Kyle Meredith, ‘The OARburn Rower’, is a solo ocean rower aiming to become the first person in history to row – solo, unsupported and non-stop – from Africa to the USA
AAS: Can you tell our readers about the challenge you are taking on?
KM: I am attempting to set a Guinness World Record and become the first person in history to row solo, unsupported and non-stop from mainland Africa to mainland North America (MAdd New Postorocco to Miami), which is about 4,000 miles of open Atlantic Ocean. It is not just about pushing my own limits but also raising awareness for skin cancer, particularly among men and with the help of the British Skin Foundation advocating for the removal of VAT from sunscreen.
AAS: What training have you been doing in preparation?
KM: The preparation has been pretty intense. I have focused a lot on strength, conditioning and mobility work, but nothing quite replicates being on the water. I have been spending plenty of time on the Solent on my Rannoch R25 Solo, practising navigation, passage planning and getting used to unpredictable weather and conditions. I did a range of RYA courses with Chieftain Training in Southampton, which gave me the practical knowledge I need for being out on the ocean.
AAS: Can you describe your rowing boat?
KM: My boat is a Rannoch R25 Solo, a dedicated and purpose built ocean rowing boat designed for endurance. It is small but incredibly tough, designed to handle the roughest of conditions. I have got a tiny cabin where I will be sleeping and storing supplies, but it is mostly just me, the ocean and a lot of hard work. It is well-equipped for the task, but space is definitely at a premium and everything has to work for its place onboard.
AAS: You are expecting severe sleep deprivation, hallucinations and complete isolation. Which do you expect to be the biggest challenge?
KM: I think the mental side of things will be the toughest. Isolation is a huge factor, especially when you are out there for months with no one to talk to. I have done a lot to prepare for the physical toll, but dealing with the quiet and the vastness of the ocean alone will probably be the biggest test.
AAS: You are rowing around 4,000 miles; how long are you expecting it to take?
KM: I am aiming for around four months, depending on conditions. The weather will play a big role in when I land, but I am hoping to arrive in Miami sometime in March 2025, which is handy as I would be in trouble if I missed the missus’ birthday!
AAS: What will you miss most about life at home whilst at sea?
KM: Definitely my dogs… although I feel like I should say my better half! I will also miss spending Christmas and New Year with family and friends. Being out there solo over the holidays is going to be strange, but it will give me plenty of motivation to keep rowing and get back home.
AAS: The row starts in November, so will you be celebrating Christmas and the New Year in any way at sea?
KM: I will definitely mark the occasions in some small way – maybe a treat and a message home – but for the most part, it will just be another day rowing. There will not be any tinsel or fireworks (maybe some carols), but I will take a moment to reflect before getting back to the task at hand.
AAS: You are rowing to raise awareness and educate about early detection of skin cancer, particularly amongst men. What is your inspiration for this?
KM: The inspiration is personal. My partner’s grandfather, grandad Michael, passed away from Stage 4 skin cancer during the Covid lockdown, and that has really stuck with me. I am also a redhead, so statistically I am 150 per cent more likely to develop skin cancer, which makes this cause even more relevant for me. I want to make people, especially men, more aware of the importance of early detection and proper protection.
AAS: You have a number of sporting passions, including skydiving and skiing, and you have run numerous marathons. Where does your drive to continually challenge yourself come from?
KM: I have always been drawn to adventure and testing my limits, but I did have to take a break from endurance sports after an ankle injury at a running event. I have had two surgeries to fix it, which made me realise how much I missed the thrill of pushing myself. Now, after that forced downtime, I am more motivated than ever to keep challenging what I am capable of.
AAS: You will burn in excess of 6,000 calories per day. What will you be eating onboard?
KM: It is all about calorie-dense foods! I will have freeze-dried meals, Barebell protein bars, ELEAT protein cereal, nuts and dried fruits. It is about getting as much energy as possible in a compact and convenient form. And I will definitely have some treats stashed away for when morale needs a boost… did someone say Haribo?
AAS: If you could have dinner with any two people from history, dead or alive, who would you choose?
KM: Sir Ernest Shackleton, without a doubt. His leadership and resilience during impossible situations is something I would love to learn from. For the second person, I would have to say Robin Williams. Not only was he a brilliant comedian, but I think his unique perspective on life and his ability to find humour in dark moments would be invaluable on such a journey.
AAS: How can All at Sea’s readers show their support?
KM: The easiest way to support is to give me a follow on Instagram, where I will be sharing updates and content from before and during the row itself. You can also donate to the British Skin Foundation through my JustGiving link (www.JustGiving.com/pages/TheOARburnRower). Every donation goes directly to the foundation, helping to fund their incredible work in skin cancer research.
And if nothing else, simply spreading the word about skin cancer prevention can make a huge difference; reminding people to put on sunscreen makes all the difference.
www.theoarburnrower.com/the-challenge
