Atlantic Castaways- Ocean Rowing with Jack and Freddie!

Team EtchRock
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Whilst some students may find the idea of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in under 90 days a challenge too far, Jack Galsworthy and Freddie Wright aim to complete this monumental task and in doing so become the youngest pair to have ever rowed across the Atlantic and as Jack puts it “find my limits”. 
The boys in Blue Steel!

The boys in Blue Steel!

We talked to the boys to find out more about their challenge and why they are doing it…
Having seen a video about four Loughborough students who completed the same ocean rowing challenge Jack suggested to Fred that they take a look and seriously consider a cross Atlantic rowing challenge. Whilst planning a cycling challenge, Rome2Home they decided that Ocean Rowing was for them and the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge was their next endeavor… “from then on it has been all systems go really!”.
Months (or even years) of planning, training and logistics must go into preparing for such a monumental challenge. The boys have managed to secure the boat that carried Atlantic Row 2013 (Will North and Dan Howie) to victory, which will be their home for the weeks at sea. Steve O’Connor (Atlantic Row 2013’s coach) will guide the boys in the build up making sure that the boys are completely prepared physically and mentally for the ocean rowing challenge.
In the build up to the event the boys under the watchful eye of Steve will “aim to put on about 19kg in both muscle and fat”, such is the demanding nature of this challenge the boys must bulk up to combat their “waste away out on the big blue”.
Blue Steel!

The boys in their bunk!

The boys are going up against 30-foot waves, relentless winds, skin rashes, sunburn, (don’t forget the factor 30 guys!) dehydration, extreme weight-loss, sleep deprivation and of course sharks! (Jack assures us his sister will make sure he watches Jaws numerous times in the build up to the race!)
Jack and Freddie are taking on such a grueling ocean rowing challenge in order to raise money for a cause very close to them through family and friends, the Brain Research Trust, for whom they hope to raise £150,000. In order to simply reach the start line the boys must raise £83,000! So a further £150,000 is a mighty challenge!
This desire drives them to get up for their early morning sessions even after a heavy one! “We both REALLY want this…however after a night out it can be really hard”.
Whilst the boys have not yet decided on their next challenge, their parents are pushing for something a little less dangerous, they assure us that “once you have done one challenge you immediately start to look for the next one”. Jack and Freddie encourage everyone to take part in their own challenge, “aim big! If you want it you can do anything”.
At EtchRock we look forward to following the boys on their inspiring ocean rowing challenge and can’t wait to see what they do next! If you would like to read more about the boys then check out their EtchRock page! Or check their website here!
Atlantic Castaways- EtchRock Profile

 Team Etchrock