On December 12th, 43 teams & solo rowers set off on one of the worlds greatest endurance challenges. This is one of the most exciting times of the year for us, as we travelled to La Gomera for the race start to support all of the teams who have trained with us for Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2022.
As well as the race start this is also a bit of a reunion for rowers past present and future. This year we also got to catch up with the teams due to take part in the inaugural Pacific Challenge in June 2023.
TWAC* is a grueling event that takes rowers to their physical and mental limits, billed as “The World’s Toughest Row”. The Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge takes place every year with teams from across the world attempting to complete an arduous 3000-mile journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua.
This year 43 teams, including solo rowers and teams up 5 people, set out from La Gomera and we are privileged to have worked with most of them, completing their on-shore training and preparation.
We became recommended trainers for TWAC in 2012 and since then our involvement has grown and grown. Most people still do not realise that as well as being an RYA* and AALA certified water sports training centre, that we are the world’s foremost training base for the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge too!
We love the fact that dozens of teams travel from the corners of the globe to visit our quiet, scenic little corner of the UK for their ocean rowing training. The diversity and energy it can add to a quiet winter in our little seaside town is fantastic.
We have trained over 60% of all race participants from more than 16 countries, including many who have won the race or broken a world record. We are looking forward to another record-breaking event this year.
Watch out for more from us on the challenge as we follow the teams on their grueling journey to the finish line and please do get in contact if you are thinking about training for a rowing or any other ocean challenge or take a look at some more details on our website, here.
Signing off….from Sue, Tim and all of the team at SeaSports Southwest
*Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge
**Royal Yachting Association
***AALA Adventure Activities Licensing Authority