RowofLife.com and Adventures of Angela Madsen

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I Really Can Say, "NO!" by Angela

2011-12-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

December 16, 2011 Angela Madsen www.rowoflife.com

I really can say No!

Many would say that I would never turn down a rowing project but I have indeed done just that. I did consider it for a short time and came to the realization that now is not a good time for me to row across the Atlantic again. A race occurs every 2 years that begins on January 29, 2012 known as THE GUYANA BOUVET 2012. It is a race from Dakar, Senegal, 2600 Nautical miles or 4700 kilometers to Saint Laurent de Maroni, Guyana allowing only solo rowers in identical boats that are 8 meters in length. It takes an estimated 40 to 60 days. Ocean rowing is an open ended sport. Sta rts could be delayed by weather and you really never know how long it will take to get across. In a single handed or solo boat it could take as much as 60-90 days. Bouvet Guyane 2012

I am chomping at the bit to do a solo row & I like interesting projects. I have never really had the opportunity to row a French ocean rowing boat. One of the entrants broke his arm and an opportunity to take his place presented itself. That is usually how it starts. Between now and January 29 is not enough time to raise funds and find sponsors. I go to Florida for in January to see my father and am scheduled to go to Hawaii in April/May. It would take away from and jeopardize my financial capabilities to do my Trans Pacific solo row. This will be my first year without a major rowing project since 2006.

I think it is absolutely astonishing that organizers of ocean rowing races invite me to participate. I love it!

So you see I can say no to the row!

coaches clinic

2011-10-21T12:22:00.001-07:00

Our USRowing level 1 coaches education clinic had 8 attending and 2 who already had their level 1 stayed after for the hands on adaptive clinic. So 10 coaches now know more about adaptive rowing than they did before.

With so few programs nation wide and so few adaptive rowing coaches who have experience working currently with diverse population of disabilities that we see now, I want to encourage all of you who are working in current programs to share your knowledge and experience by organizing future coaches education clinics. Do stand alone adaptive or combine it with USRowing the way we did ours. Certificates of training in adaptive will be given to those who participated in our clinic that will look good on any coaches resume!

I always welcome coaches to visit our program and do one on one coaches education clinics on a regular basis year round here in Southern California. I also am happy to not only encourage but assist rowing clubs who want to start adaptive rowing programs.

Angela Madsen

Founder, Director, California Adaptive Rowing Programs, USRowing level III coach, High Performance Rowing Coach, Adaptive Rowing Specialist. 2008 Paralympian and Guinness World Record Rower. cell (562) 505-4157 website: ROWOFLIFE.COM

2011 10 02--Six month recap by Angela

2011-10-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

10/2/11—Six month recap by Angela

It is now October and it has been nearly 6 months since completion of the latest rowing project. Things are just starting to get back to normal physically. Weight gain and starvation mode cancelled and am now balancing out. Seems like the more I put my body through it the longer it takes.

I have been following Roz Savage rowing across the Indian Ocean and as she is near to complete her row she talks of retirement. I don’t know how many times I have talked about that same thing and I believe she will take some time off; I can’t seem to see her retiring any more than I can see myself retiring. I wish her all the best and will encourage Debs new web based re habilitation support program for those who chronically follow ocean rowers or dot watchers as they are known , you know who you are LOL. Roz retiring will leave a flood of people who have become addicted to watching Satellite tracking beacons who will be left to wonder about like zombies because this is the time they are used to routinely checking the tracking websites. I will definitely stay tuned to Roz and whatever she decides to do in the future.

My life has been a whirlwind of activities and events since getting off the boat. The Paralympics 2012 is coming up. I have not officially retired in the sport and have kept the door open and remained in the USADA drug testing program to retain eligibility just in case things changed. I though it would be great to go again if the opportunity presented, on different terms as a rower. My Paralympic experience was amazing but not personally complete. I have been continuing to train and pull amazing erg scores but I don’t have the passion to compete in the sport the way I used to. I focus more on coaching and starting programs and on developing adaptive equipment for the sport. There are a shortage of both experienced coaches and programs nationwide to provide the opportunities in the sport.

From Rowing to Throwing! I took up Track & Field because one of the coaches at the Veterans Wheelchair Games showed an interest in my throwing so I decided to give it a shot. Who knew I would be good enough to make the Paralympic team? I will have another opportunity to have the Paralympic experience I would have liked to have had in 2008. It is working out to be just that way with the Amazing support from the governing body of the sport, experienced coaches in Track and Field and the positivity of the other athletes. When I was growing up in Ohio, my participation in sports was my saving grace. The positive relationship I had with my coach, Joan Dautel, was by far the most important part of my survival and development as a person. The support, encouragement and leadership she had shown her athletes were exemplary. I cherished every moment of extra time she invested in me and as a competing athlete, have always longed for that kind of coach athlete relationship. That positive relationship is a key ingredient in every athlete’s success and development. If I never make it to London 2012, this 5 months working in Track and Field has qualified to restore and make complete, the athlete experience that I was trying to achieve.

So the plan is 2012 Paralympics in London throwing Shot put and Javelin

And a 2013 solo rowing crossing (no motor, no sail no support boat) from California to Hawaii.

2011 08 08 Whirlwind Field, Rowing Seat and New Wheelchair

2011-10-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

Whirlwind Field, Rowing Seat & New Wheelchair

August 8, 2011

It has been a whirlwind Track & Field Odyssey since completing my 2^nd rowing crossing of the Atlantic Ocean (no motor, sail, or support boat).

I took a bit of physical time off for recovery after the row just doing speaking engagements and coaching rowing at our Adaptive Rowing Program. I decided to try my hand at throwing things and yelling as I received some positive feedback at a previous Veterans Wheelchair Games for my performances in Shot put, Javelin and Discus. After rowing in the Paralympics and meeting some of the coaching staff and athletes/throwers in Track and Field I decided to go to a track and field meet and see what I could do. I went to Irvine and met Cathy Sellers and got signed up for the Desert Challenge. I got to Arizona, was classified as a 55 and broke America’s records in all three of my events. I then went to Florida to the Dixie games and threw farther. Shot put seems to be my better event. I then went to Nationals in Mira Mar, Florida where I would be internationally classified as 56. I made a rookie mistake throwing the 4k shot instead of the 3k so I was just short of the qualifying standard in shot ( 2.2 pound heavier implement) but made the qualifying standard for Jav. I then was invited to go to the Twilight & Boiling Point meet in Canada where I threw National A team standard shot at Twilight and took 1^st place in shot put for the meet. I was handed an envelope saying 1^st place that contained 8 Canadian one hundred dollar bills. My first prize money! So I purchased some implements and a throwing chair so I can practice. I am thinking it is something I can be good at if I train, practice and get some local coaching. I went to the last 2 weeks of the field program at Cerritos College and received some coaching before going to the Veterans Wheelchair Games in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately that program has ended so I am back in limbo.

I had to get a new wheelchair since the airlines lost and never recovered mine so I chose Colours. I also designed a seat for the indoor rowing machine and since I was going to Colours anyway I decided to pitch to them my ideas for manufacture of adaptive rowing equipment. Colours and I are now partners and they have built my first prototype seat and the folks at Three Rivers Rowing in Pittsburgh were the first to see it. It’s quite impressive and really exciting! No pictures we have moved beyond the prototype.

Just returned from Pittsburgh and I am going to my 5^th Track and Field Meet in the Czech Republic next week. TG I have some reliable people at the rowing program who are doing a fabulous job running things in my absence!

Angela

My second rowing crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by Angela

2011-05-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

My second rowing crossing of the Atlantic Ocean

By Angela Madsen 2011

I always say Situation and circumstance should never be allowed to dictate who we are and what we will be able to achieve in our lifetime. Allowing situation and circumstance to oppress us is a choice. I dream big and set goals for myself realizing possibilities and potential for success, being hopeful and willing to do what is necessary to achieve those goals. When I first learned of the sport of Ocean Rowing I was drawn to it. I knew I was going to row an ocean. I did not allow the situation of being a woman and a paraplegic stop me. I just had to work harder and work differently to achieve my goals.

This was the First Ocean Rowing Catamaran with crew of 16 to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in an attempt to break the Atlantic world rowing record. It was my second time to row across the Atlantic non stop and unsupported. I rowed with Franck Festor, a single amputee from France in 2007. Highlights of all of my adventures can be found on my website http://www.rowoflife.com

My becoming involved with the Big Blue project and crew was the result of taking a visually impaired rower from Canada, Franck Polari, ocean rowing in one of my introduction to ocean rowing classes at the Long Beach Rowing Association. It is not advertised any place, people generally contact me via e-mail interested in trying the sport. I took him out on a coastal row from Long Beach to Dana Point. His Sea Sickness changed his mind about ocean rowing. The project that he was part of had lost their skipper so he told them about me. I began receiving e-mails from Steve asking me to skipper their boat. I looked at what horrible financial shape I am in from ocean rowing without sponsors, gave much thought to my solo ocean rowing project and decided what the Hell! First thing was to jump right in and organize sea trials for the project. To make sure it happened as this crew had been let down and abandoned before. They were not prepared, much of the critical information they needed to ensure success of their project was missing. I signed on late in the game with some big challenges ahead. We started a Google group and a mass of e-mail correspondence began. I organized a sea trial and some sea survival training for the crew on Shelter Island New York. I traveled there and met the crew and David for the first time. After sea trials I returned to Long Beach. David worked frantically to prepare the boat and make arrangements to ship the boat. I continued preparing the crew and myself for the crossing.

Deb and I left for Morocco the day before Christmas. We changed planes to a Royal Air Moroc flight at JFK bound for Agadir. We were boarded on the plane and everything was going well. Then it began snowing and they took us off the airplane. They refused to bring me my wheelchair. I sat on the plane till the last possible minute even breaking down in tears begging them to bring me my own wheelchair but they would not. They forced me into one of the airport chairs and the worker commented after much protest as I began to comply and surrender “now that’s a good girl” It was miserable. Airport wheelchairs are not made to be self ambulatory and don’t work well even when pushed. They kept moving us from terminal to terminal and jerking us around. Everyone was upset and it nearly broke out into a riot many times through out the ordeal. Eventually they got us on the plane and on our way. We arrived at our final destination however my wheelchair did not.

In Morocco while preparing the boat and food I opened my box to find rats had ravaged it and I had lost 20 days of my food supply. I lost forty meals at about $5.00 a pop. Liz lost about six meals. I was so angry I had to go outside the gate of the boat yard and let out a big yell. What a waste. Deb and I paid a great deal of money to have a space big enough to sort the food at the house but the authorities would not allow us to move food from the boat to the house so our grand plan was offended and extra costs incurred to us by customs and port authorities. Expedition food is not replaceable in Morocco.

They clearly did not see past our pocketbooks and into the future where ocean rowers can contribute greatly to their economy. It would be better for them in the long run to welcome us and ensure our safety and success of our rowing projects. There are other places in the world to row from. I know I do not want to go back there. Cabbies did not want to give me rides and wanted to charge me more money. I had to use cabs because I could not possibly push the airport loaner chair where I needed to go. One of the days I had to take a cab by myself so one of our French speaking crew negotiated my cost with the driver and I got in the cab. My crew loaded the wheelchair on the cab and Deb was to unload it on the other end. It was not to cost me more money. He drove just out of eyesight and earshot of my crew, he pulled the cab over and I was terrified. I thought I was going to have to fight off a rapist but instead he just made me give him all the money I had in my hand and then he drove me to the house. Had I refused he probably would have pushed me out of the cab and drove off with the wheelchair. It sucks being victimized. The ride that was supposed to be 10 rnb (8 rnb with 2 rnb for tip) cost me 60. I had been robbed! I quit going in cabs after that. I just walked with my crew. The negative symptoms of life without my own personal wheelchair had become evident with more back, shoulder and wrist pain. The crew tried to help me out as much as possible and did not mind pushing me around nearly as much as I did. We would leave the boathouse at dark so avoiding all of the obstacles became more difficult. Abrupt stopping when hitting an obstacle nearly injured the person pushing me and nearly ejected me from the wheelchair numerous times. The wheelchair footplates kept falling off and the wheel had fallen off once. It was quite risky and dangerous to contend with before the crossing. I am always reminded that most of the time it is far more difficult just getting to the starting line than it is to row across.

