Howie, previously a chartered surveyor, originally had the idea to row the Atlantic after meeting James Cracknell, following a short period working at his sports marketing company, Threshold Sports. It was there that he met James, read his book and then watched the video of his 2005 Atlantic crossing with Ben Fogle. After watching the video, Dan had found the ultimate challenge and knew that he had to attempt it at some stage. Dan completed several marathons and half marathons to prepare for the event, as well as long-distance endurance cycling races and undertook a challenging training and conditioning process.
Alongside fellow rower Will North, Dan famously took part in the 2013 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Row where he and his teammate crossed the Atlantic raising funds for Cancer Research UK, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and St Anne’s. They raised an impressive £200,000 for all the three charities and managed to complete the crossing in a little over 53 days.
Since completing the challenge, Dan has continued to take part in many sporting and fundraising activities, his experience on the Atlantic Row kindling a love of a new sport within him and filling him with passion and determination. As a motivational speaker, Dan discusses his experiences at sea, the importance of training and the personal endurance required to accomplish such an amazing feat – he had never stepped foot on a boat before the event and had endured three shoulder operations in the past.
