Call to Earth
From Ocean to Earth - A Challenge for Change
The Atlantic Ocean Worlds Toughest Row is a relentless test of endurance, grit and determination.
This is more than a challenge. It’s a mission. Driven by our deep passion for the ocean, a commitment to innovation and the urgent need for sustainable practices, Rivers, Johno and Emma will be taking on one of the most extreme endurance feats on the planet. This journey symbolizes the resilience and action needed to protect our oceans, accelerate renewable energy and drive real change for a sustainable future.
Every oar stroke pushes us forward, not just across 3,000 miles of open ocean but toward a world where ocean health, climate action and innovation shape a better tomorrow…
Earth is calling…
it’s time to answer
CALL TO EARTH
CALL TO EARTH
Meet the Team
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"RIVERS" - Stacey Rivers
A Fellow (FIMarEST) and registered Chartered Marine Technologist with the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology. Fuelled by an unwavering passion for people, innovation, technology, and the Oceans, I have carved out an enriching career that spans subsea engineering as a commercial diver, exploring our great Oceans as a sailor and pioneering deep tech robotics as Chief Innovation Officer to support the green energy transition. I have always sought to push boundaries whether it was constructing my family home and private yacht before I turned 25 or co-founding a successful commercial diving company, I’ve consistently embraced challenges that have expanded my horizons.
Now as an adventure athlete I’m preparing for my most ambitious challenge yet at the age of 50!!!—competing in the 2025 World’s Toughest Row. This journey is more than just a test of endurance; it’s a powerful platform to champion Ocean conservation and sustainable innovation. Every stroke across the Atlantic will raise awareness for a zero-carbon future, combining my love for the ocean and adventure with a mission to drive real change. Join me as we row toward a cleaner, more sustainable planet, one stroke at a time. -
"JOHNO" - John Hammond
At 63 there is more behind than in front, so I’m an Ex at lot of things - Ski Guide, RAF pilot, Telesales muppet, Broker, Entrepreneur. Currently looking to row the Atlantic in The Worlds Toughest Row 2025 edition. And hoping that some experience in Offshore Sailboat Racing will help in this endeavour. Have raced among others the Fastnet, Aegean 600, Myth of Malham and Round the Island Race.
Also, not sure it’s particularly noteworthy but between our three crew members we’ll only have a total of two hips that God gave us. (I thought it was interesting and yes I’m aware that others have done it without legs). Currently living in Hampshire with wife, dog and 350,000 bees…and my hobbies are reading rubbish on the internet, running because I’m late and keeping fit because if I don’t I won’t be able to row the Atlantic… Zzzzzzz. If you’ve read this far then expect to be tapped up for some sponsorship. -
EMMA WOLSTENHOLME
Emma is an adventurer, former RAF Officer, and experienced Ocean rower with an unshakable drive to test the limits of human endurance. After 16 years as a commissioned Officer in the Royal Air Force where she served as a navigator-turned-training officer, Emma retired (technically a pensioner!) with a career that included roles as Head of the UK’s SERE (Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract) School, Media and Force Development Officer in Al Udeid, and being the last woman on the last helicopter out of Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.
Following her military service, Emma turned her energy to ocean rowing, raising an incredible £92,000 for the Air Cadets with a solo Atlantic row attempt that was cut short after 12 intense days due to a complete electrical failure. She was asked to be the National Ambassador for the Air Cadets and is passionate about inspiring the next generation through bold action, grit, and adventure. Determined to conquer a more technically difficult row, she went on to successfully skipper an all-female team of 6 around Great Britain, breaking the World Record by a week! As the first and only female to attempt a solo row around Great Britain, she is really excited about joining her new crewmates in the team Call to Earth for the 2025 World’s Toughest Row.
OUR MISSION
We are rowing across the Atlantic to answer the Call to Earth - raising awareness for ocean health and climate change. Our journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and action, advocating for a sustainable future and the protection of our planet’s oceans.