To balance out the bad with the good I had contacted one of my friends from the Moroccan National Adaptive Rowing team Kalifa Monume. He drove down from Sale Morocco with his uncle and one of his friends. We had quite a memorable pre row party. They were there to help us put the boat in the water. It was great to see him again. Once the boat was in the water we rowed it around to the marina in Agadir where we would load it with our food and personal kit and then wait for the right weather to leave.

We got underway the next morning at first light. It wasn’t long before one of the members of our crew became violently ill. Food poisoning was suspect. I too had contracted some kind of viral infection that combined with stress and physical exertion triggered my myasthenia Gravis. Myasthenia gravis is an auto immune disease that is ocular or affects the muscles in the eyes. I have bouts of temporary blindness or double vision. The eyes will cross or eye lids droop or not open at all. The crew may have been concerned about it at first but then saw that I could manage rowing and getting around on the boat without my vision. We had to change our route and head down the coast to Tarfya, Morocco. We then called the Ocean Rowing Society and changed our port of record departure to Tarfya. We had some medical tests done and spoke with a medic there about Tom. He seemed to have recovered enough to continue. My physical condition had improved also and I was managing my Myasthenia with medication. When the tide came up at 7:25 PM we resumed our row.

The NE wind and weather kept us from going west and we found ourselves going SW down the coast a bit before the winds changed and we could finally go west. The winds did not favor us on this trip and I almost always find myself rowing against the wind. We had some 30-35 knot winds and made over 106 miles in one day. If that would have continued we would have had a chance at the record but that was only one day. The rest of the days we averaged about 65-70.

We had a solar water boiler (pictured above) made by the students of an engineering class at Cal State Los Angeles. The instructor Sam Landsberger was a contact I had made at the Abilities Expo in LA. I had tested it at the dock and found it to be working but it had stopped working when we were at sea. We just assumed that it was the wind that prevented it from heating up. Wind was not blowing at the dock. We set it aside and forgot about it till our fuel shortage made it necessary to try and repair the boiler. The intake pump was broken and not sealing so it did not have the suction to move the water and there was a blockage not letting the full amount of water to release from the boiler. I was able to clear the blockage and David fixed the pump for me. After that it worked great. The solar water boiler allowed us to heat water without using the precious little stove fuel we had left. I also built a solar oven out of a dry bag, and an emergency blanket. The solar boiler only makes enough water to rehydrate two meals at a time. This solar oven allowed us to keep the meals warm whilst waiting for the other meals to rehydrate. I also experimented with food in the last week as we had run out of regular rations. I made some pizzas from assorted left over bits in the solar oven that were pretty tasty. With the exception of 50 cliff bars there was not one scrap of food left when we got to port. Everyone had snack packs through the last day. We began rationing regular meals at 7 days out, cutting one meal and having breakfast and whatever meal pack happened to be pulled for the day, a lunch or a dinner. The Sat phone battery charging port broke on the satellite phone so I also had to fabricate an external Sat Phone battery charger. Debs called Iridium and found out what contacts were positive and what ones were negative. Then I cut the plug off and David and I put some wire connecters on the ends of the wire. I then used a piece of plastic and a rubber band to keep the connecters against the contact points. Is all about finding solutions!

On the ocean there are amazing sunrises and sun sets, there are panoramic ocean views, sky can be brilliantly specked with stars or can be so dark and cloud covered you cannot see your hand in front of your face. Extreme gratitude is what you feel when you get any amount of light to see at night. There is only a certain amount of serenity at night as it is mostly tempered with anxiety as the walls of water that are crashing down on you are highly anticipated yet invisible in the darkness. There is no way of knowing when, where or how, just that it will repeatedly beat you and knock you off your seat till you change watch. It can feel like the longest 2 hours of your life. See it coming or not, it will still knock you off your seat. Being that low to the water everyone gets soaked and everyone gets pelted with flying fish. There are fish around the boat constantly. Dolphins, whales, Dorado, tuna, sea turtles, sharks, jelly fish, even saw a few Portuguese man of war on this one. We witnessed nature, the food chain or big fish eat little fish many times when the Dorado would hunt the flying fish and the shark would then hunt the Dorado. We nearly participated by trying to catch a wounded Dorado that was swimming at the back of our boat for protection from the shark that had injured it. We thought it much too risky since the shark was following closely waiting for the kill and the inevitable demise of that beautiful fish.

When the sky has shades of magenta in it at sunset the reflection of the water will be like a liquid silver and when it is yellowish the water looks like molten gold. You are like the wind and the water, always moving. The water changes color and salinity or level of salt content changes and with it changes the smell of the sea. There is no smell of land, no pollution, only humidity. Even the water you drink is desalinated ocean water with no chemicals or chlorine in it. I look out over the ocean and at the GPS and think how privileged I am to be able to be at this place and at this time where no human being has been or may ever be again and I am thankful for my life! Then back to reality, a piece of plastic trash floats by and I am, once again, disgusted by the human race.

We rowed into port in Port St. Charles Barbados 47 days later to our awaiting friends and families. Barbados is amazing and the people there are extremely hospitable and courteous. The specialty at most restaurants is flying fish. I was surprised to find out how tasty they are.

Deb went to the Veterans hospital and got a better loaner chair for me to use in Barbados. Much better than an airport chair and I was grateful to have it but again, not my personal wheelchair. When I got home to Long Beach I discovered that it would not go through my bathroom doorway so I called Ernie at Colours Wheelchair and they set up a chair for me that will do the job till I get my new custom wheelchair. Colours Wheelchair saves the day! Royal Air Moroc and JFK are still not responding and my wheelchair is still missing.

Angela Madsen,

Website http://www.rowoflife.com

E-mail Msparasurfer@aol.com

(562)434-8334 cell (562)505-4157

2011 03 20--SeaGals Awards Ceremony Kensington--To Go or Not To Go!

2011-03-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

Angela Madsen and Beverly Ashton mid GB Row

March 20, 2011---Sea Gals Awards Ceremony Kensington--To Go or Not To Go!

All this time has past since the Sea Gals and I have recently completed my second crossing of the Atlantic as the skipper of a crew of 16. My usual standard operating procedure is to show the people in the best light, keeping all of the negative things under wrap. What happens on the boat stays on the boat! I complete these projects and usually receive the appropriate amount of respect in return for my silence when people have misbehaved. The Sea Gals award ceremony or prize giving is taking place this week on Wednesday at 1 PM at the Kensington Roof Gardens and for some reason I did not receive an invitation? I just found out about it today so making the travel arrangements with 4 days notice although not impossible, will be quite costly. I have to consider weather it would be worth it to go through all of the costs and hardships to attend an event that the Sea Gals skipper, Belinda has gone through measures to see that I do not attend, such as not sending me an invitation or even notification of the event. Vague information about the event is on the race website which is how I learned of it. Not even Chris Usborne, who is the race organizer, has responded to my requests for details needed for me to attend this event. This Disrespect may be the last and final straw

To quote Debs “I wish you would have quit Sea Gals because they never would have made it without you” This is a well known fact amongst the crew and in all of ocean rowing. I stuck with it in spite of the horrible treatment of the Crew by Belinda and the selfish behavior of a desperate crewmember to achieve the accomplishment by taking whatever side would achieve her desired result and faking loyalty and compassion as necessary to keep me from quitting. Bravo and well played! I still do not feel the need to publish all of the details. I may save that for the book.

It was one of the worst experiences of my life. I have never had to subject myself to so much emotional and verbal abuse just to achieve a goal. As a human rights advocate subjecting myself to these emotional abuses was a difficult pill to swallow and I tried to defend myself on numerous occasions regrettably making me nearly as bad as the offender. The bottom line is… I did not quit, the abuse did not kill me and I do deserve better.

This latest project with Big Blue has restored my belief that people are good and decent and can respect each other in spite of any differences. There was no abusive behavior, all people were equal and no one “had a spa” if it meant there was not enough water for everyone else. It was an amazing experience. I wish Sea Gals could have been better. It is what it is and cannot be changed. The monetary costs were great and Rowoflife kit used to help Sea Gals and save money for the project will never be returned or reimbursed and has to be written off as a loss. I can replace these items in time and they are material and immaterial at the same time. I am blessed with the friendship of Bev however the friendship between Laura and I was never real in the first place and I thank God for the enlightenment. I am moving, once again, positively forward with my life!

That being said I think it would be better for me to donate the money I would have spent to attend the awards ceremony to a charity and my time would be better spent with my friends and family who love and respect me.

2011 02 10—Angela Reports In

2011-02-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

2011 02 10—Angela Reports In

Via Sat Phone to Deb

Today’s fun on the boat….African Day. Louise gave Angela something (ya know, you don’t always get clear details on the Sat Phone) and Angela made a hat that looked tribal. She matched that up with her tech towel and paraded around the boat. Not to be outdone, Ryan decided that he would participate in African Day by parading around in a loincloth. Hum….I guess after being out on the ocean for 25 days they are starved for entertainment. The other entertainment people have engaged in is writing on the boat with markers and now Big Blue looks like a graffiti canvas.

Angela says everyone has about 20 days of snack packs left and feels they will have plenty of food to make it to Barbados. Angela has worked on the solar water boiler and has gotten it to work again. Apparently, a blockage was not letting the full amount of water release from the boiler. Angela was able to clear the blockage and fix the pump and it is providing water for rehydrating meals. The solar water boiler allows them to heat water without using the precious little stove fuel they have left. She has also built a solar oven out of a dry bag, and an emergency blanket. This allows her to keep the meals warm whilst waiting for the other meals to cook. The solar boiler only makes enough water to rehydrate two meals at a time. Angela’s other project is the external Sat Phone battery charger which is still in progress. I am working with Iridium to get diagrams of their products give to Angela. We are getting close and hopefully we will be able to resume sending messages to the boat.

They have had some huge waves hitting the boat from the back. At one point Big Blue was rolling along at 13 knots. There is some water in the cabin, but heck…13knots, isn’t it worth it. She expects the winds to change to easterlies, which will push the boat straight west. Currently they are moving southwest. They are looking forward to the easterlies and getting to Barbados. Aleksa tried to give me her drink order, but couldn’t hear it due to the Sat phone. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it……

Angela says people are doing well for the most part. There is humor and camaraderie on the boat. All of them are ready to be sipping cocktails in Barbados.

Big Blue should hit the half way point tomorrow……..ETA estimate 3/1 /11(averaging 85 mile/day)-3/10/11 (averaging 60 miles/day).

Deb

2011 01 05 RATS by Angela Madsen

2011-01-05T03:28:00.000-08:00

2011 01 05 RATS by Angela Madsen

Yesterday we arrived at the boat and began the chore of food preparation. I opened my box to find rats had ravaged it and I had lost 20 days of my food supply. Forty meals at about $5.00 a pop. Liz lost about six meals. I was so angry I had to go outside the gate of the boat yard and let out a big yell. What a waste. Deb and I paid a great deal of money to have a space big enough to sort the food at the house but the authorities would not allow us to move food from the boat to the house so our grand plan was offended and extra costs incurred to us by customs and port authorities. Last night we loaded the food onto the boat and sealed it up. We cannot afford any more loss of provisions as there is no place to purchase or replace expedition food here.

