Exeter Three to row Atlantic in the fight against ocean plastics

Three Exeter women are to tackle one of the world’s toughest rowing events, the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, a 3,400-plus mile crossing from the Canary isle of La Gomera to Antigua, West Indies.

As ‘Row for the Ocean’, the trio are rowing to raise £60,000 for the Plastic Free Coastlines campaign run by Surfers Against Sewage. Plastic waste is polluting every ocean on Earth, crippling sea wildlife and ruining beaches and water quality. To further support SAS, Row For The Ocean are holding beach cleans, fundraising events and school talks; this Saturday they're undertaking a gruelling 24hr row in Princesshay so make sure to go along and support.

The trio, Kirsty Barker, Kate Salmon and Rosalind West, met at Exeter Rowing Club and are aiming to be the fastest women's three to make the crossing.

In adverse conditions, the route could take as long as 70+ days. The team will face blisters, salt rash, sharks, sea sickness, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and inevitably large waves caused by mid-ocean storms. They will operate a regime of two hours rowing and two hours rest, round the clock, until they reach their target of Antigua. Most rowers need to be helped ashore after their exertions and can take many days to recover. During the crossing, the four will be a minimum of 24 hours away from any help.

Departure from La Gomera is set for December 2018. Before then, they will undertake a gruelling regime of training to build strength and stamina and eat a diet designed to put weight on to combat losing up to 10 kilos that each will face during their time at sea.

The trio are also faced with finding £100,000 to acquire the specialist ocean-going rowboat, with its open seats and tiny sleep pods, as well as GPS navigational kit and other equipment necessary to make the crossing.

“Having trained and raced together for over a year, we know each other well. We all enjoy a challenge, and they don’t come any bigger for us than this one. We’re up for it and we’re looking to people and businesses in the area to sponsor us,” said Rosalind, who instigated the idea.

The only crew member with significant ocean rowing experience is Kate Salmon, who was one of team of eight women who broke a cross-Channel rowing record in 2013.

If you'd like to contribute as an individual or business then you can visit their website at www.rowfortheocean.co.uk or check our their social media channels.