THE ARCTIC CHALLENGE
Our mission
Join us as we embark on an unprecedented scientific journey with The Arctic Challenge: an unparalleled adventure fusing exploration with environmental advocacy. Our mission goes beyond endurance; this is a pioneering effort to ignite a generation's imagination - inspiring them to push boundaries and dare to dream. To champion gender equality and to advance scientific understanding in the Arctic, one of Earth's most remote, harsh, precious and yet vulnerable ecosystems.
A frontier of discovery:
As stewards of the oceans, we are dedicated to unveiling the urgent threats facing marine life — from plastic pollution and acidification to habitat degradation. Through our journey, The Arctic Challenge aims to catalyse action, cultivating a collective responsibility to safeguard our planet's beating blue heart. By embracing this challenge, our team aspires to inspire individuals of all ages to dream audaciously, defy the odds, and embrace humanity's limitless potential.
Why the Arctic Ocean? A living laboratory:
The Arctic Ocean serves as a living laboratory for scientific inquiry, offering unparalleled opportunities to study climate dynamics, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. By embarking on this expedition, we sought to leverage the Arctic's unique characteristics to address pressing scientific questions and drive forward sustainable solutions.
Championing equality:
The Arctic Challenge is not just an expedition; it's a beacon for gender equality. Our diverse team exemplifies the power of inclusivity, showcasing that greatness knows no gender. By highlighting the contributions of women in exploration and science, we aim to inspire a new generation to break barriers and pursue their dreams. Together, we can forge a path where equality is the norm, not the exception.
Global community engagement
Together, we are more than just a team — we are a thriving, active global community, built over the last two years through engaging talks, events, projects united by a shared passion for environmental conservation. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia alone, we work with over 200,000 students through 60 schools and universities, and are now connected with schools, universities, scientists and corporates in the UK, Japan, China, Australia, America, Kenya, Germany, the Arctic and beyond. We invite everyone to join our legion of followers across the World and become a catalyst for positive change.
Sharing our news with the world:
By collaborating with global media, we ensure that our shared mission for environmental advocacy reaches far and wide, captivating audiences and sparking conversations that matter. From high-profile interviews with global broadcasters and social media campaigns to coverage in documentaries, our story will gain unprecedented exposure. Engage with our vibrant community and help highlight the urgency of sustainability and innovation. Through this collective effort, we aim to inspire and mobilize individuals around the world to act and drive meaningful change.
The vessel: Ocean Guardian - no engine, no motor, no sail
Our vessel, 'Ocean Guardian' was meticulously crafted for the rigors of transoceanic travel. It is more than just a boat—it's a symbol of resilience and determination. Specifically designed and built for Toby's pioneering 42-day unsupported voyage last year across the Atlantic Ocean, the rowing boat is approximately the size of a car, completely exposed to the elements, with minimal onboard amenities. It has no engine, no motor, no sail, the crew move it through the Arctic water using oars. Two solar panels on the front and back provide a limited and strictly rationed amount of electricity to power the chart plotter and desalination machine, which the crew use for all their drinking water. Featuring a small sleeping space and essential navigation equipment, the boat is optimized for efficiency and durability in the harshest of arctic conditions.
Stage 1 complete! The route: North across the Arctic ocean
For stage one of this project, the team started their journey in the Arctic Circle city of Tromsø, Norway in July where they were reunited with Toby's ocean rowing boat - 'Ocean Guardian'. Once everything was prepared and the boat was ready for the one-of-a-kind expedition, the crew of three patiently waited for the right weather window to open for them. They set off in the pouring rain, through the stunning Norwegian Fjords, navigating strong currents and tides, towards the open sea. Once at the entrance to the open ocean, the team set off at 2am, only to be greeted by a stunning Minke whale. The whale played around the boat for 30 minutes, much to the delight of the crew. From there they rowed north across the tumultuous 'devils dancefloor', staying west of 'Bear Island' - before heading north-west across the open Arctic ocean, towards the Arctic iceshelf. Eventually bearing east and landing in Longyearbyen, Svalbard – a place so cold, individuals are legally required to carry a source of heat, and so barren, there are more polar bears than people. It is known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra and a brief Arctic summer which brings with it the “midnight sun”— 24 hours a day.
As the crew ventured into uncharted waters, they rowed non-stop. Tirelessly following a grueling schedule of 2 hours 'on', 2 hours 'off', 24 hours a day, including through the night. This relentless rhythm continued for the duration of the expedition, including when all their auto tillers stopped working, and they had to steer by hand!
From there the crew had to adapt to the new situation - either be defeated and give up or press on. After agreeing to continue on their voyage, the weather started to turn. Huge waves and strong winds lay in front of them every moment of the expedition. The team also experienced strong currents like rivers, and on several occasions the whole crew had to row to battle against them and make progress.
Throughout the expedition they were surrounded by wildlife, whales, dolphins and even a large hungry shark. Sadly they also saw lots of pollution. Ghost fishing nets, discarded plastic and much more.
Each rower was fueled by a specially created diet plan from Real Turmat equaling 6500 calories a day, combined with 2 /3 hours broken sleep. When not rowing there was always a list of jobs to complete, like 'making' the 'water' they need to drink by desalinating seawater, which takes at least an hour for roughly 27 liters!
The Adventurers
Founder and Project Director:
Toby Gregory - environmental change-maker and intrepid endurance athlete committed to protecting our oceans. Passion for inspiring others to pursue their dreams and challenge their limits.
Head of Nutrition and Wellness:
Orlagh Dempsey - Adventurer and elite endurance athlete with an unwavering passion for pushing boundaries and championing gender equality.
Head of Safety and Navigation:
Andrew Savill CMM - renowned ocean expert, who has spent his whole life being in and around the marine environment.
