Four South Africans compete in the World’s Toughest Row, raising funds for Wild Coast conservation
Four South African are currently rowing 4,800 km across the Atlantic Ocean as Team Ocean Mavericks, competing in the World’s Toughest Row.
Image: Supplied
Four South African adventurers are currently rowing 4,800 km across the Atlantic Ocean as Team Ocean Mavericks, competing in the World’s Toughest Row - one of the most extreme endurance races.
The race officially began on December 14, with crews rowing unsupported from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua.
The World’s Toughest Row had strict rules - there are no rescue boats or supply drops, teams must navigate, repair their vessel, desalinate drinking water, ration food, and row continuously in punishing two-hour shifts, often for 30 to 50 days.
Conditions the competitors face include towering swells, tropical storms, relentless sun exposure, and extreme sleep deprivation.
The four South Africans are Martin Hall, JP Briner, Angelo Wilkie-Page, and Matt Botha.
Image: Supplied
After a challenging start marked by seasickness, the South Africans, who are called the Ocean Mavericks: Martin Hall, JP Briner, Angelo Wilkie-Page, and Matt Botha, have celebrated their first major milestone of 500 nautical miles completed and are sitting at third position overall.
They have also enjoyed lighter moments, including catching a dorado for fresh sushi mid-ocean.
Beyond the race, the Ocean Mavericks are rowing to raise funds for the Pondoland Conservation Trust (PCT) - a non-profit dedicated to protecting the Wild Coast’s unique biodiversity while uplifting local communities.
Fundraising momentum has been boosted by the This Day Foundation, which has pledged to match all donations up to R1 million.
To date, the team has raised R1.2 million, reaching 67% of their target.