Denise Leonard Reflects on Atlantic Rowing Challenge

With International Women’s Day offering a natural moment to pause and reflect, The University of Wales Trinity David’s Outdoor Adventure Education Lecturer Denise Leonard has been looking back on her Atlantic rowing challenge.

Image Credit: World’s Toughest Row

The idea emerged during lockdown after Denise came across the race on social media. She said:

“I have always enjoyed challenges and pushing myself into new environments. I love the sea and the idea of being so immersed in nature, so the Atlantic Row was a perfect fit.

Denise and three fellow crew members spent four years preparing for the expedition. Training involved far more than building physical fitness. The team worked on fundraising, securing sponsorship, building media engagement, developing technical skills and strengthening their emotional resilience. She added:

“Planning such a long and remote expedition required a huge amount of preparation, from counting every last calorie in our food supplies to being able to recover the boat from a capsize or worse.”

That preparation culminated in 50 days at sea, rowing in shifts for more than 12 hours a day. Life onboard was simple but demanding as conditions were hot, in humid cabins, with limited space, little privacy and constant damp. Sleep deprivation quickly became one of the biggest challenges.

“It’s amazing how hard small decisions become when you’re exhausted. Physically, it’s tough, but mentally that’s where it really stretches you.”

Despite the challenges, the remoteness of the journey created moments Denise will never forget. 

“Highlights were definitely in the remoteness of this challenge. Being 1500 nautical miles from land means you see wildlife up close and personal, stars in the sky are so much clearer than you might ever see on land and the vastness of the horizon is incredible. Getting into 5km deep water to clean the hull of the boat was definitely one of my favourite moments.”

Looking back, Denise speaks less about endurance and more about acceptance.

“Accepting that we are not in control of all aspects of our lives and in fact, this is ok. It’s how we respond to challenges and change that really matters. No matter what we thought we knew or could achieve on the boat, Mother Nature always let us know who was in charge, once we accepted that life became a lot simpler. Also, our bodies are capable of incredible things… actually, it’s what we think we are capable of that is the limitation. Perhaps we could all aim for a little bit more.”

Image Credit: World’s Toughest Row

Denise now brings those experiences into her teaching on the Outdoor Adventure Education course. The course blends theory with hands-on learning, led by lecturers who are active outdoor practitioners. Students take part in expeditions, residentials and practical projects designed to build both confidence and professional skills; with no traditional exams, but instead assessments that mirror real-world practice.

The team has also been shortlisted in the Role Model category at the upcoming Women in Wales Awards. The ceremony will take place on 19 March at the Marriott Hotel in Cardiff and celebrates women who have made outstanding contributions to sport or business, either individually or as part of a team.

Denise hopes her experience simply adds to a broader picture of what is possible, particularly for women considering careers or challenges in the outdoors. 

“It’s really important that women and girls see other females in these spaces. When we see others do challenges like this it forces us to question if that could be us. Even if it’s not rowing an ocean or even a physical challenge, I hope this just encourages others to realise their own potential and not write themselves out of the story before they have even tried. Less than 500 women have rowed an ocean; women and girls are still hugely underrepresented in sport and adventure. I hope this goes some way to helping redress that balance.”

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476