Horizon Racing USA seeks Adventure and World Record on the World’s Toughest Row
This episode was made possible in part by Barb, Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons.
The World's Toughest Row is a 2,800-mile race across the Pacific Ocean. On June 12, 2024, more than 20 teams will leave Monterey, CA and race to Kauai, HI in unsupported, man-powered ocean rowing boats.
Hannah Huppi (NORC), Phil Doyle (PBC), and Hunter Deuel (OWRC) formed Horizon Racing USA to take on this massive rowing challenge. They are several months into their planning and training with a goal of breaking the Mixed 4x World Record for rowing across the Mid-Pacific ocean – which currently stands at just over 34 days.
We talk about long steady state training sessions on the erg, star-gazing, rowing into the unknown, competitive drive, Cheez-Its, and fundraising for Laureus Sport For Good USA.
QUICK LOOK
00:00 - intro
02:00 - Welcome and The Huddle
03:20 - Rate Your rowing week: 1 to 10
05:04 - The Hot Seat Q&A
08:33 - Rowing origin stories: Hannah, Phil, Hunter
14:13 - About the World’s Toughest Row across the Pacific
15:50 - About their 4-person Ranoch RX45 boat
18:20 - Whose idea was it to row the WTR; finding a fourth crewmate, necessary skills, and the importance of coming together as a competitive unit
28:56 - Supporting their charity partner Laureus Sport for Good USA
31:20 - Sponsorship opportunities and Hannah’s hopes for Cheez Its
33:24 - How training started, what they’re looking forward to, and what they’re nervous about
40:40 - Letting go of flatwater perfection, thinking BIG intervals, and canned peaches for celebrating milestones
46:15 - The adventure of a lifetime and leaving an impact on the next generation
50:10 - Sign Off
EPISODE Mentions
BOATS
Rannoch RX45
BUSINESSES
ErgoFit
CLUBS
Alexandria Rowing Club
La Società Canottieri Firenze
🎧 New Orleans Rowing Club
Oakland Strokes
Occoquan Boat Club
Open Water Rowing Center
Potomac Boat Club
COACHES
Duncan Roy
Sally Kettle
ORGANIZATIONS
Horizon Racing USA
International Dark Sky Association
Laureus Sport for Good USA
REGATTAS & EVENTS
Sarasota Invitational Regatta
World’s Toughest Row
ROWERS
Jordan Hanssen
🎧 Bobbi Kizer
SCHOLASTIC PROGRAMS
West Springfield High School (VA)
UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Tulane University
University of Washington
UC Berkeley
This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Tara Morgan and Rachel Freedman. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.