They could make it easy for us here because we do not fall into pre-established category so they are making the rules. I do not think we have enough money to make it go our way and they do not see past our pocketbooks into the future. Ocean rowers can contribute greatly to their economy in the future as we have this project. Future ocean rowers will not choose to come here when made aware of these circumstances. It would be better for them in the long run to welcome us and ensure our safety and success of our rowing projects. There are other places in the world to row from. They may have us here now but never again. I will take my business elsewhere.

Still no sign of my wheelchair and negative symtoms of life without it are becoming evident with more back, shoulder and wrist pain. The crew are trying to help me out as much as possible and do not mind pushing me around nearly as much as I do. Accepting assistance is a difficult thing for me.

We leave the boathouse at dark so avoiding all of the obstacles becomes more difficult. Abrupt stopping when hitting an obstacle can injure the person pushing and can eject me from the wheelchair. We are trying to be cautionary as any injury now could be detrimental to the success of the project. The wheelchair footplates keep falling off and the wheel has fallen off once. Cabbies still don’t want to give me rides and want to charge more money. I have to use cabs because I cannot possibly push this chair where I need to go and I don’t go in cabs alone since being robbed. Just 3 more days. 3 MORE DAYS.

The weather reports are looking good, progress with boat is good, progress with food is good. So far we are on schedule for Jan 8 departure.

Angela

2010 12 17—TransPac Solo Row Announcement by Angela

2011-01-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

2010 12 17—TransPac Solo Row Announcement by Angela

My Name is Angela Madsen and I am going to row a solo ocean rowing boat with no support boat from California to Hawaii. What this means is that I will stay on my little boat the entire time, no one will give me any food or water, I will have to have enough provisions on board to sustain my life for as long as the journey takes. I will row as many hours a day as I possibly can and will try not to drift too far off course while I sleep. The time established by female soloist Roz Savage is 99 days. I am hiring a professional project manager, Tony Humphrey to facilitate the purchase, shipping and outfitting of a solo rowing boat as well as assisting with fundraising and providing 24/7 land support and weather during my crossing. I will start this rowing expedition Memorial Day weekend, May 30, 2011 from Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California and will be rowing 2,551 miles to USS Arizona Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii as a tribute to Veterans and Service Men and Women who have lost their lives or like myself, who have been injured in the Line of Duty.

I always say Situation and circumstance should never be allowed to dictate who we are and what we will be able to achieve in our lifetime. Allowing situation and circumstance to oppress us is a choice. I dream big and set goals for myself realizing possibilities and potential for success, being hopeful and willing to do what is necessary to achieve those goals. When I first learned of the sport of Ocean Rowing I was drawn to it. I knew I was going to row an ocean. I did not allow the situation of being a woman and a paraplegic stop me. I just had to work harder and work differently to achieve my goals.

My current project can be followed on www.bigbluerow.com I was planning my solo row when this crew approached me a few months ago and asked me to skipper their boat across the Atlantic in January of 2011, they clearly needed help so I agreed to go with their project. I have decided that rather than postpone my solo project, I can try to do both. It is an ambitious plan but I am a paraplegic who rows across oceans. It seems rather normal to me. I don't have a lot of time to go out and find a sponsor so if through networking someone can help connect my team with a perfect partner to sponsor a first ever paraplegic to row across an ocean then I would be eternally grateful. I do have a fantastic story. On my first crossing I could not find sponsors because no one believed a paraplegic could do it. Now all anyone has to do is check my resume of rowing achievements on www.RowofLife.com

To negotiate sponsorship package contact team Project Managers:

Tony Humphreys

Ocean Pursuits

tony@oceanpursuits.co.uk

Debbie Moeller debmole@sbcglobal.net (661)363-3864

Blogging www.debmole.blogspot.com

Angela Madsen, Website http://www.rowoflife.com E-mail Msparasurfer@aol.com (562)434-8334 cell (562)505-4157

To support my individual fund raising Donate-Pay Pal on website Rowoflife.com or send check to The California Adaptive Rowing Program, 3350 E. Seventh St., # 231 Long Beach, Calif. 90804. Donations should include the words "PARA SOLO" in the memo box of the check. I am also seeking literary agent and publisher as completion of the edit process for my book is at hand.

Thanks for your consideration,

Angela Madsen

California Adaptive Rowing Programs

Solo Ocean rowing Boat, some new paint and some awesome new sponsor logos and she will be absolutely stunning!

Recap: Introduction to Roc Expedition rowing project Big Blue

2010-12-12T19:50:00.001-08:00

Recap: Introduction to Roc Expedition rowing project Big Blue

Dec 12, 2010 By Angela

Just to bring everyone up to speed on what Angela Madsen is up to these days

I do have another rowing project. It is not my solo row that I had begun planning and am chomping at the bit to do. It is something different and interesting. I took a visually impaired rower from Canada ocean rowing. He was considering rowing across the Atlantic. He found me on the internet. He is no longer with the project as he became violently ill on the boat, Sea Sickness combined with some shoulder problems changed his mind about ocean rowing but hey that is why I do the introductory ocean rowing classes. It should be everyone’s first step when considering rowing an ocean. The project that he was part of had lost their skipper so Franck told them about me. I began receiving e-mails from this guy Steve

Steve is relentless and convincing when he wants something, He does not give up! My kind of people! I began finding out more about their project, the crew, the boat and David. I discussed it with Debs, looked at what horrible financial shape I am in from all of this ocean rowing without sponsors, Gave much thought to my solo ocean rowing project and decided what the Hell, I can do both. First thing was to jump right in and organize sea trials for the project. To make sure it happened as this crew had been let down and abandoned before. They were not prepared, much of the critical information they needed to ensure success of their project was missing. I signed on late in the game with some big challenges and I have been cramming them with information, so much they could now be successful without me. They know what they are doing and why, from preparation of the boat to survival training, they have an extreme sense of caring for crew, camaraderie and of loyalty. They are amazing! We are still looking to fill the 16^th spot on the crew.

Debs and I leave for Morocco on Christmas day.

I will blog more on my solo rowing project another time, I have not postponed it, changed or deviated from my plan, and it got a little more complicated and difficult. It became more interesting!

Angela

Progress on the Big Blue Row & RowofLife Springs a Leak

2010-12-07T23:33:00.000-08:00

Progress on the Big Blue Row & RowofLife Springs a Leak

By Angela Madsen 12/07/10

Back from New York dealing with packing food for the crossing, boat will ship this week and be in Morocco on Jan 1. If we can get the boat assembled and all the food ready to load we should be able to Begin the Row on Jan 8. I was hoping to get some training in, row to Catalina, Newport Harbor, Dana Harbor, and San Diego. Not much time left before heading off to row the Atlantic again. So I put Rowoflife in the water the day of Christmas Regatta on Sunday and rowed a bit, checked all my deck hatches, nice and dry. Then we rowed last night. I went to go for a row today. First things first, I checked all the deck hatches. We had a bit of rain so I was fully prepared to pump out some water. I removed the survival suits which were floating around in what looked like way more than rainwater in the starboard battery compartment. I removed the battery. I began pumping and the water level went down. As soon as I thought I got it all I stopped pumping and noticed that the water was pouring in through an 8 inch crack in the hull. She is compartmentalized much like the Titanic so she wasn't really sinking but not willing to chance it. I had rowed it from the Dunster dock over to the rowing dock and noticed a woman in a kayak, Beth, paddling towards me. As soon as she got close enough she said “I Google searched your name” we talked and then she offered to help me get the boat out of the water. I was sad to see the water pouring out of the crack in the hull. Is it repairable? Guess I'll find out soon enough. I hope so.

New Project--Big Blue Atlantic Row

2010-12-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

New Atlantic Row

By Angela Madsen 12/03/10

Msparasurfer says

www.rocexpedition.com Will be headed for Morocco soon to Skipper Big Blue, The First Ocean Rowing Catamaran with crew of 16 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in an attempt to break world rowing record. It will be time to start following the tracking and again we will be blogging while we are underway.

World Record breaking attempt December 2010 / January 2011 3000 miles Africa to the Americas in under 33…

Flare Guns do Kick by Angela, July 13

2010-07-14T00:48:00.000-07:00

Flare Guns do Kick by Angela

July 13, 2010

In the middle of the night on July 13, 2010, Angela and Laura took to the oars. They requested Bel give them the VHF Radio and turn on the SeaMe. Just after the start of their shift, they called the Coast Guard to advise that there was a big ship headed toward them. They were able to get the ship to change course. Shortly after that, there was another big ship headed toward them. They again called the Coast Guard who contacted the ship. That ship’s captain had some difficulty understanding what the Coast Guard was saying. They said they could not see Go Commando and they kept on their collision course. Angela reached for the flare gun and shot up a white, anti-collision, flare. She heard the ship’s captain tell the coast guard they had seen the flare and were changing course. Angela said it was the closest call with a big ship in all of her 166 days at sea in 3 ocean crossings.

There was a casualty of the encounter. When Angela shot the flare gun, it had a big kick. She has a large cut on her hand, broke her left index finger, and other bones in her hand. Apparently, her homecoming on Tuesday will include a visit to her favorite doctor, Dr. G, at the Long Beach Veteran’s Hospital. So if you see Angela trying to make her way around London pushing her chair with one hand, give her some kindness.

Poetic blog from Bev near Middlesbrough July 12

2010-07-13T01:20:00.000-07:00

Poetic blog from Bev near Middlesbrough

July 12 19.15

Racing to win the Virgin GB row,

a crew of girls aboard Go Commando.

Rowing around Britain, this intrepid four

have been out at sea for a month and more

through high winds, storm, rain and shine

the girls are striving to make good time.

With messages of goodwill they know

friends and family shout, ‘go Seagals, go!’

Now almost there and on the home straight

the aim of all is to try not to be late

for engagements and dates previously known.

The Seagals are ready to finally go home…

Blog By Laura July 12

2010-07-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Blog from Laura Thomasson on Go Commando near Sunderland

July 12 12.01

The crew of Go Commando are a happy lot today, after covering 30miles overnight and arriving in Newcastle 6-12hours ahead of schedule.

We have had wildly variable weather over the past few days, a theme that has followed us through our entire journey in fact.

The wind doesn't seem to want to make its mind up and has continually flipped direction, building to blasting speeds (never in our favour) and then dropping to a complete lull, during which time we row our socks off trying to make the most of light/non-existent winds.

For the past week we have had the tempting forecast of northerly winds lingering around us but so far they are yet to arrive.

If we were to get strong northerly winds we could really make up for some lost ground and speed on down the remaining east coast. If, if, if.....

One thing for sure is that we are nearing the finish line, slowly but surely.

Our thoughts and conversations seem to revolve around what we are looking forward to when we get home.

I can spend a whole two-hour rowing shift dreaming of a long hot shower, crispy clean cotton sheets on a soft bed and a feast of fresh food.

In the meantime we are being kept occupied by the ever-increasing signs of civilisation, brightly lit towns and cities have replaced the natural light nights that we had got used to further north and we can see the stars for the first time in weeks due to the dark skies at night.

The RNLI lifeboats have been out to see us twice over the last few days and they always leave us with the kind reassurance that they are never far away, I would love to look into volunteering to work for the RNLI when I get home.

Our PR friend Katie Scoggins is hoping to see us in Scarborough tonight/tomorrow, I hope that we are there during daytime to see her but if not we'll be celebrating together very soon!

