www.mawwfire.gov.uk
ATLANTIC ROW CHALLENGE UPDATE 22ND MARCH
Mike and Simon reached Antigua yesterday after a grueling three months row. The boys are in excellent spirits and and are both healthy and well. Interviewed on local radio the wave this morning Simon stated that they were both very pleased to see land and are looking forward to seeing family and friends.
Track the boys online here
Track the boys online here
Atlantic Ocean Challenge
Two Mid and West Wales firefighters are getting set to take on the might of the Atlantic Ocean in a fundraising challenge which will see them face huge seas, wild weather and months away from their families on dry land.
Mike Arnold Watch Manager at Pontadawe Fire Station, Neath Port Talbot Command and long term friend and colleague Simon Evans, Crew Manager at Morriston Fire Station, Swansea Command will be taking up oars and rowing the Atlantic in December, with just each other for company.
With Britannia ruling the waves following Sam Davies and Dee Cafari’s success in the Vendee Globe round-the-world yacht race, the pair are hoping to bring Wales a taste of open ocean glory.
They currently look set to be the only Welsh team in the gruelling Atlantic Row Race, which sets off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and finishes in Antigua.
The pair are both Fire-Fighters with the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and will be taking on the high seas to raise cash for the Fire-Fighters Charity, and Tenovus.
Mike’s a keen surfer while fitness fanatic Simon has In the past spent 15 years volunteering with the Mumbles Lifeboat, but in spite of their combined maritime experience, they know that what faces them is in another league.
Mike said, “I’ve just always wanted to do something like this for as long as I can remember.
“We’ve obviously got a pretty intense physical training regime in place, with lots of rowing as well as running, to increase our stamina, but the mental preparation is just as vitally important.
“We’re expecting real battles with solitude and bad weather. We’re very good friends now, but who knows if we still will be when we come through this!”
The duo have set themselves a target of 65 days to complete the immense crossing, a feat which left even Olympic Rowing Medalist James Cracknell and former Oxbridge Boat Race contender Ben Fogle struggling.
Simon explained that he and Mike were well prepared for some of the dangers involved.
“The boats are all self righting should we capsize, and we will be carrying emergency beacons which send a distress call should the worst happen. If we lose essential kit overboard, we will have plenty of spare on board, including oars of course, as well as radios.”
The crossing is not the only mammoth task facing Simon and Mike as they are hoping to raise £30,000 before the launch on 6th December. As well as fitting training in around their fire fighting duties, Simon and Mike are planning a host of fund-raising activities over the coming year.
The duo anticipate that their endeavour will do for corporate sponsors what Sam Davies did for female surf label Roxy, who sponsored her distinctive yacht.
The fire-fighter’s race effort is expected to generate a lot of interest from the public across Swansea and Wales and the team have their own dedicated website, www.atlanticelement.com which will feature a blog detailing their progress up to, and throughout the race.
Both men are married with children and Mike says their wives are viewing the adventure with mixed feelings.
“They are very supportive, but terrified.”
Both men would also like to thank Swansea, Neath & Port Talbot commands, and the Service as a whole for their continuing support without which this challenge would not have been possible.
Mike Arnold Watch Manager at Pontadawe Fire Station, Neath Port Talbot Command and long term friend and colleague Simon Evans, Crew Manager at Morriston Fire Station, Swansea Command will be taking up oars and rowing the Atlantic in December, with just each other for company.
With Britannia ruling the waves following Sam Davies and Dee Cafari’s success in the Vendee Globe round-the-world yacht race, the pair are hoping to bring Wales a taste of open ocean glory.
They currently look set to be the only Welsh team in the gruelling Atlantic Row Race, which sets off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and finishes in Antigua.
The pair are both Fire-Fighters with the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and will be taking on the high seas to raise cash for the Fire-Fighters Charity, and Tenovus.
Mike’s a keen surfer while fitness fanatic Simon has In the past spent 15 years volunteering with the Mumbles Lifeboat, but in spite of their combined maritime experience, they know that what faces them is in another league.
Mike said, “I’ve just always wanted to do something like this for as long as I can remember.
“We’ve obviously got a pretty intense physical training regime in place, with lots of rowing as well as running, to increase our stamina, but the mental preparation is just as vitally important.
“We’re expecting real battles with solitude and bad weather. We’re very good friends now, but who knows if we still will be when we come through this!”
The duo have set themselves a target of 65 days to complete the immense crossing, a feat which left even Olympic Rowing Medalist James Cracknell and former Oxbridge Boat Race contender Ben Fogle struggling.
Simon explained that he and Mike were well prepared for some of the dangers involved.
“The boats are all self righting should we capsize, and we will be carrying emergency beacons which send a distress call should the worst happen. If we lose essential kit overboard, we will have plenty of spare on board, including oars of course, as well as radios.”
The crossing is not the only mammoth task facing Simon and Mike as they are hoping to raise £30,000 before the launch on 6th December. As well as fitting training in around their fire fighting duties, Simon and Mike are planning a host of fund-raising activities over the coming year.
The duo anticipate that their endeavour will do for corporate sponsors what Sam Davies did for female surf label Roxy, who sponsored her distinctive yacht.
The fire-fighter’s race effort is expected to generate a lot of interest from the public across Swansea and Wales and the team have their own dedicated website, www.atlanticelement.com which will feature a blog detailing their progress up to, and throughout the race.
Both men are married with children and Mike says their wives are viewing the adventure with mixed feelings.
“They are very supportive, but terrified.”
Both men would also like to thank Swansea, Neath & Port Talbot commands, and the Service as a whole for their continuing support without which this challenge would not have been possible.
Atlantic Rowing Facts
- Distance: 3000 miles
- Distance covered per day: Approximately 46 miles
- Breaks: The pair will be rowing in shifts of 2 hours each. There is a small cabin for one at the rear of the boat
- Drinking water: Fresh water will be filtered from sea water, though the pair will be carrying emergency fresh water supplies
- Food: The food will all be dehydrated so Simon and Mike can look forward to two months or more of Pot Noodles
- Calories: The pair can expect to burn 7000-8000 calories every day
Contacts
To arrange photos, interviews etc, contact:
Mike Arnold on 07825 516 820, or email mikearn@tiscali.co.uk
Simon Evans on 07974 827 923, or email sievs@aol.com
Mike Arnold on 07825 516 820, or email mikearn@tiscali.co.uk
Simon Evans on 07974 827 923, or email sievs@aol.com
© Gwasanaeth Tân Ac Achub Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru | © Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service