Every year, the WORLD’S TOUGHEST ROW Atlantic takes place, known as the toughest rowing race in the world.
The challenge spans approximately 3,000 miles, about 4,800 kilometers.
Around 30-40 teams participate in this demanding competition, attempting to cross the Atlantic in a period of 30 to 90 days.
The starting point is in La Gomera, Spain, while the finish line is in Antigua, Caribbean.
On December 12, 2025, we, Team Hänsel & Gretel, alias Walter & Ingrid, will set sail. Once we leave the harbor, we are entirely on our own. Our boat will never stop, as one of us will always take the oars and row with all our might toward Antigua.
The World’s Toughest Row brings together teams from various walks of life who share the same goal: to face the extraordinary challenge of crossing the ocean in a rowboat.
In this atmosphere, there is an electrifying tension as people support each other in preparing to confront the mighty Atlantic.
Teams battle sleep deprivation, salt sores, and the physical extremes that come with the race.
During the journey, rowers find themselves in the company of their own thoughts, the boundless expanse of the ocean, and the mission to safely reach the other shore—a solitary confrontation.
The race offers each participant unique experiences. Profound friendships are forged from this challenge, and competitiveness gives way to the camaraderie required to endure this trial.
In the end, rowers join a small community of comrades who have shared the adventure of crossing the ocean together.
Mental and physical endurance will lead to a life-changing achievement that will never be forgotten.
WALTER
My passion for rowing started at the age of 12 when I was involved in junior-level rowing.
To this day, this enthusiasm remains. Likewise, for endurance sports, such as long-distance rowing events and cycling.
INGRID
My heart beats for running, as well as for cycling.
Throughout the years, we have supported each other and now want to face this challenge together.
Out on the open sea, there’s no room for play. It’s either the sea gleaming in silent calm or hurling towering waves at your boat, trying to tear it apart.
The mood is a tightrope walk between ecstatic highs and crushing lows. You feel euphoria as you surge forward, and melancholy when the ocean’s loneliness engulfs you.
The weather is an unpredictable beast. One moment, the sun beats down, scorching everything; the next, a storm with hurricane winds threatens to toss everything overboard.
Out there, you’re either fighting against each other or standing side by side. There’s no middle ground. Controversies cut as sharp as the sea breeze, but when it matters, unity holds the crew together.
Being pushed to the physical and mental limits is like a brutal strike from Mother Nature herself. The body screams in pain, muscles burn, and the mind plays wicked tricks.
Being at the physical brink means you’re teetering on the edge of your strength. Your heart pounds as if it wants to escape your chest, and every fiber of your being begs for mercy.
Being at the psychological brink is like staring into a damned abyss. You wrestle with your own demons, self-doubt, fear, the darkness in your mind.
But here’s the thing: when you confront these boundaries, you discover what you’re made of. You realize you’re damn stronger than you ever thought. You go through hell and emerge on the other side as a survivor.
Reaching the physical and mental limits is no walk in the park. But it’s the path to greatness and inner strength you never believed possible.
The planning, organization, and preparations for this adventure are immense!
Nearly 3 years before the actual start of the challenge in La Gomera on 12/12/2025, the project kicked off with the following milestones we have to tackle alongside our daily business:
Outdoors in the fields of the Heilbronner Ruderschwaben….
Or indoors in the in-house torture chambers. 😉
We’re rowing for a good cause and raising funds for…
Strahlemaennchen.de is a registered and recognized non-profit organization. They are actively involved nationwide in supporting seriously ill children, adolescents, and their families, with a particular focus on cancer patients.
During hospital treatments, many aspects of daily life are neglected, and families often struggle under the immense burden of illness. Siblings of the affected children are often overlooked during the illness. There are numerous questions and desires for a change of scenery.
The primary goal of this initiative is to fulfill heartfelt wishes for children diagnosed with cancer, their siblings, and their parents.
Rowing for Youth at Heilbronner Ruderschwaben.
Heilbronner Ruderschwaben provides excellent youth programs for adolescents aged 10 to 18, with qualified coaches, exciting competitions, and a lot of variety.
We are specifically rowing to support the development of young talent and youth programs in the areas of:
