5 things a team should do before rowing across an ocean

About the author: Chris Shirley MA FRGS

A former Captain in the Royal Marines, Chris has been an advisor on the BBC’s High Risk and News Safety team, has led the risk management function in an international media charity, and has been an international disaster responder with Re:Act for a number of years.

He holds a master’s degree in business management, has travelled in over 60 countries, is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), is a Guinness World Record holder, has rowed across the Atlantic in a 5-person team, completed the Marathon des Sables, Ironman triathlons, and many ultra-distance events.

~ Please note ~

The scope of this article is not to necessarily discuss the technical aspects of ocean rowing preparation, solely methods to optimise team dynamics in the lead up and whilst onboard. For technical advice, please consult the boat manufacturers, race organisers, or appropriate specialists for this.

Much work has been done on documenting the various personality types (such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Nine Belbin Team Roles, to name a few) and there is abundance of research out metrics to show that the top-performing organisations are the ones that attract and retain people from across all the different personality spectrums. But what about expeditions and adventure projects?

Based off many years in adventures and challenging projects, we’ve put together a short checklist of activities that an ocean rowing team can do to set themselves up for success for reaching the finish line and leave relationships intact afterwards!

 

Psychologist Bruce Tuckman crystallised the process for building a team into a memorable model. He suggested teams tend to go through the following stages throughout their time together:

 

a.     Forming

When the team meets, no one will understand each other’s strengths or weaknesses, hence it’s often an awkward time where people will be unsure of each other.

This stage can be slow or fast depending on the activity of the group. To get through it fastest, organise completion of a small project or task that can be completed under time constraints.

 

b.     Storming

In this stage, team members will behave in more natural ways and work the way they want to. It will also be the main period of conflict where members will jostle to establish their preferred positions within the team. The team shouldn’t be in this stage when on the boat, otherwise it could lead to some really uncomfortable situations when the pressure is on to work together.

 

c.     Norming

In this stage, the team members have become comfortable with their positions and roles, conflict has reduced but maybe not completely disappeared. The team can move back into the storming stage if conflict hasn’t been properly resolved.

 

d.     Performing

The team is now working together in the optimal place. Members are happy with their positions, responsibility and roles in the team and operate well with each other like a single entity. Conflict and tensions have disappeared. This is the stage that your ocean rowing team wants to be in before getting to the start line.

 

e.     Mourning or adjourning

In this stage, the team has completed the project and disbanded. Team members will reminisce about these days and may overtly want to be back in the team. We’ll delve more into the ‘post-expedition blues’ in another article, however it’s good to anticipate it so that proactive measures can be put in place to mitigate its effects.

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1.     Agree on a set of team behavioural and personal standards

By discussing and documenting a set of standards, a team can refer back to this document if a disagreement arises onboard the boat (i.e., a constitution of sorts).

It agrees what standards of punctuality, on what supportive behaviour looks like, on what kind of behaviour constitutes a ‘red card’ (i.e., talking over each other, raising your voice, unnecessary sarcasm) and how the team behaves whilst in the run up and whilst on sea.

Having it agreed before you set off means there should be less awkward conversations around what is unacceptable leaving you all to concentrate on making the boat go faster.

 

2.     Decide on the expedition’s risk appetite

 When a team of people comes together, their personal risk appetites are combined to form one single one. So how does this work when you mix a group of introverts and extroverts? Badly in some cases.

Extroverts will say clearly when their risk appetites are being breached. But introverts may be slower to say it publicly. Therefore, discussing what the team is willing to accept in the name of ‘adventure’ is best done on shore, many months beforehand.

‘Red-teaming’ is a concept that sees the group break into two separate sides and discuss different worst-case scenarios, so that if they’re encountered on the sea – a plan of action is either enacted or put together based off reasoned discussion already had on land. We’ll delve into this more in the coming weeks.

 

3.     Agree on a common set of operating standard operating procedures and primary team roles

The team will need to appoint a skipper (i,e., the leader of the expedition), however it’s also easiest to confirm team member roles before you set off from land where problems are easier to solve in the warmth and dry of the harbour.

This could be roles such as chief engineer (for the electrical and mechanical systems), communications manager (the person that’s responsible for ensuring the communications are sent to the right people, at the right time), navigator, etc.

 

4.     Meet in person before the row and be sure to work past initial team challenges

People can be very different when you meet in person for a long period, therefore it’s good to meet via a video call, but preferably try and hang out in person for an extended period.

Furthermore, try and complete a mildly arduous challenge (such as a hiking and camping trip), where you can get to know each other’s true selves and see the type of characters you both are when under pressure of the expedition. This team-building experience is useful of all adventures, however especially useful in ocean rowing where you might be days away from help and will both types of personality (i.e., introverts and extroverts) to optimally work together.

 

5.     Make the boat a designated ‘safe space’ for all team members to express their thoughts and ideas

The boat depends on all characters physically and spiritually pulling in the same direction – towards the finish line. However, this is not to say that more vocal members of the group may unknowingly repress the quieter members. To do this, the team can agree that it’s okay to voice any concerns at all whenever they’re felt by any team members. Furthermore, all others can act as referees (so as to manage any conflict) should it turn into a more candid conversation.

 

In summary, an ocean rowing expedition shouldn’t be approached like you’re going away on holiday, but I project that requires milestones, boundaries, relationships, and work beyond merely getting the boat onto the water. The team should be able to stay friends well after reaching the finish line.

Frequently asked questions about ocean rowing:

  • Ocean rowing is a sport in which participants row a small boat across an ocean. It is a physically and mentally challenging endeavour that requires a high level of endurance and determination.

  • The time it takes to row across an ocean will depend on the distance of the crossing, the speed of the boat, and the conditions of the ocean. Some crossings have taken as little as a few weeks, while others have taken several months.

  • Ocean rowing boats are typically small, sturdy craft that are designed to be self-sufficient and able to withstand the challenges of ocean conditions. They are usually equipped with a cabin or sleeping area, as well as storage space for supplies and equipment.

  • Ocean rowers typically use a combination of GPS, compass, and other navigational tools to plot a course and stay on track. They may also use satellite phones and other communication equipment to stay in contact with land-based support teams.

  • Ocean rowing requires a high level of physical fitness and mental endurance. Rowers typically undergo extensive training and preparation before attempting a crossing, including strength training, endurance training, and practice with the boat and equipment.

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