Ocean Rowing Training
World-class ocean rowing training that takes you from novice to confident ocean rower - safe, skilled and ready
Train - Prepare - Thrive on the ocean
Banner Photo Credit : Lat35
-
Professional Training
You’ll gain real-world skills, not just theory — preparing you to unlock your potential on the ocean.
-
Time Saving & Skill Multiplier
Train smart and hard. Our proven framework streamlines and accelerates your journey from novice to confident ocean rower — fast.
-
Safety & Performance
Confidence starts with competence. When safety becomes second nature, performance follows.
Feeling Overwhelmed by the Challenge of Rowing an Ocean?
You’re not alone. Most first-time ocean rowers face the same questions:
Where do we start? What skills do we need? How can we stay safe out there?
Rowing an ocean isn’t just about strength, it’s about preparation, seamanship, and confidence. The sheer volume of logistics, navigation, safety systems, and teamwork can feel daunting.
Without the right training, even the most determined crews risk turning their dream into a dangerous struggle.
That’s where we come in.
Photo Credit: Studio Snaps Yacht
The Ocean Rowing Academy, Your Safe Harbour Before You Depart
At The Ocean Rowing Academy, we’ve helped hundreds of ocean rowers, from complete beginners to record-breaking race winners, build the skills, systems, and mindset needed for a safe and successful crossing.
Our training is comprehensive, hands-on, and tailored to your team. We teach you how to:
Launch, handle, and anchor your boat with confidence
Navigate, passage plan, and manage emergencies
Build team communication and resilience under pressure
Develop the competence and mindset to thrive, not just survive
Our goal is simple: to give you absolute confidence on the water. Because when you push off from shore, you deserve to know you’re ready.
WHO is Behind the ocean rowing Academy?
The Ocean Rowing Academy is led by Duncan Roy, a world-record-holding ocean rower and coach. With years of experience, he’s guided hundreds of ocean rowers to cross oceans safely, confidently, and successfully. Duncan combines expert training, practical strategies, and personal support, making sure every rower is equipped with the skills, confidence, and mindset to not just survive during their expedition, but to thrive.
Ocean Rowing Training Testimonials
-
![Oar The Rainbow World Record Pacific Row Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Taylan Stulting - Oar The Rainbow
“Duncan and Aaron’s guidance and support were invaluable — they helped us stay safe, overcome challenges, and break the mid-Pacific world record.”
-
![Ananya Prasad Atlantic Odyssey Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Ananya Prasad - Atlantic Odyssey
“Thanks to Duncan’s training, I handled losing my rudder solo — his coaching made the difference between struggle and success.”
-
![Deep Blue Crew Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Paddy Ronan - Deep Blue Crew
“Duncan and Aaron’s professionalism, guidance, and support were integral to our Atlantic campaign’s success — we couldn’t have done it without them.”
-
![Hannah Huppi - The Arctic Challenge 2025 Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Hannah Huppi - The Arctic Challenge 2025
“We broke the speed record by five days — a direct result of Duncan’s expert coaching and thorough, high-quality training.”
-
![Swiss Raw Ocean Rowing Team who were trained by The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Ingvar Groza - Swiss Raw
“We didn’t want to leave any stone unturned — that’s why we contacted Duncan to give us a thorough update on drills and manoeuvres.”
-
![Deep Blue Crew Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Gus Knott - Deep Blue Crew
“Professionalism, compassion and know-how — Duncan and Aaron helped us not only survive but flourish on the ocean.”
-
![The Tidewaves Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Louise Cox - The Tidewaves
“You won’t just survive at sea, you’ll thrive — Duncan equips you with every skill for a safe, enjoyable crossing.”
-
![Team Cheerfulness Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Peter Sage - Team Cheerfulness
“Duncan gave us the certainty we needed — his mastery and commitment to client success are unmatched.”
-
![Annasley Park - Solo Independent 2025 Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Annasley Park - Solo Independent 2025
“Duncan was the catalyst to the success of my solo ocean row — I wouldn’t have been prepared mentally, physically, or emotionally without him.”
-
![Adam Jones - Row2Inspire Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Adam Jones - Row2Inspire
“Duncan put me at ease from day one and gave me the confidence to row out under the stars — and I haven’t looked back since.”
