Oar the Rainbow: A Journey and Mission

Ocean rowing is a completely different world from the calm lakes and flat waters most rowers are used to. Imagine swapping a 2-kilometer racecourse for a 4,500km expanse of open ocean—with no finish line in sight for weeks, only the distant horizon to guide you. That is the challenge facing Oar the Rainbow, a three-person team sponsored by Concept2®, as they take on World’s Toughest Row’s Pacific Crossing this June.  

Concept2 is proud to support Oar the Rainbow in their mission. But for Oar the Rainbow, this crossing represents more than just a test of endurance. With each kilometer they row, they are using this journey to raise awareness and spark conversations about diversity, equality, and inclusion - championing change every stroke of the way. Together, they bring a blend of rowing - experience, adventurous spirit, and a shared passion for advocacy. Their team's name reflects their purpose: to represent and uplift underrepresented voices in the rowing and outdoor communities, and to use their platform to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion. As they tackle the Pacific, they are not just braving the ocean—they are making space for more people to feel seen, supported, and inspired in sport. 

As the official training partner of World’s Toughest Row, Concept2 will provide Ergs for warm-ups and last-minute prep at the starting line of the event, giving every team a consistent training platform. For Oar the Rainbow, land-based training is crucial—not just for physical readiness, but because the team often trains remotely. The accessibility of the Erg helps them stay connected and on track, even from various locations. 

Once they launch on their epic journey across the Pacific, though, the challenges shift dramatically. 

Ocean rowers face storms, isolation, and weeks of self-sufficiency—a far cry from lane markers and safety boats. To help meet those demands, Concept2 supplies custom-designed oars built to handle the extremes of ocean rowing. Oar the Rainbow will be receiving a full set of custom Concept2 ocean rowing oars to help them with the event. 

But oars are only the beginning. Ocean rowing demands equipment that goes well beyond what is needed for classic rowing. Consider the difference: on a peaceful lake excursion, you might pack a water bottle and sunscreen. Yet on the vast, untamed ocean, your boat becomes your home, stocked with gear built for survival. 

Here are just a few of the essential tools Oar the Rainbow will carry—and how they highlight the contrast between classic rowing and ocean rowing: 

• Para Anchor: Like an underwater parachute, it stabilizes the boat in storms by keeping the bow facing into waves.
• Watermakers/Desalinators: Turn seawater into drinkable water—a necessity when there is no resupply in sight.
• Autopilot: Keeps the boat on course around the clock, freeing the team to row, eat, or rest.
• Drogue: Acts like a brake in rough seas, preventing capsizing by aligning the boat with the waves.
• EPIRB: Sends emergency signals and GPS coordinates to rescue services—critical in a true emergency.
• Ballast: Added weight, often water jugs, stabilizes the boat in heavy seas.
• VHF Radio: Essential for communication with support vessels or nearby teams during the crossing.
• Chart Plotter: Tracks their position and course in real time—no buoys or lane lines here. 

For Oar the Rainbow, these tools are not just gear—they are lifelines. And behind every stroke is a deeper purpose: proving that perseverance, teamwork, and a powerful message can carry you across even the most daunting seas. 

To learn more about the World’s Toughest Row, check on their website.