In the depths of the pandemic, with just a drop of whisky remaining, two overgrown boys shook hands and sealed their fate. On that dark Christmas night, it was decided they would face their greatest challenge yet – the Atlantic Ocean.
This story begins 11 years ago, when Matt and George first rowed together at school. In the years since, they have formed an unbreakable bond, the true test of which is yet to come. George loves to take on a challenge, however unprepared, as shown to a crowd of a thousand onlookers during his university boxing debut. Matt has a similar penchant for risk, and regularly competes at a high level in club rowing.
Make no mistake, these "buoys" aren’t just here to make up the numbers. We’re here to have an unforgettable experience, redefine our limits, and raise a huge amount of money for a great cause close to our hearts.
We both have a passion for pushing our limits. This challenge may well be the greatest challenge we ever face, from the preparations it takes to get to the start line, to pushing through mental and physical exhaustion for such a great cause is what drove us to take on the Atlantic Ocean.
Matt
Profile:
Age: 25
Weight: 74kg (on a good day)
Height: 188cm
Luxury item to take on board?
About 20 bags of Huel (Salted Caramel flavour naturally). Friends and colleagues are regularly haunted by the smell that emerges when I mistakenly open a sealed, two-week-old, shaker of Huel.
What motivates you?
I love a challenge. I've been rowing competitively for the last 10 years - at school, university, and now alongside a 50+ hour workweek. It's even taken me to the other side of the world, when I rowed and coached in Sydney during my gap year. I've previously been part of a trek through the Himalayas in Nepal, another amazing experience I can count on to prepare me for the Atlantic. Safe to say I was keen for a crazy challenge that combined rowing and raising money for an amazing cause...
What do you do when you're not rowing?
I'm a big sports fan, so you can typically find me shedding tears at the most recent Arsenal result. Apart from that, it's very likely I'm playing around with some sort of vehicle.
Biggest weakness?
Ironically, my strength. The downsides of having an incredibly fast metabolism.
What do you bring to the dynamic duo?
I'd like to think I bring good humour and a lot of rowing experience. I'll be looking to keep spirits high and critique George's rowing style at every opportunity. Fortunately, I moonlight as a sales demon, which I'm hoping will come in handy as we look to raise sponsorship.
George
Profile:
Age: 24
Weight: 84kg
Height: 180cm
Luxury item to take on board?
A flat white to raise me from the dead at 4am - preferably from the well used Delonghi that sits in our kitchen.
What do you do when you're not rowing?
When I'm not scheming with a friend for the next challenge to embark on I love being outside, playing tennis, walking and hiking or messing about with my housemates.
What motivates you?
I love learning new things and taking on a new challenge. I will never shy away from a competition!
Biggest weakness?
Food. Big mac with a choccy milkshake, please.
What do you bring to the dynamic duo?
I am the Ying to Matt's Yang. His bit of comfort in a stormy sea.
I like to think I can lend a steady hand in tumultuous times, which we are bound to have our fair share of! That, along with my fair share of grit, and culinary expertise that I plan on putting to good use heating up the ready meals.