WHY WE ROW
The ocean covers 70% of our planet, regulates our climate, and produces over half the oxygen we breathe. Yet, it’s under threat from plastic pollution, rising temperatures, and ecosystem collapse. Climate change is accelerating, and while the challenges are vast, solutions exist. Our mission is to amplify this message and inspire action.
THE CHALLENGE
Rowing unsupported across 3,000 miles of open ocean, we will push our limits to highlight the urgent need for environmental change. Aboard our boat we will shed light on critical ocean issues, from plastic pollution to coral bleaching, while raising funds for marine conservation and climate initiatives.
OUR VALUES
Adventure for a Cause – Using extreme endurance to fuel environmental change.
Resilience – Facing ocean challenges as a symbol of our fight for the planet.
Collaboration – Uniting individuals, businesses, and organisations to drive impact.
More Than a Race
We’re not just adventurers - we are engineers, innovators, and ocean advocates. With backgrounds in renewable energy, robotics, and sustainability, we’re bridging the gap between endurance and real-world solutions. If three people can row an ocean, imagine what millions could achieve together.
JOIN US AND TAKE ACTION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Stacey: At 50 years old, I have lived an enriching and adventurous life filled with purpose. I've pushed my body to its physical limits time and time again. The demands of this challenge require not only peak physical fitness but also the discipline to maintain a high calorie, effective diet which I know will challenge me especially as I embrace the menopause. I anticipate the toughest aspects of this journey will test me but I am preparing through regular targeted training and sheer determination. By continuing to embrace an active, adventurous lifestyle, I am continuing to build the grit and resilience needed to overcome every obstacle ahead. I feel utterly privileged to be given this marvellous opportunity.
Johno: Probably the night rowing, although that could be compensated by the view of the stars. I think pod casts and music will help but otherwise it’s ‘suck it up’ and get on with it.Emma: The hardest aspect for me is always the guilt I feel when leaving family behind, worrying about me. Although they know that I can deal with most situations (and I already have!), that does not stop them from worrying. At least this time I have a team with me - that definitely is a comfort to them rather than my usual solo rowing.
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Stacey: As a dedicated adventure athlete I am accustomed to working in highly challenging environments whether navigating mountain terrains, sailing offshore, or diving commercially I have always prioritized maintaining a high level of fitness, strength, and endurance. On land, I follow a disciplined routine of swimming, cycling and running to stay conditioned, complemented by a structured schedule that ensures consistent progress. My true passion however, lies in water sports. I regularly windsurf, wing foil, and water ski, which not only keep me physically fit but also fuel my connection to the water. While I am new to rowing, I am excited to incorporate it into my routine. I am focused on building the specific strength and endurance required for rowing, particularly targeting the muscles that will sustain me through the physical demands of the challenge ahead. This journey is an incredible opportunity to expand my athletic repertoire and push my capabilities even further.
Johno: Mostly rowing machine and strength training to maintain a good level of fitness but will look to increase it a few months before the start.Emma: Going out on my solo ocean rowing boat! And we have just completed a 5 day, 101 hour row as a team. The best way to train is to get out there and do it. Also, I keep myself physically fit with zero niggles/aches/pains as a priority. So stretching/flexibility (which is often overlooked) and ensuring I take my UPerform collagen gels everyday to support my joints. I like to do long distance road cycling (50-100 miles) as it is good for cardio and is a complimentary sport since it works the hip flexors which are crucial in ocean rowing.
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Stacey:
Most likely to cry when I finish!
Most scared of sharks… yes even though I am a commercial diver and have swam with them in the West Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean
Most excited about adding a new chapter to my life story, making a difference even if it is small and overcoming new challenges
Essential item:Life jacket and Gerber
Jonno:
Most likely to eat all the chocolate
Most scared of something important breaking, including myself.
Most excited about arriving in Antigua
Essentially item: Coffee
Emma:
Most likely to...step up and keep calm when things are going wrong.