Watch Out for That Tanker! by Bev July 10

2010-07-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

Blog from Beverley Ashton

July 10, south of Dunbar

We set off on Thursday evening hoping to get across the Tay and Firth of Forth in one go, we believed we had a 24hr weather window. 12 hrs in the winds began to build again and boat control began to diminish.

Soon all we were doing was being turned by wind and waves as we tried to find our course, it was time to drop the hook again.

We've all been frustrated with how much time we've spent on anchor, but this time spirits were higher as we knew that more good weather was forecast for later in the day.

We were anchored about 5 miles off St Andrews Bay and just about clear of the Tay, it was time to return to our anchor routine.

As the wind built so too did the waves, Belinda and I sat on deck passing the time by discussing what we wanted to eat when we returned home while getting soaked by the occasional big wave crashing over the side.

At one point as I glanced up I saw a ship maybe 3 miles away. It was heading directly for us and moving quickly, you could see the large breaking waves on its hull.

'Um' I said to Belinda, 'I've just spotted a ship and it seems to be heading this way.'

We've encountered the path of other ships but this time was different; this time we were anchored due to our lack of manoeuvrability and so were dependant on the ship changing course.

We both sat still and watched the ship for about 20seconds hoping for a sign that the course wasn't direct at all. However, as we watched it just became more evident that we were in their path.

Realising something needed to change, Belinda grabbed the hand-held VHF radio and I grabbed the flares box.

It's hard to radio a ship when you don't know who they are so Belinda hailed them by location.

Almost immediately, the coastguard responded, 'Hello Go Commando, this is Forth Coastguard the ship you are trying to contact is Whitstar'

Belinda was now able to hail the ship by name. 'Whitstar…Whitstar…Whistar… this is ocean rowing boat Go Commando, Go Commando, Go Commando.'

Thankfully they responded quickly and Belinda explained our predicament and the collision course but all he time they were moving closer.

They confirmed that they couldn't see us but were prepared to change course to avoid a hit.

As Belinda informed them they were a little over half a mile away, I opened the flare box and took out a white hand-held flare. Ready to light the flare, finally we saw Whitstar begin to turn and knew that we'd managed to avoid a hit.

We thanked the coastguard for the quick interception and took a few moments to collect our thoughts. Relief, that in the face of a possible disaster we had stayed calm, taken the best action and everyone was safe.

This reminded us why we sit out in the cold, the wind, the waves, the rain and the swell - the weather is not the only risk to us when we are anchored.

Social Experiment--Blog by Laura July 7

2010-07-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

Blog from Laura Thomasson on Go Commando near Montrose

July 7 07.25

It was interesting to read my team mates’ version of accounts from the Force 10 storm, we endured last Sunday.

We all share such a small space and see the same sights, yet the way in which we see them seems to differ depending on personal feelings and individual interpretation.

As a nurse I find people very intriguing; their personalities, mannerisms and overall behaviour.

Being on board Go Commando for over a month with three other women has been like a social experiment!

We are all such different people, from different walks of life and we have had to try and be understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

The act of being empathetic is to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and try to see things from their perspective, this is something that I always try to do, yet as people we are instinctively selfish especially when we are in extreme situations.

I found it hard to read Belinda's account that I "shrieked" as we neared the rocks, especially as my recollection was that I had calmly responded to the situation by swiftly lifting the anchor and rowing to safety with Angela on the oars, Beverley guiding and Belinda off-shift.

But, as I say, this is only my interpretation of events.

On the other hand, it is funny to think that such small discrepancies in stories manages to frustrate me and I feel that this demonstrates the intensity of our situation, whereby the smallest disagreement can seem like the end of the world!

One very important bit of advice given to me by my dad and instilled in me by the military is to 'take it on the chin and move on.' Never hold a grudge, especially on a 24ft rowing boat!

The life lessons I have learnt upon this boat over the last month will undoubtedly go on to shape the person I am becoming and I will take with me the wealth of experiences that our adventure has provided us with.

I Don't Like Open Water by Beverley Ashton July 6

2010-07-07T01:38:00.000-07:00

Blog from Beverley Ashton on Go Commando

off the coast of Angus.

July 6

It may sound a little odd, but I've never been that taken with the sea; in fact I don't like the open water at all. So what am I doing rowing around Britain?

It's partly due to the above that I've taken on the challenge, to confront one of my personal insecurities.

This race is a huge test of physical and mental endurance and I want to see if I'm strong enough to see it through. So far it's going well, it's been very tough at times but not once have I felt I couldn't do this.

Without doubt the hardest aspect is the mental challenge, sure 12hrs of rowing a day is a physical test but it becomes a manageable, known quantity.

Mentally there is a lot more to take on, the uncertainty of how long you'll be out here for, being confined to such minimal space, no personal space, constantly on top of others and little contact with the outside world; in addition to these, for me, the fact I find the open water an uncomfortable place to be. With the recent high winds and bad sea conditions I've really tested myself.

I'm proud of myself and the crew for how well we've coped.

The challenge has been even greater than any of us expected and we still have a fair stretch to go.

Rumour has it that weather will be more favourable by the end of the week so hopefully we'll be home soon.

Bel's Perspective Part 2

2010-07-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

4th July (Part 2)

1600hrs: Rogue wave in Bullers of Buchan

Time for me and Bev to swap. I'm already on deck looking at the bird nurseries and the crowds of baby birds taking refuge in our little bay.

Bev's awake and she and Laura chat at the entrance to their cabin as she climbs out.......and then from nowhere we are hit by a wall of water. The deck is awash with water up to our knees.

I hear the girls calling.....The bow cabin is swamped... I start passing jugs and sponges forward.

Bev and Laura bail jugs of water out of the cabin. All their stuff is wet but more dangerous is that the cabin and deck are flooded. I get the bilge pump on to drain the deck. Laura and Bev keep on at their cabin.

A rogue wave must have hit us. As well as flooding us it felt like the boat was pushed over almost on its side, thankfully all three of us held on and Angela is safely inside.

Poor Laura gets seasick again though. We hang sleeping bag and kit out to dry on deck once the majority of the water is bailed out then Laura shrieks.

The wave must have dislodged our anchor and we have drifted towards some rocks. We are almost on top of them.

Laura and Angela row like crazy away from them, Bev lifts the rest of the anchor. I come out of the cabin to find frenetic activity and shouts of 'Belinda'.

We drop the anchor again at a safe distance. That was a bit too close for any of us.

The cold and the swell finally takes its toll on poor Laura- her seasickness comes on again finally the storm dies down and water settles.

We all try to get some rest. I give Laura and Bev my sleeping bag which I feel a little self conscious, might smell, no one has washed properly for over a month and my sleeping bag has gotten damp from wet weather gear and condensation - everything smells a bit of mildew - and probably everyone does.

Thankfully though we are all safe and can have a dry sleep. Now the wind is dropping we can go as soon as the tide comes about....I think we’ll all enjoy getting out of here.

Blog from Bel's perspective July 4

2010-07-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

3rd July 2200hrs Bullers of Buchan.

The storm warnings of gale force winds means we have had to take shelter in a rocky bay.

Shockingly 35-knot winds are predicted over the next 24 hrs. Winds worse than anything we have seen so far and frankly winds that no one wants to try to handle out at sea.

We have five more hours before the storm is predicted to hit and I was hoping to get Go Commando to the River Ythan but I can't take the risk that we won't reach it.

We cannot be in open water when this hits. We've just had a crew meeting and agree that we won't make it in time because the winds have built early and our progress has slowed significantly so we've anchored up In a bay Bev and Laura spotted.

It’s so small it doesn't even appear on our scale maps. It’s also beautiful and ominous, surrounded by huge cliffs. But its shelter and were glad to have found it.

Once I'd checked with the compass that there's definitely southerly protection, we put the anchor down.

Phew, just getting round behind the cliffs in the building winds was a relief. Much calmer waters we've hunkered down now waiting for the storm.

Laura and Angela come off the blades and myself and Bev go on watch 00.00hrs Bev and I reset the anchor. Too close to rocks so moved over a bit.

This bay is incredibly dramatic with steep cliffs to the west and south. The noise of the waves and wind is drowned out by the zillions of nesting gulls, shags and guillemots

0700hrs July 4

Back on deck at 0400hrs to relieve Angela and Laura. Conditions worse by the end of our shift but not too bad.

1000hrs back on deck. Really wet and windy now. Pretty miserable weather to have to sit on deck in. Our trusty plough anchor is holding.

The weather worsens during our shift. Thank goodness we're not out at sea in this!!!!

By midday it’s awful, 35-knot winds on the other side of the cliffs, sea state even inside the bay is bumpy - see video.

Huge waves crash on rocks in middle of bay, sending spray 12ft in the air and scattering the gulls

1500hrs I'm woken up by the boat being battered by waves. It feels like the boat is being picked up by a big hand and shaken. Everyone on deck ok.

The waves and wind must be bending around the cliffs and into the bay.

Second part of blog coming after my next shift

Anchored Blog by Laura Thomasson July 5

2010-07-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Blog from Laura Thomasson on Go Commando

July 5, 15.30

I'm sure that you will get a few separate accounts of our experience yesterday with 35-knot winds, as it was probably one of our closest calls to getting into a dangerous situation.

We had good prior warning that force 10 gales were forecast along the NE coast so despite our longing to continue along the coast to Aberdeen, we played it safe and found a protective cove not far from Peterhead.

The cove was a spectacular sight with jagged rocks, steep cliffs and a menagerie of gulls covering the cliff face.

We carefully edged our way into the rocky cove and anchored in a central position; unfortunately we were unable to get nicely tucked under the protection of the cliff due to a rocky ledge that protruded under the water.

At the time of anchoring the water was fairly calm and it was hard to believe that a big storm was on its way but we resisted the urge to continue down the coastline and stayed put in our cove awaiting the building winds.

The hours seemed to tick by slowly and I began to wonder whether we had been lucky enough to miss the strong winds, until at 06.00 swelling waves started to roll into the cove.

From this time onwards the waves steadily built and the wind began to tunnel down from the cliff top, blowing us out at an angle that was broadside to the waves rolling in.

Facing the waves side on we took the impact of 20foot waves that flooded the deck and also flooded Bev and I's cabin during one of our change over of shifts.

We filled a 10-litre bucket of water in an attempt to bail out the cabin, all of our bedding and belongings were soaked just as I was about to snuggle into my sleeping bag and warm up from the wet and cold outside.

As if matters couldn't have got worse, I was rocked around in the cabin so much as I was trying to empty it of water that I began to feel the creeping nausea of sea sickness.

The best place to be when sea sickness hits you is on the deck where you can see the horizon, so I sat out on deck for 9hours in my wet clothes trying to suppress the urge to be sick!

During this time we began to notice that we were slowly being dragged on our anchor line towards the rocks that were coming perilously close to our starboard side. With the waves continuing to rage into the cove we had no option but to sit it out and watch the boat edge slowly nearer to the rocks.

After 12hours of crashing waves and streaming winds the sun gradually began to creep out from behind the clouds and the waves slowly began to subside.

At 2100hrs we were finally safe enough to lift the anchor and row away from the rocks that had gone from being 30feet away to only one foot away.

A lucky escape! With the relief of re-anchoring a safe distance away and looking out upon the calming waters I promptly gave into my sea sickness and threw up over the side of the boat.

What a day! Let's hope the winds that are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday are a little kinder to us.

