Former SAS soldier Ian Rivers, aged 55, set off from New York this week with an ambitious challenge of rowing 3,100 nautical miles all the way to the Isles of Scilly in a 27 foot boat. The solo row is unsupported so Ian is using only the sun, stars and a sextant to navigate the journey that could take up to 90 days.
The pandemic has added complexity to this high risk challenge but Ian acknowledged that he has always been a bit of an adventurer and is excited about the prospect of achieving something that has not been done before.
Ian has studied ocean temperatures and weather patterns and expects many storms and hurricanes along the way. His love of oceans started at the beginning of his 27 year military career when he was stationed at Plymouth Sound and later engaged in naval exercises in Norway. Just under two years ago following an operation on his leg he decided to make his dream of crossing the Atlantic a reality.
His respect for natural indicators in navigation came when he used flora and fauna when escaping a kidnapping in Syria in 2012 whilst working for an American news network.
Ian expects the psychological challenges will be as great as the physical ones. He says he does not relish solitude and knows that resilience will be required when the boat is being blown backwards.
To prepare him for the challenge he worked with sports psychologists at Leeds Beckett University to deal with negative experiences and find solutions. He's keeping a journal to chart his moods as well as physiological data and as an experienced sports coach himself, is fascinated by what this will show. He also wants to inspire other people to take on sports challenges, although perhaps less risky, as Ian is aligned in our view that sport should be accessible to all.
Rowing for positive change
Ian, who’s also just become a grandfather for the first time, is hoping to raise money for the Special Air Service Regimental Association’s Sentinel Programme and St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford and has an ambitious target of £500,000.
The boat is named “Sentinel” after the SASRA mental health programme of which he is very proud, being a Sentinel himself. The programme is about communication, early intervention and recognises the importance of peer support as well as signposting to mental health professionals. The range of support they provide is very much tailored to each individual.
Ian said “The mental health of veterans is so important and it’s not that easy to seek help. The Sentinel programme works by linking people up so they can be your first port of call.”
You can track Ian’s progress or donate to the good causes.
We’ll be cheering Ian on from afar throughout his challenge and wish him a successful trip.
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