On a quest to complete the World’s Toughest Row, Peet Botma (the Freedom Rower) is racing solo against weather, waves and odds—largely so young boys at the Local Surf Lounge still have a safe haven to go to:
Global (03 January 2023)—If Leanne Maiden’s race to become the first South African woman to complete the World’s Toughest Row got you excited, here’s another ridiculously brave South African to root for. Peet Botma, AKA the ‘Freedom Rower’ has been preparing for years for the race to end all rowing races, but this journey extends far beyond just him.
According to Peet, the race hopped onto his radar roughly a decade ago. At the time, it seemed like a wild dream reserved for a braver version of himself. Today, he is 20 days and 15 hours into the competition. This is a testament both to a lot of preparation and the bite of purpose.
For the Freedom Rower, purpose is a fuelling part of what’s made him dedicate himself to the nearly 5000-kilometre excursion. A portion of the purpose he shares is in an act to experience humility in the extreme. Humility is something Peet believes the ocean to be a great teacher of. But, this kind of path is no gentle lesson, as Peet (who has already experienced his boat capsize) is learning continuously en route.
For those who don’t know, the race exposes rowers to natural elements without shelter, in the epitome of isolation, all while having to physically push on no matter what—making the race across the Atlantic filled with the fiercest waves of challenges beyond water alone.
But, another portion of his purpose keeps him going strong. This one extends to wanting to make a difference and a breakthrough possible for those held back by their circumstances—especially vulnerable children in the Western Cape.
As such, Peet’s row is dedicated to a project of the Small Things Foundation. The Local Surf Lounge Academy in Muizenburg plays a big hand in providing essentials (like shelter and a daily meal) while keeping kids off the streets and in the surf as a haven for boys in the Western Cape.
With a few estimated weeks to go until the rowers reach the Canary Islands, the Freedom Rower’s mission can use all the support it can get, as can the mission it’s supporting.
You can support the Local Surf Lounge here, and keep up with Peet here.
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