ballast on board.

As regards insurance for rescue, the race fee covers that and they also have two yachts following the rowing fleet. After reading a lot into it, Woodvale have organised it very well over the past 12 years. Also, if you secure a large sponsor, they normally front up for insurance. IF!!

All that being said, your completely correct in saying I will need hands on rough weather experience. All the courses and training in the world wouldn't prepare someone for that shock.
I also need to join a rowing club to learn the technique, although I understand ocean rowing doesn't have many similarities with racing on nice flat lakes.

Any beginner friendly clubs in Dublin?

catchup

Why not talk to Ciaran? He is a barrister so you should fing his contact details here

www.lawlibrary.ie

Atlantic2011

Thats deadly thanks catchup!:D

scoobydoo22

Hey! I am just after watching 'Through Hell & High Water', a dvd based on Ben Fogle & James Cracknell's ocean row in 2006;it is brilliant.
I would love to do an ocean row. But i think this particular race is probably 1 of the toughest ordeals you could ever undertake. There are huge risks involved also.

Dan_85

hey just saw the tread now read a book about the same race g. towey was in. a couple who had zero experience and successfully completed the journey. dont be discouraged. if you havent found a partner soon let me know im interested if youre serious. currently reading bold man of the sea by jim shekhdar who rowed the pacific unsupported its really good. good luck with the adventure

JamesM

There's going to be a piece about an Irish guy singledhandedly rowing the Atlantic on RTE News in a minute. It's now 1845

sallysaucer

Why not try the Celtic Challenge first? Its a 96 mile row from Arklow to Aberswyth in Wales. Its taking place on the May bank Hol 2010 and only happens every 2 years.