-
![Nia Bayliss - The Lightship Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Nia Bayliss - The Lightship
“Duncan’s depth of knowledge and passion make him the safest pair of hands to take a team from the start to beyond the finish line.”
-
![Andy Purvis - Oar Mighty Mates Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Andy Purvis - Oar Mighty Mates
“This course is a no-brainer for first-time ocean rowers — it gave us the confidence and skills to row safely and efficiently.”
-
![Taylor Winyard - Pacific Triow Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Taylor Winyard - Pacific Triow
“By the end of the training course, we felt confident, prepared, and totally fired up for whatever the Pacific threw at us.”
-
![Aidan O'Reilly - The Emerald Expedition Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Aidan O'Reilly - The Emerald Expedition
“Duncan’s enthusiasm and professionalism made us confident and capable to embark on our own adventure.”
-
![Eamon Breen - Atlantic Broing Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Eamon Breen - Atlantic Broing
“Duncan gave us the platform to become strong and efficient ocean rowers — calm, organised, and level-headed from start to finish.”
-
![Jack Norris - The Emerald Expedition Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Jack Norris - The Emerald Expedition
“There is really just no way to know how much you don't know — the course was excellent and took us through everything we needed.”
-
![KARL - 2Stroke Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
KARL - 2Stroke
“The best decision we made. Duncan’s knowledge and experience are second to none.”
-
![Maddie - Vibe The Wave Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Maddie - Vibe The Wave
“From the moment we met Duncan, he simplified everything — His humility and genuine passion for people and the sport is profound.”
-
![Ed - 2Stroke Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Ed - 2Stroke
“Investing in Duncan’s support was the best decision we made — it was the biggest contributor to our success and confidence at sea.”
-
![Gian Luc - Oarsome Army Educators Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Gian Luc - Oarsome Army Educators
“Approachable, friendly, and professional — we left confident and ready to take on our ocean row.”
-
![Rod Adlington - The Brightsides Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Rod Adlington - The Brightsides
“His advice literally made the difference between success or fail — I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.”
-
![Andrew Major Atlantic Rocketman Ocean Rowing Team trained by The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Andrew Major - Atlantic Rocketman
Working with Duncan was one of the most transformative parts of my journey as a solo rower — his depth of knowledge and tried and tested approaches were invaluable.
-
![Andrew Tropp - The Arctic Challenge 2025 Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy]()
Andrew Tropp - The Arctic Challenge 2025
“Simply put, we could not have done it without him. Duncan’s influence was woven into every aspect of our world-record success.”
Confidence is Built Before You Leave the Shore
“Your safety and success are at the heart of The Ocean Rowing Academy. From navigation to para-anchoring, from daily routines to emergencies, we equip you with the skills and confidence to thrive in every aspect of ocean rowing. It’s my passion to deliver everything you need for a safe, successful and rewarding ocean row.”
~ DUNCAN ROY
THE OCEAN ROWING ACADEMY FAQS
-
Our training courses are designed to suit everyone’s needs from total beginners taking on their first row to race winners taking on their next expedition. For teams and solo rowers preparing to cross an ocean — whether you’re competing in the World’s Toughest Row, planning an independent expedition, or just starting your journey. We tailor each programme to your experience level and campaign goals.
-
Not at all. Most of our rowers start with zero experience. Our structured courses cover everything — from launching your boat for the first time and navigation to living safely at sea. By the end, you’ll have the skills and confidence to row independently.
-
Training is delivered on your boat, in your marina, wherever you are in the world. Our training courses are delivered through shore-based theory and on-water practical sessions.
-
Our Training Courses cover everything you need for a safe and effective expedition; safety at sea, navigation, passage planning, anchoring, emergency drills, communication systems, on-board living, team dynamics and much more. All of the skills and drills to meet the requirements of World’s Toughest Row are covered.
-
Get in touch via our contact form to arrange a consultation call. We’ll discuss your goals, your expedition, and design the right training plan for you.
Photo Credit: Studio Snaps Yacht
Start Your Ocean Rowing Training
Whether you’re a first-time ocean rower or a seasoned team preparing for your next expedition, The Ocean Rowing Academy can help you get ready safely, efficiently, and confidently.
Contact us to arrange a consultation call. Let’s discuss your goals, your challenges, and the best training plan to get you fully prepared for your ocean expedition.