Sparwood-born woman to row Atlantic

A woman with Elk Valley connections is preparing for the biggest race of her life — The World’s Toughest Row.

Sabrina Simpson, along with partner Gregor Wacker will navigate from San Sebastián La Gomera to English Harbour Antigua, rowing in a relentless cycle of two hours on and two hours off 24 hours a day, for approximately 50-60 days.

“I grew up in Sparwood, but currently live in Stirling, Scotland,” Simpson said. “I am proud to represent the Elk Valley in this adventure, following in the footsteps of Paul Attalla – Fernie Chiropractor. My journey will not only be a personal achievement but also an opportunity to support and promote the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation. I had the privilege of ski racing in my youth, and her foundation’s work continues to inspire and support young athletes in the community.”

Only five other Canadian women and five Canadian men have ever rowed an ocean.

The race begins in December and Simpson says challenges include sleep deprivation, salt sores, physical extremes and the psychological hurdles of the open ocean.

So how does one prepare for this physically and mentally taxing time? Simpson says training takes a variety of routes.

The event organizers set hours for on water training that must be met, and drills that need to be completed. The drills are 120 hours minimum. The contestants must also spend 38 consecutive hours on the boat, 24 hours of which must be completed in the dark.

“We have trained on Lake Constance, Germany. And on the Mediterranean. I have also had the opportunity to train on the west coast of Scotland,” she said.

There is also strength training in the gym — mobility flexibility/core training.

Simpson, a Pilates teacher, also trains five to 10 km on the rowing machine each day.

“An upcoming challenge is rowing two hours on / two hours off for 24 hours. The rowing machine also keeps my hands ready for the crossing — I try to keep calloused hands, but not deep. This should help reduce the nasty blisters on my hands. I am still trying to work out cushioning for my bum, to reduce discomfort and salt sores.”

The longest she has rowed, and lived on the boat, is for a week at a time with her partner on Lake Constance, and again on the Mediterranean.

They will be rowing the ocean boat ‘Frida’, built by Rannoch Adventure. The boat has competed three ocean crossings.

Once they embark, it is a solitary, unsupported journey.

“We will take all the food we require (up to 65 days),” Simpson said. “We use a water maker to pump up seawater – desalinate to make fresh water. Everything is powered by solar. We will take a satellite phone to keep in touch with people. A Jetboil to boil water – for dehydrated meals. And plenty of snacks. We each have a minimum calories per day to consume. Three buckets — one for toilet, one for washing and a spare. They also work good as a vomit buckets, as both Gregor and I have experienced sea sickness while training on the Mediterranean. That’s a whole story of its own. We have nicknamed the seasickness tablets ‘zombie tablets’.”

The race is scheduled for December 12, weather depending. Viewers can follow the Frida and her crew live in the YBRRaces App and also on social media at Black Forest Rowers and Worlds Toughest Row.

About 950 million views of the race have been logged in the past. The racers are still seeking advertising support so if you’d like your business name on the boat or oars you can email sabrina_faith@hotmail.com