Peter van Kets prepares boat for record breaking Rowing Race Across Atlantic Ocean

Ocean rowing tests the body and mind to their complete limit, perhaps more than any other ultra marathon sport. One reason for this is the lack of visible progress. Unlike cycling or running say when the competitor is moving through a changing landscape which provides some distraction from the monotony, ocean rowers have no such luxury. just mile after mile of ocean waves. This guest post is by Peter van Kets and outlines his upcoming record attempt for rowing the Atlantic Ocean.

Rowing Solo and unsupported across Atlantic Ocean

I am getting ready to row solo unsupported across the Atlantic on 6 December this year. My journey which is also part of a race (Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race) starts in the Canary Islands and finishes 5500Km later in Antigua, Caribbean.

In 2008, myself and good friend Bill Godfrey rowed the same race winning it in 50 days. We rowed in 90min shifts, 24/7 except for Christmas where we took 30 mins off to have our Christmas “lunch”.

My solo trip is about setting a few records, but those in time fade and it’s just the memories of the pain, deprivation and the amazing ocean that stay with you. The longer any expedition takes the more you have to endure the stronger your mind must be.

Physical pain is a given and must be embraced. It’s really what drives me. Self-Discipline is the key to success in any hostile environment. There is no such thing as the absence of fear so fear must be subdued – I usually find the best of me in big adrenalin moments. Taking on the small things and getting them right and focusing on them allows the big things to happen.

I’m just an ordinary person, who is 100% committed to owning my life. I was a school teacher before I decided to follow my dream of becoming an adventurer, explorer and motivational speaker. I now try and inspire people to own their lives. Subsequently I’ve led many expeditions to remote regions around the world. I’m a family man, married to Kim and we have a beautiful daughter called Hannah.

Everyone has dreams. Everyone has goals and ambitions that they hope to one day turn into reality. The main reason why I’m doing this, is because I see how I’m able to motivate people and change their lives for the good. I’d like to use it as a platform to get people to start owning their lives so that they can get out there and achieve their dreams as I have.

For more information on this Atlantic Ocean rowing race winner, Peter van Kets and his 2009 challenge please visit www.rowpeterow.co.za. He also writes an inspirational blog about reaching out and achieving your goals and ambitions. So be inspired and visit www.own-your-life.co.za

Credits for the images used in this article about rowing the Atlantic ocean belong to Peter van Kets.

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