Most scared of... not being able to touch the sea bed and what lurks beneath (you wouldn't know it though!).
Most excited about surfing down big waves and the adrenaline rush of seeing +10 knots on the Raymarine repeater screen!
Essential item is my OutIn espresso coffee machine! Rechargeable and every coffee-loving ocean rower should know about these.
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Stacey: Currently working as Chief Innovations Officer and Director of Operations for a cutting edge robotics company developing walking robots to inspect, repair and maintain wind turbines. I am a Fellow at the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and a Chartered Marine Technologist. I am also a member of the Women's Engineering Society and a STEM ambassador. A passion for people, engineering, technology & our Oceans supported by a curious mind, hands-on approach and can-do attitude that strives for excellence. I am self-motivated, capable, pragmatic & solution orientated with a natural flair for prototyping & fabrication that built my family home, a private yacht and co-founded my first business before I was 25. Working remotely, offshore & underwater has delivered an enriching & rewarding lifestyle searching for endangered Ocean Giants in the Indian & Pacific Oceans to the regeneration of marine habitats & artificial reef fabrications during a 3yr contract in SE Asia. Co-founder of a successful commercial diving company and commercial diver working most of my life in a dynamic, male dominated fast paced industry, coached several members of the Royal Family and guest onboard the Royal Britannia Yacht, participated in elite endurance events, built agile multifunctional robots that service the clean tech sector to accelerate the green energy transition, worked globally in culturally diverse environments as a marine consultant, accumulated several thousand miles at sea including Trans-Atlantic crossings under sail, inspired young people through STEM with Professor Brian Cox and now a competitor in the 2025 World’s Toughest Row.
Johno: Started life in Australia and travelled to the UK when I was 18 and ended up staying for 40 odd years apart from a 10 years stint in Japan. I have a fascination with travel and new experiences which fits in with rowing the Atlantic albeit a lot slower than I’m used to.Emma: Wow, this is a huge question. I'm now 43 and have lived a very full life. In short - RAF officer for 16 years (navigator then training officer), then taught women how to march in the middle east in Arabic, helped to write the Training for the future nuclear submarine (Dreadnought), project managed the writing of the National Cyber Security Strategy in Saudi, and so much more...in between having adventures, of course. And, after raising £92,000 for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, they made me their national ambassador. I think the rest of the questions cover most of the other aspects of who I am.
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Stacey: Whilst I have no rowing experience, I have spent 28 years working in the maritime industry both offshore and subsea. Some of my sporting endeavours and highlights include competing in endurance running events including ultra runs up to 6800’, x country skiing in the Arctic Circle, diving with Ocean Giants in the Indian and Pacific Ocean, sailing across the Atlantic a few times as well as other remote corners of the world and both windsurfed and wing foiled in Asia and Africa. I have lived, worked and travelled extensively around the world.
Johno: I was introduced to sailing 20 years ago by my great friend Chris Parker and have loved it ever since. Together we’ve down a number of offshore and inshore races. Racing offshore brings a number of very similar environments to rowing i.e. the ability to live/sleep/eat in a confined space the lack of sleep and a similar watch system for days on end.Emma: A lot! Where do I start? Kitesurfing (won the women's British Amateur Champs in 2016), Kayaking, SUP-ing, Swimming, High-Altitude Mountaineering (Aconcagua, Kili etc), Sailing (Yachtmaster), Bobsleigh (driver) and Skeleton Bobsleigh (for GB, Europa Cup in 2010), Road Cycling (recently qualified to represent GB in UCI Gran Fondo).
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Stacey: My participation in the 2025 row challenge is a powerful way to draw attention to ocean protection to emphasize the importance of innovation and sustainable practices that deliver reliable, affordable solutions for a zero carbon world for future generations.
