In early December Peet Botma set out to conquer stretches of the Atlantic as a solo rower taking part in the World’s Toughest Row. The finish line is in sight, and Peet is on the move!
Global (24 January 2024) — Peet Botma, AKA ‘Freedom Rower’ has travelled quite some distance since the last time we shared news of his epic adventure across the Atlantic!
On 13 December 2023, Peet set to sea as a World’s Toughest Row participant. This, after years of preparation, is understandable when you take into account that this is no cruise of a race.
Virtually no shelter against the elements, the epitome of isolation and only having yourself, your preparations and your motivation to count on. These are just some of the factors World’s Toughest Row racers sign up for for the 3000 miles (just under 5000 kilometres) the race demands.
So, with Peet being just days and 400 nautical miles away from the finish line, his recent check-in is both a big milestone and a marker of the all-important final push.
400 nautical miles now seems slight in comparison to the 2376 nautical miles Peet has already conquered. But, in reality, it is still roughly 740 kilometres to go—which means it’s time to rally in support!
Peet’s final push also happens to mean that he’s a few hundred kilometres away from hopefully making a massive difference for the Local Surf Lounge Academy—Muizenburg’s haven for boys in the Western Cape.
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The Surf Lounge is a breath of fresh air for the youth of Vrygrond. A place where they can be coached, mentored and inspired to live healthy lives as part of a surfing collective away from the hardships that plague their own communities. Peet’s row is a brave act of support for them, that aims to keep their doors open!
You can support the Surf Lounge through the Small Things Foundation by making a donation or raising awareness about the project.
Peet is set to finish the World’s Toughest Row on 29 January.
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