Owensrowing

I am super excited to announce my next row. I am teaming up with my friend and fellow ocean rower Paul Lore ( ) for an independent, unsupported Arctic Ocean row in July 2025. Under the team name we will row 1,000km from Tromso, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. The journey will take us across nearly frozen waters in an area where polar bears outnumber people and the sun never sets at that time of year. Our row will be in support of and as Veterans ourselves we believe no veteran should be on a waiting list for a service dog. Likewise as Veterans serving community, we believe no child (or their family) should endure the difficulties of neurofibromatosis.
Please join and follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we train and prepare for this epic lifetime adventure, journey and mission. Our website is www.arcticvets2025.com

This is an extremely hard post to write but based on the adamant advice of my shoulder surgeon and very deep discussions with my wife/best friend/life partner, I am abandoning my goal to row the mid-Pacific again.

Apparently ocean rowing wears an artificial shoulder sufficiently to prohibit a third row. Very hard for me to accept, but life is mandating a pivot once again.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support you have shown me and Okizu. My challenges pale in comparison to what these little warriors go through as they battle cancer. I hope you continue to support Okizu and help provide these kids some respite from the evils of cancer. F CANCER!!!

25 yrs ago today I went on a date w. who didn’t think I could keep up with her!

We have had amazing adventures & travel and have built even more amazing friendships over these 25 yrs.

But the true test of a relationship is when adversity shows up. And she was there when I spent 9 months in/out of the hospital w. multiple surgeries. She brushed my teeth when I couldn’t after 8 hrs in trauma surgery.

She is not only my navigator on the ocean but in life. She is my personality & I can only aspire to be as kind and generous as she is.

I usually don’t do emotional or sappy but 25 yrs seems worthy. Te Amo mi Princess!

Folks often ask how can I carry enough water for an ocean crossing. This is my it converts ocean water into drinkable water.

It’s heading off to for servicing as it’s done two ocean crossings since it’s last service. Leave nothing to chance!

What do you do when the city you live in doesn’t have great dim sum (no offense to anyone)? Start to learn to make your own of course. 1st attempt at pork & shrimp dumplings in Sichuan sauce! Pretty good but has nothing to worry about! 🤪

Not ocean rowing but definitely something I think about on my ocean rows - constantly think about meals once back on shore!!!

To this year’s fleet of .toughest.row - May you have fair winds and following seas on your crossing. And that St. Brendan protects you. Cherish every moment of your crossing!

My current reading list. Always looking for a tip and/or something I haven’t previously consider. You can’t prepare enough for an ocean row!

Just watched Unstoppable - a documentary about row. It brought back a flood of memories.

https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=ZBuZkNS2tZY

Fun to see many familiar faces including , whose boat, Invictus was moored next to Lily.

In fairness I was never as brave as I didn’t want to know if that was the best the Atlantic had to offer me!!!! But this documentary is especially meaningful to@me as I am the current caretaker of their boat, Lily.

And excited to follow their legacy rows!

Hey Dot watchers - missing your daily fix of tracking little dots across the ocean?
Good news - .toughest.row launches in 6 days!

While we support all teams, we’ll be keeping a close watch of as Mel rows my old boat, Jack Keane in the solo category. This will be Jack’s fourth Atlantic crossing and all carrying solo rowers!!!

We’ll also be tracking the two all USA teams - and

Hope you join us in rooting these teams across the Atlantic!

Maintenance after .toughest.row continues. Took advantage of service program and had four auto-helms serviced. Using their service program saves substantial money vs replacing these units. Auto helms help maintain a given course allowing the rower to focus on rowing vs steering. While these may be considered a luxury, they definitely make a solo row easier.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Spend time to reflect on how blessed we are and grateful for everyone’s support of Owen’s row and