Ocean Mavericks take the Atlantic in Support of Wild Coast Conservation

Photo Credit: Supplied

Four local adventurers will take on the Atlantic in the world’s toughest row to raise funds for the Pondoland Conservation Trust.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (18 September 2025) – This December, four South African adventurers will row 4,800km across the Atlantic Ocean in one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges. That’s right, 4,800km, and they are doing it for a cause close to home.

Known as the World’s Toughest Row, the race pushes crews to row unsupported from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua. But get this, no supply drops, no rescue boats. Just grit and teamwork. This is what makes it the world’s toughest. For Team Ocean Mavericks, it’s a journey expected to take between 30 and 50 days, facing towering waves, tropical storms, scorching sun, and the relentless rhythm of a two-hours-on, two-hours-off rowing schedule.

It’s not just about rowing; it goes far beyond that. Their mission is about purpose: to raise funds and awareness for the Pondoland Conservation Trust (PCT), which works to protect the Wild Coast, one of South Africa’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions. The expedition has been largely self-funded with sponsor support, every rand raised goes directly to the Trust’s conservation and community upliftment projects.

So with that being said, let’s introduce you to the Mavericks!

The crew brings together four unique personalities bonded by adventure and friendship. There is Martin Hall and for him row is about leaving a legacy of grit and resilience for his children. JP Briner thrives on high-adrenaline challenges. Angelo Wilkie-Page adds laughter and experience to the team. For Angelo, it’s about one last epic adventure with close friends while inspiring his daughter. And finally Matt Botha, founder of Wild Child Africa and guardian of the Pondo Trail, brings raw tenacity and a deep connection to the Wild Coast they are rowing to protect.

Their vessel, Shayamanzi, which translates to ‘hit the water’ will be hitting the Atlantic. Also big enough to shelter them during rest breaks.

For the Mavericks, this is a call to safeguard one of South Africa’s last wild frontiers.

South Africans can follow their journey by donating on their GivenGain page, plus leaving messages of encouragement to power them across the Atlantic.