Adaptively rowing the Atlantic

The Atlantic Ocean beckons, all 2,900 nautical miles of it. Madsen is preparing to row the Atlantic in November this year with amputee Frank Festor.

World Rowing journalist Melissa Bray talks to Madsen about her most recent challenge.

World Rowing: What inspires you to row the Atlantic?

Angela Madsen: I began following Tori Murden's crossing and immediately came up with reasons why I would never be able to do an ocean crossing. Then I thought about all of the things I had given up on that I have since accomplished, like surfing, and I realised the possibility. Then I received a forwarded e-mail from Jo Le Guen. Jo has crossed the Atlantic twice and lost all of his toes to gangrene attempting to row across the Pacific. Jo decided he wanted to form an all differently abled crew to participate in the Ocean Fours Race 2006. He found Frank and then when he was looking for someone else he found me. Jo was looking for a male amputee. I am neither however I was not about to let him look by me. After meeting and spending some time together both Jo and Frank decided that I could indeed do the job.

WR: You are rowing with a French partner and you’re American, how do you manage to train together?

AM: We have not been together in the boat since last year but we have a three-week training scheduled for July after the Women's World Championships of Long Board Surfing in Biarritz, France, and another four weeks in September following the World Rowing Championships in Munich.

WR: What kind of training are you doing in preparation?

AM: When I am home, I go to the gym for two hours then on the indoor rowing machine for two hours, five days per week. I am on the water three days per week. I also try to set aside time to train for the World Rowing Championships. I also set aside blocks of time to evaluate products; sports nutrition products, foods appropriate for the journey, clothing, cushions etc. Then I begin by rotating and working two hours on and two hours off for 24 hours a day until I reach a point where my body begins to accept the work schedule. My friends refer to it as an insane train. I was able to accomplish my training goal in 91 hours during my last one. There are also many course requirements from the race organisers.

WR: What do you think will be the hardest part of rowing the Atlantic?

AM: Just getting to the starting line is tough! It is a very expensive project and there is very little support. I have sold some household items and some of my surfboards. I have taken on a roommate and had to cut financial support to my family.

Physically and mentally I have prepared as much as possible. I know it is going to hurt physically but I am no stranger to pain and suffering. As a paraplegic with neurogenic bowel and bladder, personal care is difficult on the boat since there is no bathroom or shower and the boat is always moving and rocking. I use a catheter to urinate and it is not easy while stationary.

WR: What do you think will be the best part?

AM: Hugging my grandchildren in Antigua at the finish.

WR: What is the longest you’ve rowed in one go so far?

AM: Staying on the boat we have rowed for three days. Most training took place off the coast of France. We would row 8-10 hours per day and camp out at night for 20-30 consecutive days.

WR: How long do you think it will take to do the crossing?

AM: It is estimated that it will take 50 to 60 days. Frank and I would like to do it in less than 50. (note: the current record is 40 days, but most rowers take about 55.)

WR: How will this fit into your training for the Paralympics?

The two styles of rowing are so different that I train separately for each style. A 1000m sprint in a 78lb boat on flat water at 34-40 strokes per minute verses a 2,550 nautical mile row in a 1600lb boat at 26-30 strokes per minute in what feels like rowing while riding a mechanical bull! I am sure the core strength I develop in ocean rowing helps with the other but training at higher stroke rates is important.