FAQ

What will you eat?

Nutrition is important on the ocean and most rowers need 5,000 calories to maintain their weight. I will eat mainly dehydrated foods thanks to Enertia Trail Foods. These foods are designed to be as easy as pouring hot water into a pouch and letting it sit for 7-10 minutes. The dehydrated foods provide a balanced diet with lots of carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins, fats and iron. Plenty of snacking foods will be available including dried fruits and nuts, GU Energy gels, BumbleBars, Clifbars, chocolate bars, candies, turkey jerky, and Nuun electrolyte-replacement drinks. I will also have a sprouting kit on board to grow lentils, peas, barley, alfalfa, broccoli, and more yummy greens.

What is a typical day at sea like?

Maintaining a schedule is key. A typical day will include 10-12 hours of rowing with time for sleep, navigation, and boat maintenance.

6:00am Wake up and eat breakfast, check weather and night progress
6:30am Row for two hours
8:30am Mid morning meal, prep water for the day
9:00am Row for two hours
11:00am Lunch #1, take position and plot chart
12:00pm Short break, powernap
12:30pm Row for two hours
2:30pm Lunch #2
3:00pm Row for two hours
5:00pm Dinner, contact land team with progress, scrub bottom of boat (when needed)
6:30pm Row for two hours
8:30pm Stop rowing, secure boat for the night, sleep

What about water?

Fresh water will come from a solar-powered electric water desalinator that can produce more than six gallons of fresh water per hour. If the main desalinator fails, I will have one handheld back up as well as fresh water containers stored as ballast that can be replaced with seawater.

Where do you sleep?

Accommodation is provided in a watertight cabin six feet long and about three feet wide.

What if there is a storm?

When storms occur, all loose material must be stored and oars fastened to the boat. I will deploy a “sea anchor”, an underwater parachute that prevents backward drift and minimizes the fall between waves. I will then take cover in the rear cabin. The boat is designed to withstand thirty-foot seas and will self-right if capsized.

How will you navigate?

GPS units, VHF Radio, Sea Me Radar Reflector, AIS Receiver, navigation lights, and pilot charts are all important tools for navigation. GPS units can calculate latitude and longitude, direction of heading, speed and many other useful navigational data. By mounting a plotter GPS on the outside of the boat, I can continually see the direction of heading. A VHF radio will be used for close range communication with passing ships. At night, navigational lights will alert other boats of my presence along with the Sea Me Radar Reflector. Every few hours of rowing, I will plot my progress and can adjust the rudder with toe steering if needed to stay on course.

How are you training?

For physical preparation, I am working to increase endurance with a mixture of high-intensity cardio workouts, weight lifting focused on strengthening the core and back and weekly long rows on the rowing machine. An essential part of training will include trial rows on the Great Lakes. These rows will not only improve physical endurance but will provide experience for life out in open waters. For ocean training, I have completed several courses including VHF radio, Sea Survival, First Aid at Sea and Celestial Navigation.

What if you are injured at sea?

Blisters, salt sores, sunburn, bruises, rashes, pulled muscles and swollen joints are the most common injuries that occur with ocean rowing. I will have an extensive medical kit on board and have gained a First Aid certification. Being a beach lifeguard for a few years might come in handy while at sea! I can take rest for minor injuries but in an emergency where rowing is not possible, I will activate the EPIRB for rescue.

Will your progress be tracked?

While I am at sea, I will be tracked via satellites which will update my position several times a day. Come back soon to see my progress on this website!

What will you wear?

I will be equipped with breathable and fast-drying clothing. Some ocean rowers have recommended wearing silk or even rowing naked to prevent chafing! One less thing to worry about packing up, right?!

What about capsizing or falling overboard?

Due to the design of the boat, if the boat capsizes it can flip upright. I will wear a safety harness at all times so if I fall overboard, I will remain connected to the boat. As a solo rower, it is vital that I remain connected to the boat at all times when outside the cabin.

What if the equipment breaks?

Prior to the row, I will have several trial rows to fully understand the equipment. At sea, backup equipment and repair kits will be stored on board. An extensive tool kit will provide all the materials needed to repair broken gear. Technical support via the satellite phone from the land team will also be available to assist with equipment failure. Although some equipment may break, the row can continue with the basics (oars, food, and water).

Will you bring music?

Yes! Ocean rowing is as much a psychological as it is a physical challenge. An iPod (and two back-up iPods) will be a fantastic tool for motivation where I can listen to music, lectures, comedians, and audiobooks while rowing.

To read an interview with Katie, please click here.

You may also be interested in this blog entry: Day 51 — All the answers you’ve been waiting for.