Rowing Across the Atlantic with OAR NorthWest, December 2012

OAR Northwest‘s Africa to the Americas 2012 expedition will span 60-80 days and an ocean’s breadth between Liberia and Venezuela.

Departing from Monrovia in early December 2012, the OAR Northwest crew of four men will row the open ocean self-supported, 24 hours per day, and in two-hour shifts.

This nearly 4000nm Atlantic-crossing and Guinness World Records attempt leaves no room for mistakes and much less for sleeping quarters on their 29-foot rowboat.

The ocean-crossing will demand from the crew demonstrated expertise in meteorology, navigation, nutrition, oceanography, technology, shipboard and oceanic emergencies, expedition planning, sport medicine, interpersonal communication, leadership and, of course, perseverance.

With a goal of connecting children from communities separated by a vast ocean and cultures, the expedition team is rowing in support of Right To Play – an international nongovernmental organization whose philosophy is to impart skills of responsibility and self-reliance that leave a lasting impact for children.

OAR Northwest has also joined forces with the Robert Bateman’s Get To Know Program with the shared goal of encouraging youth to embrace outdoor play and to reflect on their experiences in nature through art.  While the OAR Northwest crew prepare to row the Atlantic and circumnavigate Vancouver Island, BC, they will challenge youth from across North America to get outside and create art about their experiences.  A chance for youth to win a visit to one of America’s most historic national parks will be announced in 2012!

FAQ

Why is Adam rowing across the ocean?

1)  Adam is always keen to embrace new challenges.  Rowing across the Atlantic will be physically trying, but more challenging are the immediate preparations of logistics and team dynamics.  These elements inspired Adam to take on this project.  How do you plan and execute a multifaceted team project with members based in two countries and three different cities?  How do you raise hundreds of thousands of dollars towards the execution of a fundraising project?  How do you manage risk effectively?  What sort of psychology is needed to accomplish the feat of rowing across an ocean?

2) Adam loves connecting with people and building community.  Liberians, Venezuelans, Canadians, Americans, and the Coast Salish Peoples…  What commonalities do we share and what differences can we celebrate?  The row will connect Right to Play community projects in Liberia and Venezuela.  

3) Adam is a nerd, so it’s a good thing that Science is cool.  Adam and his team will be collecting research data on human physiology, ocean biology, ocean physics and chemistry along their voyage.  This data will increase our understanding of the planet, the human condition, and the relationship between the two.  The OAR Northwest crew has partnered with researchers at the University of Washington, WA, and the University of Calgary, AB.

4) Adam loves to learn from others and surrounds himself with success.  He is inspired by his teammates and enjoys working with them on the project.  Jordan is an adventure writer, Greg is a physiotherapist, and Rick is an aerospace engineer.  All love to find and push their limits.

5) Adam strives to inspire youth to develop a love for work.  Adam believes that a key to finding fulfillment in life, is developing a love of work.  “There is little chance of children developing a love for hard work and a sense of determination through traditional school work; children are more likely to adopt these traits while engaging in activities they enjoy – like play and adventure.  Children can then transfer these essential skills across disciplines, whether academic or otherwise.”  The OAR Northwest crew have partnered with Otto Loggers, a graduate of Harvard’s School of Education, to create curriculum that will encourage children to get outside, be active and choose their own adventures.

6) Finally, Adam believes that the secret to living is giving.  Adam has worked with Right to Play since 2004 and is passionate about furthering RTP’s mandate of using play and sport to lift children from poverty, disease and war across the world.  OAR Northwest has partnered with Right To Play to raise awareness and funds.

We are pleased to share information about the expedition.  If you’re interested in learning more or helping out, please be in touch.