‘ The Row to Recovery ’ by Sam Peters
Ethics statement: Within the article, there are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking the link, I will receive a small commission. To know more about our terms of service, you can visit the link at the bottom of the page. Thank you!
In 2011, six ex-servicemen embarked on an arduous mission to row across the Atlantic Ocean, an endeavour accomplished by fewer people than those who have summited Everest.
Among these six men, four had been severely wounded during active service in Afghanistan and Iraq, adding a remarkable layer to their achievement. Their journey, fraught with physical, mental, and technical challenges, is a testament to their extraordinary resilience and unyielding spirit.
The crew faced numerous obstacles, including a broken rudder, blistering heat, and a shortage of fresh water. Forced onto emergency rations for 17 days due to a malfunctioning water purifier, the men exhibited an indomitable will to persevere. Rory Mackenzie, an amputee, even spent Christmas Day removing shrapnel from his body, underscoring the relentless hardships they endured.
Their voyage captivated the British public and garnered significant media attention, with coverage from major outlets such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Sky News. Public concern for their safety peaked as their water supplies dwindled, yet the crew's morale remained surprisingly high. A satellite phone call from Prince Harry, intended to boost their spirits, highlighted the remarkable courage and camaraderie within the team.
"The Row to Recovery," written by former Army officer and journalist Sam Peters, documents this incredible expedition. The book not only details the Atlantic crossing but also delves into the personal battles each crew member faced—from their harrowing tours of duty to the challenging rehabilitation processes that followed. It’s a story of physical and mental triumph, illustrating that with determination and support, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome. This inspiring narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of military service and the power of human resilience.
You might also like:
Close to the Wind: Britain's Greatest Olympic Sailor by Sir Ben Ainslie is a compelling autobiography that delves into the life and career of one of Britain’s most decorated athletes.
Beyond Possible by Nimsdai Purja (aka ‘Nims) is an electrifying memoir that captures the extraordinary feat of summiting the world's 14 highest mountains in less than seven months — an accomplishment that redefined the boundaries of human endurance and resilience.
"Race to the Pole: Conquering Antarctica in the World's Toughest Endurance Race" is a thrilling account of an extraordinary challenge undertaken by double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell and TV presenter Ben Fogle.
"Running on Empty" by Marshall Ulrich offers an exhilarating and deeply personal glimpse into the mind of an ultramarathon runner, chronicling his astounding run across America.
In 2011, six ex-servicemen embarked on an arduous mission to row across the Atlantic Ocean, an endeavour accomplished by fewer people than those who have summited Everest.
Simon Reeve's "Journeys to Impossible Places" takes us readers on a visceral and captivating tour through some of the most remote and challenging locations on Earth – and it reading it certainly feels like you’re there with him!
‘We Are Explorers’ by Kari Herbert delves into the really captivating stories of fourteen women whose adventurous spirits and curiosity led them to extraordinary discoveries around the world.
"Facing Up: A Remarkable Journey to the Summit of Mount Everest" is an inspiring piece by British adventurer Bear Grylls, that was first published in 2000 and a memoir of Grylls's journey to the summit of Mount Everest at the age of 23.
Roald Amundsen's ‘My Life as an Explorer’ is a staple for any would-be adventurer or explorer, detailing his extraordinary life and unparalleled achievements.
This memoir, published just a year before his mysterious disappearance at the North Pole, is a compelling and intimate glimpse into the highs and lows of Amundsen's stellar career, which surpasses those of his more famous rivals, Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.
"The Places in Between" is a travel memoir written by Rory Stewart, a British author, diplomat, and politician. Published in 2004, the book details Stewart's journey on foot across Afghanistan in early 2002.
Stewart's trek took him from Herat in the west to Kabul in the east, a distance of over 600 miles, traversing through some of the most remote and inhospitable terrain in Afghanistan. His journey was particularly significant as it occurred shortly after the fall of the Taliban regime and during a period of transition in the country.
A hugely engaging piece of work, Mick, outlines his story from his time in the Royal Marines, the career transition from the military in to becoming a professional Yacht skipper, to how he got started in ocean rowing, and then his preparation for the north pacific route from Japan to San Francisco.
First rowing the Atlantic Ocean in 2001, Mick’s story is funny, intimate, gripping, and a moving account of trying to complete his goal of rowing across the north pacific.
"Touching the Void" is a book written by mountaineer, Joe Simpson, and published in 1988. It is a memoir of Simpson's harrowing experience climbing the Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. The book tells the story of Simpson and his climbing partner Simon Yates' ascent of the mountain, and their subsequent descent, during which Simpson suffered a severe injury and the two climbers were forced to make life-or-death decisions. The book is a gripping, first-hand account of the physical and emotional challenges of climbing in the high mountains, and the will to survive against all odds.
I’ll start with the summary up front, this is an incredible book that’s inspiring, astounding, emotional (the first few chapters are quite hard going when you here about the backstory behind why she chose the expedition), laugh-out-loud funny (especially her meeting with Eric the boar!), endearing, and warm. These are just a few of the words I’d use to describe Rosie’s utterly incredible 5-year running adventure, but you’ll need to read it for yourself.
Are you planning to climb Mont Blanc, row across an ocean, or want to make yourself a better outdoorsperson / survivalist in general? Definitely check this useful little book out then.
It’s a super handy guide on how to tie over 30 knots with step-by-step images of each part of the process so you can master the important ones used in all adventures, such as the stopper knot, bowline, figure of eight, and the clove hitch.
So the bottom line up front, is we really love this book - for its range, diversity of storytelling, and accessibility. You can pick it up in any chapter, read for a few minutes, and feel positive about embracing challenges.
It provides an interesting take on adventure and endeavour, and linguistically widens the term to show how previously unheard-of scientists, explorers, geographers, activists, and others, took risks to explore new areas, both socially, professionally, and personally, to change the world for the better.
About the Author: Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a website design and branding studio that works with brands all over the world, a former Royal Marines officer and former risk advisor to the BBC.
Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), a Guinness World Record holder for rowing over 3500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities!
The real-life adventure follows Eric Newby CBE MC, a second world war prisoner, former special forces soldier, and fashion photographer (an interesting career path in itself!), and his diplomat friend, Hugh Carless CMG, as they drive a station wagon from London to Kabul, Afghanistan, via Iran – a journey of some 5000 miles (around 8000 kilometres) through Europe, Turkey, Iran, over the course of a month and all without any support vehicles. We think this itself is an impressive feat of planning and navigation in the era before GPS, mobile phones, or breakdown assistance!