Johno: I’ve always wanted to challenge myself and this fitted in nicely to things I’ve done before but just bigger.Emma: They asked me to and I love ocean rowing so of course I said yes! Plus, it will be closure for me as the last time I rowed (solo) on the Atlantic ended in a rescue by a 210m cargo ship at night in rough seas!
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Stacey: To row across the Atlantic as a testament to human resilience and a call to innovate for our planet’s future; “Powering Our Planet, Protecting Our Oceans”.
Johno: The vision is all about clean oceans and the environment. Whether you believe in climate change or not, the fact is our oceans are being choked to death by rubbish and particularly plastics which are now found in all marine environments. You see evidence everywhere when sailing even in the remotest places. It’s a race we must win as there is no Planet B.
Emma: What Johno and Stacey said - it's a shared vision!
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Stacey: First and foremost, I bring GRIT in parallel with a powerful combination of passion, perseverance, resilience, and a steadfast “never give up” attitude to our Atlantic Rowing team. With years of experience as an ambitious leader, innovator, and problem solver, as well as the determination honed through my role as a single mother, I have developed the ability to navigate complex challenges, manage risk, challenge caution, and push boundaries to deliver positive, meaningful results. My strong leadership skills, engineering mindset, combined with a background as a sailor, commercial diver, and director of operations, equips me with practical empathy, emotional intelligence, exceptional planning skills and the ability to stay calm, focused, and committed under intense pressure. These qualities will be critical during the demanding journey ahead. Above all, my unwavering sense of purpose drives me to expand what’s possible and create lasting impact in the moments that matter most.
Johno: Not sure I bring any strengths apart from the fact I’m a good team player.Emma: My vast ocean rowing experience both solo, as part of a team and as skipper. And I love to impart knowledge, so hopefully I'll be able to teach Stacey and Johno something along the way :-)
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Stacey: Having spent 28 years working in the maritime industry, both on and beneath the ocean, the sea has shaped my life, my career, and my perspective. Rowing across the Atlantic is not just a personal challenge to push my boundaries; it’s a chance to give back to the environment that has given me so much. This journey is deeply important to me because our oceans are in crisis, and their health is inextricably linked to the future of our planet. I want to use this challenge as a platform to raise awareness about the urgent need for action on ocean health and climate change, inspiring individuals, industries, and policymakers to take meaningful steps to protect our oceans and safeguard our planet for generations to come.
Johno: Having sailed a lot in various parts of the globe I’m all to aware of the amount of plastic choking off our oceans and wildlife, whether you believe in global climate change or not I think we can all agree a better world would be had by getting rid of plastics they are dangerous not only to the environment but micro plastics are now in the food we eat.Emma: My degree covered climate change (back in 2003!) and since then, I have been part of several projects to help understand the effects. Notably, as part of an all-female sailing expedition from Iceland to Greenland where we made a documentary on climate change and the effects on local populations as well as plastic pollution which was shown at COP 26. And in 2022 and 2023 as part of the GB Row Challenge where we rowed around GB collecting data (microplastics, eDNA, sound, temperature and salinity) for the University of Portsmouth to analyse and report over a 5 year project, which is now supported by the Crown Estate.
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Stacey: I was 8 weeks pregnant with Ocean during an Atlantic crossing under sail inspiring my daughters Ocean and Summer to sail across the Atlantic at the age of 14 and 16. My claim to fame is that I have taught various members of the Royal family to sail and have been a guest on the Royal Yacht Britannia where I saw the golden rivet in the engine room. Oh…and I build robots!
Johno: I have two hips that are not the ones I was born with!
Emma: I can't drink alcohol - it makes me feel tired, my joints ache and I feel hot after just a tiny sip. I was the last woman out of Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. I'm a volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officer at my local centre in Benbecula.
Powering Our Planet
Protecting Our Oceans
“We are rowing across the Atlantic as a testament to human resilience and a call to innovate for our planet’s future.”
CALL TO EARTH
Join US on this incredible journey
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