Frightening Times on Go Commando July 4, 2010

2010-07-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

Frightening Times on Go Commando

By Angela via Text to Deb, July 4, 2010

The SeaGals have been dealing with dangerous weather the last couple of days. Angela sent me info about their ordeal via text message a couple of hours ago. She said, “tg (thank God, the) anchor held today otherwise (we) would be coming home in casket (s.) 3-4 meter waves hail (gale) force winds and too close to smashing on rocks for my taste.” She explained on the phone that she had hoped they would anchor in the next “posh” bay over with “no rocks”. When she woke for her shift she found that they were anchored in this bay which is full of rocks. ”Could have died out here today, no surviving in this water just rock cliffs around with 12-20ft waves crashing into them, it would have made toothpicks of our boat and cast us to the sea. Rogue wave flooded bow cabin. It is still windy and choppy but we moved farther away from rocks. We were just at the wave break barely getting over the top of them, maybe. It's my break now and it's been tough day. I am going to sleep.”

She also wanted me to let everyone that they are all fine. They gave Laura and Bev a dry sleeping bag from the back cabin, while they dry out their things. During her next shift, she hopes to be allowed to make it to the next bay without the rocks; but we shall see.

Medical bulletin from nurse Laura Thomasson on Go Commando 7 1

2010-07-01T02:02:00.000-07:00

Medical bulletin from nurse Laura Thomasson on Go Commando

05.15 July 1

After four weeks at sea you can imagine that the medical issues on the boat have been varied and sometimes a bit of a challenge for me as the medic, but as you know I like a good challenge!

Initial blisters on hands and heels have now hardened up, although the 'claw hand' effect has provided constant pain for the crew, for some more than others.

We use anti-inflammatory tablets and gels to improve the range of movement in our hands and to reduce swelling and pain, but after sleeping we have found that our hands seize up and it can make little tasks like doing up zips and grasping the oars painful until our hands warm up.

I'm not embarrassed to tell you that my bottom has been particularly sore, not helped by my personal padding gradually wasting away!

Luckily, Angela has been able to provide me with some brilliant antibiotic powder that has helped to heal my poor bottom and I feel that it has literally saved my ass!

Some crew members are suffering from bottom problems of another type, while the rest of the crew suffer the after effects of the noxious fumes wafting passed!

Angela affectionately names them 'barking spiders' while I am genuinely worried about their insides.

Now that I have let you all know the secret behind our new record breaking speed I better go, but please be assured that despite general wear and tear we are all holding up well and battling on, determined to come home and get some well-earned rest.

Near Point of Stoer Blog from Laura June 27

2010-06-27T04:37:00.000-07:00

Blog from Laura near Point of Stoer

June 27 0725

Wow! Our Saturday night was brilliant! Angela and I initially took on the 2300-0200 shift with little enthusiasm but we were soon to be kept awake by a huge pod of dolphins, both in number and size.

Up to 20 dolphins gradually surrounded our boat, with the biggest looking to be around 10 foot in length, if not longer. The amazing pod performed synchronised jumps out of the water and swirled around our boat, with their sonar clicks and noises clearly audible.

We were amazed by their closeness, which could have been quite intimidating but it was clear that they were harmlessly curious of our strange yellow boat.

After several minutes they gradually dissipated and we were left in awe- stricken silence. It was then that the beauty of our surroundings began to sink in, we had been able to see the dolphins so clearly due to the dusky light that continues through the night here in the highlands, coupled with a moon that glowed orange and pink and framed with clouds.

The stretch of coast between the headlands of Rubha Coigeach and the Point of Stoer was spectacular in itself, having several jagged headlands within that provided a dramatic backdrop for our eventful night.

Now the sun has risen we can see our next headland across the calm waters as we progress to the ominously named Cape Wrath.

If we continue at this rate we should be there by tonight.

Come on SeaGals!

The SeaGals are Bunless by Angela 6 26

2010-06-26T06:07:00.000-07:00

SeaGals are Bunless

Mini Blog via text by Angela 06/26/10

A sailboat, Sirocco Star, came up and spoke with us. They were super nice. They tried to give us some food, a black bun for energy, his wife’s special recipe. We felt bad about having to turn down the buns, as he was so excited about the possibility of sharing them with us. We explained it would be against the rules.

Isle of Mull by Bev 6 24

2010-06-25T01:27:00.000-07:00

BLOG from Bev on Go Commando near the Isle of Mull, reflecting on the land of her fathers...

June 24 17.25

Although I was brought up in Gateshead, my father’s family are from John o’Groats and I have lots of relatives in the north of Scotland but I don’t know a great deal about Scotland.

So it’s been especially nice for me to see this wonderful country from the sea. In the mornings the islands and the peak of the mountains are shrouded in mist and the countryside looks magical.

I really must come back and visit the west coast of Scotland when I have more time to explore – especially the whisky islands.

We’d rowed constantly for 80 hours before we had to anchor today to wait until the tide turned to our advantage.

If we can make this sort of progress up the rest of the west coast we might be in time to take advantage of the spring tides in the Pentland Firth between the top of the mainland, near John O’Groats and the island of Orkney, and get a flying start to the last leg of our journey, down the east coast.

We have sent in a couple of new videos from Jura and the Sound of Luing in Argyll and Bute, taken on our Samsung Wave phone.

Off Stranraer by Bev 6 22

2010-06-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

BLOG from Bev on Go Commando off Stranraer

June 22 13.27

Sunday night we headed north from Wales and toward the Isle of Man. Like the Bristol Channel, the currents here are perpendicular to our direction so cause us to zig -zag across but we arrived at roughly the coordinates we intended.

We've now rowed around the island and are heading on to Scotland. Overnight we we're able to continue to row, even against the tide, and make progress. We're now on our way toward Jura and Islay.

The Southerly winds are just starting so we're hoping for good progress in the next few days.

Approaching Isle of Man by Laura June 22

2010-06-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

BLOG from Laura on Go Commando approaching the Isle of Man

June 22 07.15

There have been some tough times during the past 3 weeks at sea. Spending 24 hours a day in cramped confines has made things tense between the crew. We continually rally together and have a laugh to raise our spirits but at times when huge waves have pummelled our boat during the night, the last ounce of humour is drained from us. However, the darkness of night only lasts a few hours and out of the gloom rises some magnificent sunrises that seem to wash away anxieties and bring a fresh outlook to the day.

The breath-taking sunset pictured here was taken on our way to the Isle of White, the morning that the wind direction changed in our favour and we began to finally pick up pace again. With the weather on our side we are more determined than ever to make some good progress in the second half of our journey and make a speedy route home to our loved ones.

Mystical,Magic Unicorns and Dreams of 80-mile Days by Angela June 21

2010-06-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

BLOG from Angela Madsen on Go Commando

June 21 14.25

Mystical, magic unicorns and dreams of 80-mile days.
Blog Called into Race Media Person, Mike Ridley, by Angela

Life on Go Commando is good at the moment. We’re getting on well and I’m really getting to know Laura and Bev, who have the front cabin. They both have a great sense of humour.

After days of frustration sat at anchor in northerly headwinds, the wind has dropped and we can start to row for long periods. If you look at our track on the interactive map on the website, you might wonder why we appear to be zig-zagging across the Irish Sea. The answer is that the tides here run from east to west and we’re taking advantage of them, rather than spend any more time at anchor. And we’re just where we want to be on the western side of the Isle of Man, the perfect position to head for Scotland.

The wind has dropped and it’s so hot in the sun. We normally row two hours on-two hours off during the day and in three-hour shifts at night. But without the wind to cool us down, we’re thinking about switching to one-hour shifts during the heat of the day so we get a chance of shade in the cabin. We’re all waiting for the wind to flip direction to a southerly, which will be behind us as we go north to Scotland. Then it will be back to following winds and seas, mystical, magic unicorns… and dreams of 80-mile days, when we can start to make up for all the time we’ve spent at anchor.

I’m also thinking of my dear Dad, who hasn’t been too well lately, who’s following our every move on the websites…

Watermaker On Board By Angela via Deb June 21

2010-06-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

“They must have to carry a lot of water”…….

Watermaker On Board.

By Angela via Deb June 21, 2010

Ocean Rowing boats are very small, especially when you have 4 people and their gear on a boat that is the size of a pair’s boat (24 feet long, 6 feet wide—nearly a ton loaded). There is no way that they could carry enough water to sustain 4 people for 45 days. There is a watermaker on board the boat. Solar charged batteries run the watermaker. It is an essential piece of equipment, but often one that is a struggle to keep working. Sometimes there is not enough power to run the watermaker and sometimes there are mechanical problems. They carry a back up hand pump watermaker as well. If they are not getting enough exercise rowing, they can always hand pump water.

The Haigh Lyon SeaGals had watermaker problems early on in the Virgin GB Row 2010. Angela worked to fix the clogged intake valve. She details the fix in this text message to me:

Spare hose inboard, lol, no way. I took a piece off a manual pump. They are two different size hoses so I used a reducer. Now there is plenty of hose to go into the water and we can now make water and row at the same time. Malcome suggested I put a weight on it and I had remembered that Belinda had purchased a plumb? A weight with a string on it. I cut off the lenght of string I needed and attached it to the end of the new intake for the watermaker. The watermaker hatch has to be open enough to run the hose out so best not to make water on super splashy days.

They pump water into containers to use for the day. They use the water to drink, rehydrate food, and wash. We talked about buckets in the last blog. There are actually 3 buckets on an ocean rowing boat-1 for clothes washing, 1 for dishwashing and 1 for the potty palace. On anchor due to tides, Angela filled the water containers and a bucket for her to wash her clothes in. I bet Belinda (she shares the back cabin with Angela) is happy it is washday for Angela!

Ocean Rowing Potty Palace by Angela via Deb June 20

2010-06-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Ocean Rowing Potty Palace

By Deb for Angela June 20, 2010

I have received many inquiries about the rowers go to the bathroom whilst they are on the ocean rowing boat. There is no toilet on the boat. This is the number one question we get when we are doing presentations at schools. The answer is “bucket and chuck it”. There is a bucket that is on the deck and is tethered (or at least it should be) to the boat. When the bucket is your toilet and you lose it, that is not good.

The boys on Ocean Rowing boats often use a pee bottle, for that part of it, but it is more difficult for women. Angela has tried a variety of things that would equal the pee bottle, but has not been very successful. The closest thing she found was plastic pitcher. Lesson number one, if you see what appears to be a water bottle, don’t assume it is.

On Angela’s Indian Ocean crossing, Pirate Row, she started a little game with the bucket. They tried to see who could stay on the bucket longest, in the roughest conditions. She had a formula based on the speed of the boat, and height of the wave. The winner was Helen Taylor. Some cried foul as Helen had more practice than others did, but she had the best score.

The bucket is not always glamour…..Here is a mishap from the May 17, 2009 blog on Pirate Row. Angela “told me that she fell into the potty bucket and got stuck. She described herself as looking like a scoop of ice cream in a bucket cone. That brings to mind an image that I could probably create in Photoshop, but won't. So the state of the potty bucket on Audeamus is not great at the moment; even after they were able to pull her to safety from her bucket cone.”

Angela’s favorite bucket move is tossing its contents at a shark and saying, “Eat S*** and Die!” Now you know just how boring being on an ocean rowing boat can be.

Blog By Bev June 20

2010-06-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

"BLOG from Bev on board Go Commando
Sunday June 20
The Anchor

We're spending a lot more time on anchor than we'd like, partly due to the weather and partly due to being in an area of strong currents

We're developing a love-hate relationship with our anchor, it’s a 15lb plough anchor with 10metres of chain and 150m of rope.

LOVE - our anchor holds and does so well, it’s easy to deploy and stops us losing valuable ground.

HATE - it has to be pulled back in manually, it holds so well that this is exhausting when anchored at greater depths, which recently we often are.

And, of course, after pulling in the anchor we then have to row!"

