If you are lucky enough to be cruising in the Pacific this summer, keep an eye out for a petite blonde rowing in a 24-foot boat across the ocean. Alone.
Oarswoman, Roz Savage, 39, a former Kew resident, is currently preparing for her bid to become the first woman to row the Pacific solo. The three-stage row will cover a gruelling 6,700 miles, starting out in San Francisco and finishing in Australia.
Inspired and motivated by adventure, the former management consultant said she found her commuter's existence unfulfilling: "I was living what might have looked like a perfect life. I had a husband, a big house, a well-paid job, nice vacations and a little red sports car.
"But gradually it dawned on me that I wanted more."
Roz's latest challenge comes after a successful mission to row solo across the Atlantic last winter. For 103 days she fought 20-foot waves, depression, loneliness and the loss of virtually all her electronics as she rowed the 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to Antigua. All four of her oars broke during the journey, as did her camping stove forcing her to eat cold dehydrated food for over two months.
Roz said: "The Atlantic row was without doubt the hardest thing I've ever done. If I'd have known at the start how hard it was going to be I might not have set out.
"But one of my favourite sayings is surprise yourself everyday with your own courage'."
In addition, Roz has recently teamed up with environmental organisations to highlight the importance of ocean conservation. The Oxford graduate is also writing a book about her Atlantic adventures.
Roz is now training in Mexico and will set out to cross the Pacific in July. Her exploits can be tracked online at rozsavage.com
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