HOW TO TRAIN TO ROW AN OCEAN: Coastal Commanders' Atlantic Prep with Duncan Roy
- coastalcommanders
- Jul 23, 2025
- 2 min read
Coastal Commanders - Duncan Roy | Spring Training Camp 2025
In November 2024, we completed our RYA theory with SeaSports Southwest—covering everything from navigation and tides to meteorology and passage planning. But preparing for an ocean row requires more than classroom learning. In May 2025, we began putting theory into practice with a week-long training camp in Plymouth, led by ocean rowing coach Duncan Roy.
Duncan is a former Royal Engineer, multiple-time ocean rower, and one of the most respected coaches in the sport. Under his guidance, we began the transition from concept to execution.
Day 1: Boat Familiarisation and Handling
We started by learning how to prepare and launch our ocean rowing boat, Freedom. Simple tasks like fitting the rudder properly and manoeuvring the trailer safely require precision and teamwork—essential skills for what lies ahead. Getting these details right early builds the foundation for more complex operations offshore.
Day 2: Shore-Based Passage Planning
Back on land, we spent time analysing our local training area—studying tidal streams, plotting safe routes, and identifying key hazards. The waters off the south coast are busy with commercial shipping, naval traffic, and fishing activity, making this an ideal environment to sharpen our situational awareness and risk assessment skills.
Day 3: Offshore Training – Eddystone Lighthouse
Our first long offshore row took us 12 miles out to the Eddystone Lighthouse and back. This was our furthest trip as a team so far and a valuable opportunity to test boat handling, pacing, and endurance over a longer distance. Sea conditions were manageable, but the offshore environment was a clear reminder of how quickly conditions can change.
Days 4 & 5: Emergency Procedures and Performance
The final two days focused on core ocean rowing techniques—deploying emergency equipment like anchors and para anchors, and learning when and how to use them in open water. We also looked at performance: how weight distribution affects boat speed, how to make the most of the daggerboard, and the importance of small adjustments that, over time, have a major impact on crossing duration.
This week was a crucial first step in our on-water preparation. It’s one thing to plan a route on paper—it’s another to manage a boat, crew dynamics, and decision-making in live conditions. Our time with Duncan has given us clarity on where we are, what we need to improve, and what it will take to cross an ocean safely and efficiently.
We’re just getting started.
Follow Our Progress
This is just the start of our journey to row across the Atlantic. Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing more training updates as we prepare for the crossing.
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