Wind! Always Rowing Against the Wind! By Angela via Deb June 19, 2010

2010-06-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

Angela and her parents, Ron and Betty Madsen in Hawaii

Wind! Always Rowing Against the Wind!

By Deb for Angela June 19, 2010

Angela called me from the All Roads Communications Satellite phone this morning to report that they were sitting on anchor in 20-25 knot winds. They could not make any progress when they tried to row, so they anchored. They are also without cell phone service where they are on anchor. They have not seen much in the way of sea life today. She did see a seal. He seemed to look at them as if they were crazy for being out in the wind.

The Haigh Lyon SeaGals change watches whilst they are on anchor. There is not enough room in the cabin for two people to sleep at a time; two are on deck and one in each of the respective cabins. On RowofLife, there is enough room for people to sleep on the deck, but on Go Commando, there is no deck space big enough to sleep in.

They also do chores whilst they are on anchor. They make water, wash clothes, and fix things they have broken. When they were on anchor and had cell phone service, Angela actually checked all her email, called people and checked her facebook.

Angela would like to wish her father, Ron Madsen a Happy Father’s Day.

Ronald Madsen Hanging Loose in Hawaii

Blog from Belinda June 19th

2010-06-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

Blog from Belinda

12.30 Saturday June 19

On Sat phone as no mobile coverage - fighting against 20knot gusting winds as we force our way round Holy Island (Holyhead peninsula, NW Wales). We are desperate to move on and get to Isle of Man, knowing that the Western Isles and Inner Hebrides will be beautiful scenery before the squalls expected around Cape Wrath! Spirits high, determined as ever, just frustrated at being pushed back by wind all the time!

Dear Mr. Weatherman By Laura

2010-06-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

"BLOG from Laura on board Go Commando in the Irish Sea
13.00 Friday 18th June

Dear Mr Weatherman

I remember when I was around seven years old I wrote a letter to the weather-man asking for snow that winter, he very kindly granted my wish and we were blessed with a winter wonderland covering of thick snow. Now, seventeen years later I ask for another weather miracle. After days and days of northerly head winds I beg of you mr weather-man, please can we have some south tail winds? We've had our fair share of north winds and we are clinging on to the hope that our luck has to change soon!

Kind regards from the windswept SeaGals. X X X X"

Life on the Boat in Bad Weather June 16

2010-06-16T01:59:00.000-07:00

Life on the Boat in Bad Weather

By Deb for Angela June 16, 2010

This is information that I have received over several days. If it seems a little disjointed that is why.

They have had lots of bad weather for about the last week. They have spent more time on anchor than they would have liked. The boat is a 24-foot long, 6 foot wide. It is the same size as RowofLife, which is a pair’s boat. Go Commando was actually made with slightly bigger cabins to accommodate 4 rowers. The row around Great Britain is about half as long as each of the rows across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It would be difficult to put enough food and supplies on the boat for a longer row. There is not enough room in the cabins for both rowers to be inside at the same time. When the SeaGals are on anchor, the still change watches every 2 hours (3 hours at night) and the people that would be rowing are out on the deck in the weather. Angela says in a text message, “On deck on anchor in piss down rain cold is just try and stay warm and during day is do chores fix things clean things tidy up the boat and ourselves.” A couple of nights ago she said in a text, “Storm last night big waves crashing over the deck. Nearly rolled over. Still on anchor waiting for change in weather. It is miserable here.” The weather sometimes makes it difficult to sleep. Angela texts, with the “turbulent waters” it is “like trying to sleep on a bucking horse”

I asked if they used the jet boil for a bon fire on the deck and started singing camp songs. Angela texted, “We do jetboil hot beverages at night but no songs. Not really a singing bunch.”

When they started their trip, almost everything was “fend for yourself”. They were not much of a team and definitely not as organized as they could have been. They did not have prior experience ocean rowing; they did not seem to understand the importance of having chores of cooking etc. assigned to a team members. With the time on anchor, they have done better with the food. There is some shared cooking instead of everyone fending for themselves. The clothes washing, however is still fend for yourself. If there is no hanging room left, you have to wait for another day to wash. There is 3 to 4 weeks of tough rowing left. As there are more challenges, we hope that there will be more team and less of an individual focus.

Chicken on the Sea by Deb for Angela June 14, 2010

2010-06-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

Chicken on the Sea

Deb blogging for Angela June 14, 2010

Apparently, waves and winds are not enough excitement for Angela and Beverley. They were rowing against the wind today when they came upon a shipping lane. They looked Right for the UK fans and then Left for the US fans, seeing no big ships started across the lane. Rowing, Rowing, Rowing….Holy crap! There is a giant ferryboat “with 500 cars on it” coming at them very fast. Row, Row, Row, Row…..yell at the cabin asking them to come out and take pictures. (I am proud they did not stop rowing to get the shot). They were unable to wake anyone so we will all just have to picture in our minds- a big ship full of cars, moving 30 knots toward our SeaGals tiny little rowing boat. Well they made (I am sure you figured that out, since she was able to call and tell me). However, my new rule….No more playing chicken with other boats on the sea.

Belinda Blog June 13 16:35

2010-06-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

BLOG from Belinda Kirk, Seagals skipper on Go Commando

16.35 hrs Sunday 13 June

In a phone conversation with Virgin GB Row’s race director, Chris Usborne, Belinda revealed that the Seagals were involved in a second race…against time.

Rowing at an incredible speed of almost five miles an hour, the Seagals, are off the spectacular Hartland Peninsula in north Devon but they have no time to appreciate the view.

They are racing ahead of an incoming storm and hoping to reach the River Torridge near Bideford, where they can anchor and shelter from the strong northerly winds that are forecast for tonight and tomorrow.

Belinda told Chris: “If we don’t make it, we’ll anchor out at sea to avoid any danger of being washed ashore but we expect it will be a bumpy night!”

The Seagals also won't be able to watch their appearance on BBC 1 tonight on Countryfile 7.30pm.

Belinda also sent this photo, especially for her mum.

As skipper and camera expert,

Belinda takes many of the on-board photos from the all-girl crew, so her mum has very few shots of Bel rowing…so we’re happy to oblige!

Blog by Bev June 13 03:50 hours

2010-06-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

BLOG from Bev of the Seagals on Go Commando

03.50hrs Sunday 13 June

The calm before the storm. I've just finished my 3hr night time shift and it was a good row. The first time in quite a while that we didn't have to fight the waves, the sea is relatively still and the breeze is light. Its just the pick me up we all need after a very tough week, a reminder of how the rows can be, and a chance to make some headway.

Unfortunately we know that we have to find some good shelter soon so that we can sit out the worst of the storm, but hopefully after that we'll get some more good rows.

Bel's blog June 12 1800hrs

2010-06-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

Capt Kirk's log 12th June: Exhausted in Newquay

1800hrs @ 50*22.504n 005*13.013

Spent last night and this afternoon fighting those darned northerly winds again. We knew it would be hard but its harder - demoralizing and energy sapping. I suppose at least the sun is shining and we've got the gorgeous cornish coast to look at.... Tonight we need to make the decision of whether to head north now away from ornwall and break out to sea and to south Wales or to find refuge and sit out the impending storm due Sunday night. Everyone is tired so waiting it out is an option but there is a calm before the storm - a weather window of 12/14 hrs that could get us to milford haven - missing it will cost us days. Right, back to the oars...

SeaGal Beverley's Blog June 12

2010-06-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

BLOG from Bev of the Seagals on Go Commando

14.47hrs Saturday 12 June

The winds have been against us now for a week, though they're dying down today we hear that by Monday they'll be stronger again. Rowing into the wind is exhausting, making every stroke heavier and more difficult to control.

A month ago, when I joined the Seagals, I asked Angela what rowing on the sea was like as I'd never done it before. "Have you ever tried rowing while surfing on a mechanical bull?" she asked. I didn't quite understand but I do now, it's like riding a rickety roller coaster backwards so you don't know what's coming next. Sometimes it's an absolute blast; sometimes you just want it to stop. If someone could replicate this as a ride I think it would sell.

Bel Says Something Nice About Angela

2010-06-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

BLOG from Belinda Kirk skipper of the Seagals on Go Commando

Captain Kirk's log 11th June 2100hrs

50*14.071n 005*24.605w

Currently sat in beautiful St Ives bay with the sun setting over the sea. So idyllic. This has been one of the best days and we were expecting it to be one of the worst.

It’s amazing how things can change so rapidly. Having thought we were stranded at Land’s End for maybe another two days suddenly a window in the weather opened up this morning and we grabbed it. 36 hrs off the oars meant the crew were rested and were ready to go!

After we negotiated Longships and Brisons rocks at Land’s End we rocketed along the stunning Cornish coastline. The headwind was still making life difficult for us but it was manageable and with the tide we got up to 4 knots!

The sun was shining and the coast so stunning that fighting the 15ft waves rodeo style was a total pleasure. I absolutely love rodeo riding those waves!

St Ives is such a special place. It’s such a perfect chocolate box bay you almost can't believe it’s real. Artists flock here to soak up the views and the special 'St Ives light'. We spotted the St Ives Tate gallery overlooking the bay.

We're now on anchor waiting for the tide to change back in our favour. We'll leave at midnight and row til 6/7am hopefully ending up at Padstow for tea and breakfast and a final look at the weather so we can finalize our route to South Wales...

Nb we are finding our niches on the boat. Everyone is indispensable. I'm absolutely loving navigating and planning the routes using the tides and weather. Bev and Laura take it turn as the 2ic navigator discussing our route and improving on it.

Angela is the powerhouse on the oars and she's Mrs Fix it. She's amazing and can pull apart and put back together everything on the boat. Yesterday she sorted the electrics, today the watermaker.

Laura continues to hope for strange medical ailments she can 'have a go at' and Bev is keeping us all sensible and on the straight and narrow.

Mini Blog by Angela 06/11/10

2010-06-11T22:02:00.000-07:00

Virgin Row Around Great Britain

Mini blog from Angela Madsen on Go Commando nr St Ives

June 11 21.10

The watermaker intake valve is broken and will not open. Mounts directly to hull of boat and do not have spare. Will just have to use hose over side. Not convieniant but still makes water. It is tough going out here. Thanks for all your support.

Angela

Virgin Great Britain Row Challenge 2010

2010-06-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

The race began on June 1st. The race website http://www.gbrowchallenge.com/index.php is doing a fabulous job of putting up news every few hours. My debate is whether or not to repost their blogs or just send everyone there or to http://www.rowoflife.com/. For now I am very busy but will try and keep photos up on Facebook and here.

Angela's Time in the Heathrow Prison=Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

2010-05-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

Prisoner at Heathrow by Angela
05/03/10

I am getting anxious about this travel plan as I just found out my team mates won’t be picking me up in London. I will have to make my way to Gosport. I have traveled all over the world but when I am on my own I typically don’t have the xtra baggage of ocean rowing kit. I also have a post traumatic stressor specifically related to one of my previous experiences at London Heathrow Airport. I was flying from Malaga Spain to USA with transfer to connecting flight on British Airways in London. In Spain they gate checked my chair for me to use to change planes in London and when I arrived in London they refused to bring me my wheelchair. They porterd me, like luggage to a room far away from everything and placed me in a stationary chair w/o wheels. They took my ticket. I could not go to the toilet, could not get food, could not socialize or interact with other human beings. The door was open but it was like being imprisoned because without a wheelchair where can I go really? They violated my human rights! They forgot about me for a couple of hours and then the porters were arguing about having to take me to my flight, threatening to leave me to make bets on how long it would be before anyone found me. It was a terrifying experience. I am worried they are going to do this to me again. Really worried!

