Ocean Mavericks Take on the World’s Toughest Row for Wild Coast Conservation
Four South African adventurers are currently rowing 4,800 km across the Atlantic Ocean as Team Ocean Mavericks, competing in the World’s Toughest Row – one of the most extreme endurance races on Earth. The race officially began on 14 December 2025, with crews rowing unsupported from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua.
The World’s Toughest Row is a true test of self-reliance. With no rescue boats or supply drops, teams must navigate, repair their vessel, desalinate drinking water, ration food, and row continuously in punishing two-hour shifts, often for 30 to 50 days. Conditions include towering swells, tropical storms, relentless sun exposure, and extreme sleep deprivation.
After a challenging start marked by seasickness, the Ocean Mavericks – Martin Hall, JP Briner, Angelo Wilkie-Page, and Matt Botha – have settled into life at sea. The team celebrated their first major milestone of 500 nautical miles completed, lifting spirits by opening letters from home. They have also enjoyed lighter moments, including catching a dorado for fresh sushi mid-ocean. They have subsequently passed the halfway mark with less than 900nm miles to go to the finish
While prioritising health, morale, and consistency over race position, the team has already recorded a personal best of 88 nautical miles in 24 hours, placing them alongside professional crews. At the time of writing, they are currently holding strong in third position overall.
Beyond the race, the Ocean Mavericks are rowing to raise funds for the Pondoland Conservation Trust (PCT) – a non-profit dedicated to protecting the Wild Coast’s unique biodiversity while uplifting local communities. This expedition has been largely self-funded by the team, meaning 100% of funds raised go directly to PCT.
Fundraising momentum has been boosted by the This Day Foundation, which has pledged to match all donations up to R1 million, doubling the impact of every contribution made before the end of the year. To date, the team has raised R1,2million, reaching 67% of their target.
The Ocean Mavericks are proudly supported by DITH (Gold Sponsor), Shesha (Silver Sponsor), Investec and Tyremart (Bronze Sponsors), with ALS handling logistics, alongside generous product and service partners including Sealand Zentium Health.
The team continues to fly the South African flag with pride — proving that endurance, purpose, and teamwork can carry you across oceans. For more information on the Pondoland Conservation Trust: www.pondotrust.com.
