On International Women’s Day, I am reminded of the extraordinary journeys women have embarked on throughout history, pushing boundaries and challenging norms. My upcoming solo row across the Atlantic is a tribute to this indomitable spirit. It’s a testament to breaking free from traditional gender roles and showcasing the strength and resilience that women possess.

As a rower, contemplating the prospect of rowing across the vast and unforgiving Atlantic Ocean is stirring a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. It’s a dream that simultaneously ignites excitement and trepidation, weaving through the fabric of one’s consciousness with both anticipation and a touch of apprehension.

My initial preparations and training are long a way from the Atlantic, on a farm in Hereford, training on a rowing machine, if I’m lucky I get a sunny day and do it outside, but an English Winter-Spring means doing it from a cow shed! Rowing across this ocean is not just a dream anymore; it’s a tangible goal, a challenge waiting to be conquered.

On the crossing I will be exposed rowers to a wide array of extreme weather conditions, ranging from intense storms to scorching heat and everything in between. Here’s a closer look at the extreme weather rowers may encounter during their journey across the Atlantic.