They also lost my wheelchair since it was checked for me to use in London and not checked through to Los Angeles. I had to use an airport chair in LA to get to the car and then Deb had to get my back up chair for me to use till they could find my everyday chair. I am thankful to have a backup chair but everyone knows in the VA system your backup chair is your old chair that was condemned and determined unsafe, necessitating the need for a new one. A horrible ride but got me through the couple of days it took them to find my wheelchair and get it back to me.

I do not want to relive this experience!

At the OTC for the DAL by Angela

2010-05-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

“OTC” Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for the Developing Amazing Leaders Paralympics Conference by Angela

05/02/2010

I'm here at the OTC Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for the Developing Amazing Leaders Paralympics Conference. I am not a big fan of the snow and the cold. The kids at the rowing program gave me a beanie at my send off party since they knew I was beanie training for England. They are so thoughtful! This is a perfect place for beanies. It did feel strange wearing one around Southern California in 75-degree weather.

I have attended some of the sessions here as well as being a presenter at this event. I went to one on track and field. I was just curious after competing in the throwing events at the Veterans Wheelchair games. I wanted to see what class I would be and how my untrained, unskilled only thrown these things 2 times in my life throws would register on the national team. I made the A team elite with my distances SWEET good to know but won’t be trying out for the team. Their nationals are in June and I will be in England then. Maybe next year! I also attended a couple of sessions on coaching. I have met many super people here, all dedicated and passionate about the Paralympic movement and the development of sports programs for people with disabilities.

I did my presentation this morning. It was well attended and well received. I received many compliments and heard positive comments and buzz about my session. On the bus on the way home from the reception there was a cross-country skier who did not attend my presentation but had told me he had heard many good things about it from others. We had one of those “so that was you” moments. He had his own personal presentation or 1 on 1 question and answer session on the bus ride back to the OTC. I wanted to give him a DVD but I had given them all away. I made the announcement of this new rowing project and it looks like we will have many more people following online, way cool!

There is a session I want to attend tomorrow on a new rowing program in Texas and then we fly back to LB. I want to give a shout out to all our rowers at the California Adaptive Rowing Program. I miss them already and I have only been gone a few days.

Angela

Owens Acres supports Angela Madsen and the SeaGals

2010-04-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

THANKS TO OWENS ACRES!!!!

Row Paddle Row, Where Did the Weekend Go? By Angela

2010-04-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

Row Paddle Row, Where Did the Weekend Go?

By Angela April 19, 2010

This weekend was the Long Beach Junior Crew Invitational Regatta so it was busy around the boathouse. We only had a few rowers so we used the indoor rowing machines, dock boxes and used our training pair for the first time. John, the Cal State Long Beach crew coach lent a hand and gave the kids some instruction on the dock boxes before I took them on the water in the boat. A pair is different than a double. A double is sculling or each person having 2 oars a right /port or starboard/left. A pair is sweep rowing with one person having one oar and being a port and the other has one oar and is a starboard. The two together make a pair. It is the most difficult boat to row. Our pair trainer is larger and more stable than a racing pair. I also use our large size outriggers on the boat making it extremely stable and easy to teach. After they learn sweep rowing in the pair they will be able to row in a four or an eight. Our national adaptive team has a 4+ and the San Diego Crew Classic is only the larger crews of 8+ The + plus sign in rowing means that the boat has a coxswain. The coxswain steers the boat and instructs the rowers. San Diego Crew Classic will have some adaptive entries next year so I thought I had better start teaching some of our kids to row sweep. Crew fours and eights are only sweep.

Saturday Terri came with her student Elliot, Stan came with Parker and Ian came with his dad. I had printed out a training manual with some of the terminology and commands and e-mailed the file To Ian to study. Ian was the first to go in the pairs boat with me and he did pretty well. He has a natural ability he seems to have inherited from his mom who also rowed crew in college. Then it was Elliot’s turn. Both did pretty well for first time. I am sure the lessons on the dock boxes were extremely helpful. John seemed to be a natural teacher and was good with the kids. We got all of our equipment washed and put away and then watched some of the races. Our kids are excited about participating in some races. We were invited to participate in these races but we are not ready. I have to prepare them for racing and they are all so new. They will get there!

I am a surfer and Terri a surfer and stand up paddle boarder. Terri brings her SUP board to rowing occasionally. Terri invited me to a paddle out for surfer, shaper and stand up paddle surfer Steven Adler that was happening today. Debs and I got up early, I loaded up my Infinity wave ski and we went to the event. We paddled out with carnations, made a big circle did a count off and said a prayer for Steven and his family. There were 332 surfers in the circle. Short boarders, Long Boarders, Paddleboarders, stand up paddlers and me on my wave ski. I suppose you could call it a SDP sit down paddle. I didn’t stay out and surf since Deb had to go to work. I just took first wave in. The waves were pretty good and the water felt great. I got all my surf stuff washed and put away, ready for the next one. Not much time remaining till I leave for England and still working to repair some boats and trying to find some volunteers for the rowing program before I leave. There is so much to do. Debs is going to take care of the house. I decided to do some things while I am away like the exterminator and I am finally going to use my Veterans housing grant to make my house more wheelchair accessible so hopefully all the construction can be completed before I get back. That’s the plan anyway. I have spent the rest of the day catching up on e-mail working on boat kit list and sending out sponsorship documents to businesses. Where did the weekend go? I can’t believe it is over already.

One Week Since the Abilities Expo by Angela

2010-04-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

April 15, 2010--1 week since the Abilities Expo.

I am feeling rested and recovered somewhat. Displaying the boat there and allowing people to use the rowing machines was lots of fun, well as much fun as a rowing machine can be. I transferred over on to the rowing machine and demonstrated it hundreds of times, got into and out of the Rowoflife boat several times for interviews and video and spoke with thousands of people about rowing and its physical and mental benefits for everyone.

The rules were that the boat was just to be displayed and no one was to go onboard but I really just couldn’t help it. Some of the kids were just so darn cute and they couldn’t see in without getting up over the gunnels. For those who are not familiar with the Expo it is similar to a trade show.

It takes place at a convention center and is attended by thousands of people. It is called the Abilities Expo and does have to do with products and services for people with disabilities or caregivers and health care provider of people with disabilities. I have a difficult time using the word disabled mostly because my definition of dis abled is anyone who believes they can’t do something. There were not many disabled people there only people looking for the latest and greatest technology and advances to enable them rather than disable them.

Working the expo is as rewarding and energizing, as it is tiring. Every person there has and shares a positive energy. Everyone there has an amazing story. I wished I had more time to here some of the others and see some of the exhibits. I did not stray far from my exhibit and missed a lot. I have been going through the show directory and buyers guide to catch up but there is nothing like seeing something in 3 d or watching it being demonstrated. We took the boat in on Wednesday had Thursday to prepare handouts and Friday was the beginning. It was especially hectic Friday morning since KTLA Gail Anderson came out and did a piece on the Expo. She rowed in sync with me on the rowing machine next to me and interviewed me while we were rowing. She was definitely winded before me but I still said "bringland" instead of England. That may have been a Freudian slip. Bring land get it? Quite a few people came to the expo saying they had seen it on the news and came down.

We came in so early with the boat and it took that much time to set up but by 7 pm after the expo closed at 4, we were outta there with the boat and everyone else was outta there too. It moved and tore down so quickly. We made it home, boat in tow, safe and sound. She is now back in her cozy little niche in my driveway. I spent a day getting the ergs back to the rowing center and unpacking the boat. I had taken a bit of personal kit to show the kids what you take on an ocean crossing, how you rehydrate your food, how to use GPS and of course, showed them the bucket.

It was a fantastic opportunity for me to demonstrate the sport of rowing and represent ability and achievement. I Thank and appreciate the organizers of the event for sponsoring my exhibit.

SeaGal Belinda picks up Go Commando boat

2010-04-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to SeaWeather by Belinda

2010-04-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to SEAWEATHER
By Belinda

http://seaweather.co.uk/

Thank you to SEAWEATHER for their generous support of the SeaGals.
Seaweather is one of the few remaining truly independent suppliers of safety and survival equipment in the UK. With both Marine and Aviation departments, we have the expertise to supply all your needs, speedily and efficiently.
They have kindly sponsored us for a free liferaft service, flares and lifejackets.

The SeaGals Have a Boat by Belinda

2010-04-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

The SeaGals Have A Boat
By Belinda

SeaGal Belinda picked up the boat “Go Commando” from Birmingham this week and drove it down to the south coast. It turned heads on the motorway and even more so going through sleepy Lyme Regis.
A landrover hauling a 24boat on a 27ft trailer is not easy to manoveure through tiny streets. Go Commando looked quite the part in the sunshine and apart from the odd minor hitch, boat, SeaGal Belinda, David and Val all arrived safely.
A BIG THANKS to David and Val Starr for kindly offering their time and their 4 x 4 to move Go Commando to her new home at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis.
I wasn’t expecting the first bit of work to be done on “Go Commando” to be a puncture – SeaGal Belinda

New Ocean Row, New Collegiate Adaptive Rowing and CARP

2010-04-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

New Ocean Row Project, New Collegiate Adaptive Rowing and The California Adaptive Rowing Program by Angela

For those that don’t know me or those that want to know more about me I dedicate and donate my time and my finances, I volunteer! I am humble and don’t care to speak of myself or exclaim to the world all of my good works normally but today I am going to make an exception. The California Adaptive Rowing Program is mentioned in most of the Articles and mentioned in many interviews that I do. I started and run an Adaptive Rowing Program since 2000 at the Long Beach Rowing Association. It is a 501-C3 not for profit organization for people with any disability for the sport of rowing. I have managed to keep it free for participants so that struggling families of kids and people with disabilities can participate. Not all adaptive programs can do this. The Long Beach Rowing Association deserves a great deal of credit for this. I also can make that claim.

History of our rowing program

I was introduced to the sport of rowing through Casa Colina rehab center in Pomona, CA. I took to the sport naturally. I purchased a boat with a fixed seat and pontoons and approached the Long Beach Rowing Association about starting an adaptive rowing program. 1 boat, 1 rower in 1999. I began inviting my friends from the VA hospital to come out and try the sport. Kelly McCumiskey was the first and she helped out till she moved to Big Bear. The Long Beach Rowing Association donated some storage space in the enclosure for our boats and equipment. I purchased more equipment and began the long process of applying for our non profit status. Since it was just me, I had to enlist the help of two others to define the structure for the program. Willie and Arvis Ford stepped up to plate. I finalized the paperwork and we became The California Adaptive Rowing Program in 2000. I am the Founder, Director, President and unfortunately the only coach or instructor. Willie Ford is our former Vice President and Arvis Ford is our Treasurer. Willie has since passed away and Debra Moeller has stepped in to the role of Vice President.

My qualifications: I began going through US Rowing coaches education program and am currently a US Rowing level III rowing coach with current certificates in first aide and CPR, survival at sea, life saving and sea rescue, social responsibilities and risk management. I am a surfer and an excellent swimmer. None of these are required to be a rowing coach or to teach the sport at our rowing program. I voluntarily decided to invest in myself and my education as a coach. I served on the National HAVC committee for Adaptive Rowing for many years. I produced an instruction manual on how to start an adaptive rowing program and how to teach the disabled to row.

