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On Tempestuous Seas...Rowing Two Oceans
Book by Davies, Elin Haf
160 pages
Published January 1, 2011
4 people want to read
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December 19, 2011
As a rowing expedition book, this is more similar to a highlight reel for two different rows. However the topics enlightened, normally do not appear in most other rowers books. This may be because the key items were kept to such brief mentions, although they were adequately explained. For example, during the Indian row, one daily item was the downloading of email via the satellite phone. This occurs in all contemporary rows, but the mechanical technique usually isn't mentioned. The particulars involved getting everything in one download via the sat link.
For anyone not familiar with ocean rowing, most of the small notes regarding route, wind affects on the boat, parachute anchoring, boat weight, skin rash/seat contact, water de-salination, power generation and availability, radio procedures and masts, etc. will slip past in an easy read of adventure-hardship without requiring that they be fully comprehended. There is no dramatic story loss if the small details escape comprehension. Many details were not included, for example I saw no mention of having contracted a weather man to get daily advice on route selection to avoid certain wind conditions or to drive to gain more wind advantage. Most other rowers do have one of these contracts, and spend some book pages giving discussion to the impact of the weatherman's daily updates.
This book focuses on personal goals, relationships, and the internal drive to push for success or completion. The disparity of personalities in the pairs and six is covered, with the obvious references to daily detail actions which infringe on privacy and may affect the safety or survival of the crew.
There is more mention given to the financial work required to fund a budget, and the cost of the total budget as well as the total charity accumulation as the final balance of a culmination of efforts. Because of the span of time and the result of completing one row before beginning another, there is also a limited discussion of the individual perception of accomplishment and/or the amount of gratification or lack of from completing one of these adventure tasks.
For anyone not familiar with ocean rowing, most of the small notes regarding route, wind affects on the boat, parachute anchoring, boat weight, skin rash/seat contact, water de-salination, power generation and availability, radio procedures and masts, etc. will slip past in an easy read of adventure-hardship without requiring that they be fully comprehended. There is no dramatic story loss if the small details escape comprehension. Many details were not included, for example I saw no mention of having contracted a weather man to get daily advice on route selection to avoid certain wind conditions or to drive to gain more wind advantage. Most other rowers do have one of these contracts, and spend some book pages giving discussion to the impact of the weatherman's daily updates.
This book focuses on personal goals, relationships, and the internal drive to push for success or completion. The disparity of personalities in the pairs and six is covered, with the obvious references to daily detail actions which infringe on privacy and may affect the safety or survival of the crew.
There is more mention given to the financial work required to fund a budget, and the cost of the total budget as well as the total charity accumulation as the final balance of a culmination of efforts. Because of the span of time and the result of completing one row before beginning another, there is also a limited discussion of the individual perception of accomplishment and/or the amount of gratification or lack of from completing one of these adventure tasks.
Displaying 1 of 1 review