Why the challenge of rowing an Ocean?
Five or six years ago I, Danny Schleicher, saw this interview on YouTube with 4 older ladies who had just done an ocean crossing in a rowing boat.
A few years later I made myself a vision board with all the things I wanted to do before “it’s too late”. I remembered the ocean rowing thing and started reading about it.
Kiko Matthew’s blog post 10 weird things that happen when you row the Atlantic solo on the RedBull website got me hooked.
I realised that this is actually possible and, if done right, can be relatively safe.
Rowing the Atlantic has made it onto my vision board. I want to see how far I can push myself and use the knowledge gained from this experience to help others on their journey. And hopefully, we’ll raise enough funds to renovate a school in Bali! That would be massive.
Have you taken part in a big adventure before?
My two biggest adventures were a 12-month trip through Southeast Asia and moving to Indonesia in 2017.
These were a good start, but they don’t compare to an adventure as big as this. I have a huge learning curve ahead of me!
What are you most looking forward to about rowing?
The silence. Every time I’m on a plane, I switch off my phone and enjoy being unavailable. I have the same when scuba diving and standup paddleboarding. Being out there with no distractions.
But it’s funny how the thing I’m most looking forward to also seems scary.
What do you think the biggest challenges will be?
It’s going to be tough to quiet my mind. That voice in your head telling you to stop and take a break, that you can’t take the pain anymore. I did a running challenge a while back where I forced myself to run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours. Man, that voice was loud as hell.
Other than the mental challenge I am a bit worried about sea sickness and keeping all electronic gadgets running.
What 3 strengths do you think you will bring to the crew?
My commitment, my ability to remain calm and my willingness to compromise. Although the last one can become a weakness at times.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
It’s hard to put my finger on it. I continue to learn a lot from my parents.
I love watching people do difficult things. Be it in sports, business or the spiritual world. I am inspired by Eliud Kipchoge’s determination, Ben Fogle’s explorer mentality and Mike Posner’s drive to share his stories in a way that adds value to others. I also get inspired by the people around me and try to learn as much as I can from them.
What advice would you give to your 10-year-old self?
You are enough.
Aside from friends and family, what do you think you will miss most while you’re at sea?
I’m going to miss fresh produce. Indonesian fruit and vegetables are great. Also, my air conditioning, Sunday runs and Tik Tok. Maybe not Tik Tok. Definitely Tik Tok.
If you could only listen to one album for the whole crossing, what would it be?
Blue Slide Park by Mac Miller. It’s one of my favourite albums ever. Although I think I’ll go loopy if I listen to one album 12 hours a day for 60 days straight. Haha
What would you sing at a karaoke night?
Robbie Williams Angels, or if we’re all together on stage, Lemon Tree!
What will you bring as your luxury item?
Since foam rolling is probably a bit complicated on a tiny boat like ours, maybe a massage gun?
What is the most annoying habit other people have?
Trying to impress others constantly. You’re awesome you don’t need to prove that to me.
Favourite Book?
The Four-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris helped me realise that work and life experiences can go hand in hand.
The Alchemist taught me that if you really want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.
The Harry Potter audiobooks are perfect for long endurance activities.
My fav books about ocean (rowing) are James Cracknell/Ben Fogle’s The Crossing, Roz Savage’s Rowing the Atlantic, and Steven Callahan’s Adrift.
Tell us an interesting thing about you people should know…
In 2017, I met Alfian on a flight from Singapore to Indonesia. He was on his way back from the Tokyo Marathon. Alfian told me about his plans to run all six major marathons. He explained to me how his Garmin watch worked and that he always had running shoes in his car so he could stop and go for a run whenever he felt like it.
A year later, I had signed up for the Tokyo Marathon, got myself the same watch and was certain I would run all six big marathons.
Signing up, preparing and completing my first marathon taught me that there is an insane amount of possibility. But only if you are willing to endure the pain.
This was the beginning of all the adventures I have planned for this lifetime.