I began this program and ran it for many years with no volunteers. I purchased all of our boats, oars and incidentals. Maureen Nunn has supported our national team athletes and deserves recognition. Ron Harvey went in halves with me to purchase 1 double. John Callos from LBRA donated some lights for our program. LBRA donates space in the enclosure and we have bathroom privileges at the boathouse. They also have our launch hull cleaned with their launches. I purchased and maintain the motor launch from DMV registration to fuel to mechanical repairs. I have been financially responsible for all our operating and administrative costs including the race entry fees and website since the beginning with the exception of the few things I listed. We appreciate the Long Beach Rowing Association for what they do. I am remodeling a space at my house for some ergs and gym equipment for indoor rowing

Our mission is to provide instruction and training for competitive and recreational opportunities in the sport of rowing to physically and developmentally challenged individuals. Our participants do not have to be Olympic swimmers or elite athletes.

We schedule our rowing sessions for the convenience of LRBA, CSLB and Junior crew. They get the time slots they need and we get what is left over. That keeps traffic on the water and off to a minimum and seems to work well.

Volunteers and participants of all colors and orientations, all abilities and faiths are welcome in our program. I hope to create some interest in our sport for coaches, volunteers and participants. You may also see me running some coaching clinics, teaching people how to teach the sport to people with disabilities, working with some other college coaches and I will be training a new volunteer coordinator and new volunteers.

How we are funded: We had a pancake breakfast in 2007 which generated a small amount of money and I pay for and fund everything myself with my disability income. I also raised money for CARP when I rowed across the Atlantic and again when I rowed across the Indian Ocean. Donations were made for my ocean rowing project but I never withdrew the funds for expenses, instead I made purchase of a new boat for CARP. The Pride and Veterans Day parade, I enter my ocean rowing boat and provide continental breakfast in the staging area and manage to make a small amount at these events. When I do my public speaking presentations rather than collect a stipend or payment for myself I instruct the organizers of the events to make the check out to CARP. I pay my own expenses to travel to these events. I have netted enough in my last two speaking gigs to pay the insurance and keep us afloat yet another year.

I have been working to develop and make the sport available and attempting to change the way the World views disability and mobility impairments, one ocean crossing at a time! It has certainly had and will continue to have some great benefits for the disabled community but it has meant that I had to take leave from the rowing program and it is expensive.

I welcome ideas and assistance in fundraising and grant writing as these are not my areas of expertise. I will not be able to continue to fund the program by myself as I have in the past. I welcome and need volunteers and any help coaching and teaching. The Long Beach Rowing Association have been excellent hosts for our program over the years and we have been able to exist only because they offer us space.

I have started a small Collegiate Adaptive Rowing Model and it is generating interest in some of our local universities. I need new boats and equipment and new ergs/indoor rowing machines. We are in process of re doing the carp website but there is a PayPal donate button on this site that really does work. I have never asked for help and always just done everything by myself. I need some help!

The Ocean Rowing Boat and I will be at the Ablities Expo in Los Angeles April 9-11
I will be presenting at the Amazing Leaders Paralympic conference in Colorado the end of April beginning of May then leave for England. All happened rather quickly...

I am going on another rowing trip 2,010 miles in 2010 Help for Heroes is the race charity. Seagals | All girl team rowing 2010 miles around GB in June 2010 un supported around Great Britain. From the London Tower Bridge to the London Tower Bridge. I leave for England in May. Race starts June 1st and should take 30-45 days to complete. Anyone wanting to follow, support, endorse or promote this project can contact me in any of the following ways.

Angela Madsen Aka Msparasurfer on Skype Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and World Rowing Network
websites: ROWOFLIFE.COM ROWOFLIFE.NET PirateRow.com
E:mail Msparasurfer@aol.com (562)434-8334

Our CARP rowing schedule: Monday and Wednesday night rows. 6:30-8:30 PM
Saturdays from 9:30-11:30AM
Cal State Long Beach Adaptive rowers now row on Friday mornings from 9:30-11:30.
Long Beach Veterans: will soon be scheduling
Team Silcock: Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00

Angela Madsen
Call me to schedule at (562) 434-8334 or e-mail me at Msparasurfer@aol.com.

Msparasurfer on Skype, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and The World Rowing Network.
Websites: www.carplb.net www.rowoflife.com www.rowoflife.net www.piraterow.com www.Seagals.co.uk

Row Around Great Britain by Angela 2010 04 04

2010-04-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

Round Great Britain Row by Angela

The Ocean Rowing Boat Rowoflife and I will be at the Abilities Expo in Los Angeles April 9-11
I will be presenting at the Amazing Leaders Paralympics conference in Colorado the end of April beginning of May then leave for England. All happened rather quickly...

I am going on another rowing trip 2,010 miles in 2010 Help for Heroes is the race charity.
GB Row 2010 -The Anglo American Challenge We are the Sea Gals, Press Release will be forthcoming. 2000 miles unsupported around Great Britain From the London Tower Bridge to the London Tower Bridge. I leave for England in May. Race starts June 1st and should take 30-45 days to complete. Anyone wanting to follow, support, endorse or promote this project can contact me in any of the following ways.

Angela Madsen Aka Msparasurfer on Skype Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and World Rowing Network
Websites: www.RowofLife.com www.seagals.co.uk.
E-mail Msparasurfer@aol.com phone (562)505-4157

Why I participate in extreme rowing challenges

I want my 3 grand daughters, Cheyenne, Angel and Amanda to know that no matter how bad things can get, that they are not totally powerless and there are still choices to make. Situation and circumstance should never be allowed to dictate who we are and what we will be able to achieve in our lifetime. Allowing situation and circumstance to oppress us is a choice. I want them to be happy and successful, to dream big and set goals for themselves realizing possibilities and potential for success, being hopeful and willing to do what is necessary to achieve those goals. The best way I know how to do this is to make my life an example to them.

When I first learned of the sport of Ocean Rowing I was drawn to it. I knew I was going to row an ocean. I did not allow the situation of being a woman and a paraplegic stop me. I just had to work harder and work differently to achieve my goals. I love that there have been so many differences in the projects I have done thus far and that this project is also unlike the others. It is coastal rowing in an all women's crew. I am really looking forward to it.

To date my best ocean rowing experience has been the Atlantic. The Smaller boat with Franck was an awesome experience. The Larger boat with more people was not nearly as good. It would be difficult for anyone to be as good a rowing partner as Franck. I would not hesitate to row with Franck again if his wife would allow him to row. Actually I could think of a lot of men I would row with If I had the opportunity, like Orlando from Go Commando, guess it really comes down to the person and not the gender so much, but still really looking forward to rowing a non mixed gender crew.

Coastal rowing does offer a lot of different challenges than crossings, more difficulty at times with tides, currents, wind and traffic. I do some local coastal rowing in Southern California where it is warmer and the tides are about a third of what is measured in the region we will be rowing. I am grateful for the opportunity to add this experience to my repertoire of ocean rows.

SeaGals Row Around Great Britain by Deb

2010-04-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard.........Angela is joining a crew of 4 girls to row around Great Britain. Here is some more info from their website SeaGals.co.uk

The Seagals will face unpredictable and extreme conditions rowing through the changing tides and currents of the English Channel, the Irish Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. We’ll be dodging the big boats and ships on the English Channel and facing some huge swells and gales in the North Sea. We will become the FIRST WOMEN EVER TO ROW AROUND GREAT BRITAIN, as well as raising money for Help For Heroes in the process.

As well as being the first women to even dare attempt the challenge, we are also entering a Race. This is a one off opportunity to get involved in the first ever GB Row Challenge 2010 – a rowing race circumnavigating GB. We are 4 ordinary women coming together to achieve something extraordinary. Our ocean rowing boat has been hand-built for speed, our committed crew has been handpicked to win. We are up against big tough men however we will give them a row for their money. By working as a team we hope to be able to experience something incredible and inspire others to follow their dreams.

Angela is going to try a new kind of on the water fun

2010-01-28T11:27:00.000-08:00

We are cruising to Ensenada. It is Angela's first cruise. She is worried about where she can put in her oars and rehydrate her food. Should be interesting!
Deb

Finally Finished by Angela

2009-07-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

ROWOFLIFE

Date: Jul 7, 2009
Finally home

....................
I am home after completing my epic rowing expedition/voyage across the Indian Ocean. I was successful in that I met all my objectives and reached all of my goals. After 58 days 15 hours and 8 minutes making it the fastest crossing by oar, I became the first woman, first disabled and paraplegic, first disabled woman to have rowed across 2 oceans. ....
On day 3 we had suffered a knock down as a large wave struck our boat from behind. Our steering system seemed to turn us prematurely as we were accelerating down the face of a massive wave. We ended up turned sideways as the wave was crashing over us. A knock down is not a capsize as the boat never goes all the way over it is more like being just at the point of rolling and then coming back the other direction. We had broken and lost some oars and one of our sliding seats was also lost in the chaos. Everyone was tethered to the boat and we did not lose any of the crew. You would have heard about it in the news had we had a death or missing at sea. Unless this happens, I am quite sure by the lack of media attention, support and sponsorship that nobody cares; at least that is what Deb tells me. She is usually right about such things. Maybe someday someone will surprise me. I have to remain optimistic. The solutions we found to the problem of the lost rowing seat was to take a wooden plank or cover from the battery compartment and make a fixed seat. Having trained and competed as a fixed seat rower for the last 10 years, I volunteered to dedicate myself to that rowing position for the remainder of the crossing. The alternate watch had decided to rotate and every day a different person would have to row from the fixed seat. Everyone agrees that It was the worst seat in the boat being a wooden plank and not a proper rowing seat for starters. People really did not train to row with their backs and arms so it was quite a painful experience for them, not that it wasn't quite painful for me as well, I just knew it was not going to cause me any debilitating injury or prevent me from being able to continue. I could also generate more power from the fixed seat having all of the experience and training that I have. I suffered the worst sores of the whole crew on my buttocks as a result.

Our auto pilot/steering system eventually failed and our crew who had sailing experience built a tiller system for steering the boat so our watch system had to change again. To try and keep 4 people at the oar and 1 steering we had to alter the fixed seat rowing station and make a place for the helmsman which I did by removing the foot stretcher and making a new one from another wooden hatch cover from inside the cabin. It wasn't a sturdy system and a lot of us would get knocked off the seat but it worked well enough. We could then have our regular watch of 4 plus 1. When we began it was 2 watches of 4 and 12 hours of rowing and 12 resting. When we got closer to the finish and the steering went out we went to 3 rowing and 1 steering keeping to the 4and 4 but people were not utilizing the rest periods in the excitement of being so close to the finish or even after we crossed the half way point and the boat was not moving as quickly with only 3 rowing so we went to the 4+1 rotating in and giving up some of our rest periods. The boat speed increased and we made it to the Finish in Mauritius ahead of all of the other boats in the race. Even if they had made it to land first they still would have had to make it there days ahead of us as we had given them a substantial head start leaving Australia 9 days after the race start date.

This having been my second ocean crossing, comparing the two and noting the differences, this was by far the most difficult. There really were no favorable conditions and it was a farther distance then there was the amount of people and personalities to deal with. Resolving all problems of all types quickly seemed to be the winning ticket even if the resolution was to table something or stuff it and let it go. When we set out I had told everyone that no one gets along 100% of the time, even the best of friends, I believed that this helped as no one had the expectation that we would all get along. I did not get along with everyone on the boat but I showed no favoritism one way or the other to anyone. I put our experienced ocean rowers in charge as the watch captains and it wasn't perfect. I don't believe I would ever choose to do it the same way again although it has been a fantastic experience! I have learned that selfish people do not belong wherever two or more have gathered!

I don't have plans to do another crossing but cannot say one way another weather I will or not. I am looking forward to staying home for a while and doing some surfing. I am available for interviews and speaking engagements. I am still working on the book and documentary, actually looking for some help with these projects.

Angela Madsen
Rowoflife.com (Atlantic Ocean) PirateRow.com (Indian Ocean)