Bournemouth University

School of Applied Sciences

Youngest ever to row Atlantic solo

Date: 1 November 2010

Samuel rowing with the BU team.

Youngest ever to row Atlantic solo

Samuel rowing with the BU team.

Bournemouth University Biology student aims to become the youngest person ever to row the Atlantic solo.

A Bournemouth University School of Applied Sciences student has embarked on a strenuous training regime with the aim of becoming the youngest person ever to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Samuel Tresman is a third year Biology student and is attempting the challenge next year to raise money for the Prince’s Trust; a charity that helps young people to develop skills, confidence and motivation through work, education and training.

Samuel said: “I always thought it would be the biggest test I could face and I thought it was cool. People such as Eddie Izzard, who ran 30 marathons in 30 days and Mark Beaumont, who cycled around the world, have inspired me and shown me that, although I may not be at the same physical ability as a top athlete, I have some of the mental attributes and determination to achieve such a feat.”

Starting from Portugal or Morocco, Samuel will row across the world’s second largest ocean, single handed, arriving in Barbados an estimated 80 days later. He will sleep in a small cabin on board.

“In a weird way I'm not scared of the physical side of the task ahead,” continued Samuel. “It’s the bit of the challenge that gives me an adrenaline rush just thinking about it and I just want to get on with it. Trying to gain sponsorship and fundraising though is hard and takes a lot of time. I'm only just learning the best way to ask for help!”

But how does Samuel fit fundraising and training around his studies? He said: “I've been in training long enough to know my physical and mental limits. Training too hard during my studies will burn me out, so whilst I'm adjusting to the third year I'm only doing between eight and ten sessions a week. I’m looking to put on a bit of weight to put me into a good position for December, which will be a monster month of training for me. I’ll aim to do 200/250km a week in rowing then.”

Samuel plans take on the challenge in the autumn of 2011. You can sponsor him at http://www.justgiving.com/Remarkable-Challenge

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