first, he rowed the Atlantic
In 2018 Cameron Parker became one of the elite community of people who have rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic (E-W). Today, that group of ultra endurance athletes numbers just under 1,500*. Of all the potential rowers on our planet - that is a pretty fecking incredible achievement.
Cam is my brother and I cannot help but follow him around the world, camera in hand, to capture some of his always-exciting-always-inspirational adventures. He says one cannot help but grow and change in some way on a journey like this - or what he calls the ‘edge of possible’. I can vouch for that - the day of his arrival in Antigua is forever etched in my mind.
He stepped ashore greater for realising his insignificance, filled with gratitude and appreciation for the things he values, and with a newfound wisdom and confidence borne of triumphing over the toughest conditions he had ever faced.
It seems that once you have summoned the bravery to test yourself in this way, you are given the key to unlocking more opportunities for growth. He is not stopping on the shores of the Atlantic.
Now, he is rowing the Pacific
In two months, on 12 June 2023, Cam will be starting his second ocean rowing attempt: 2,800 miles across the mid-Pacific Ocean (E-W), together with Tia Patricios, Celo Celovschi and Stu Thompson who make up the Pacific Discovery team.
MORE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TO SPACE #justsaying
To date, 122* people have attempted crossing the wildest seas on earth, and 82* of them have successfully completed the journey. While, as of May 2022, 628 people have reached the boundary of space - 62 miles above the Earth’s mean sea level.
Ian Couch, Head Safety Officer for the World’s Toughest Row, wrote in a Facebook post marking 16 years of his involvement in this sport: “Rowing an ocean is all an adventure can be - physical, mental, technical, emotional and there is a real chance of failure. It’s brutally honest and brutally beautiful. It’s relentless and remorseless. There is no get out. It exposes you to the elements but mostly to yourself.”
the big question is “Why?”
Rowing the Pacific hasn’t been done by many. The success rate is around 70%, and the number of people who have rowed both the Atlantic and the Pacific number even fewer.
If Pacific Discovery overcome the adversity they will face on this last stage of their journey, to a glory finish in Kuaui, Hawaii, it will be the “highest of the high” moment of their lives. For Cam, and first-time ocean rowing adventurer's Tia, Celo and Stu, they are set to become one in 127** people in the world to ever cross this leg of the Pacific. Just consider that for a moment.
There is even a chance they may set a new world record*** and they will be the first ever reinsurance team to do something like this. But I don’t think this is what matters to Cam the most.
the sea is cam’s happy place
Cam’s deepest, lifelong love has always been for the sea. He sees it as his dearest friend - one for whom he has immeasurable respect and a healthy fear - but it is also the place he feels whole, and at one with his environment - both above and below the surface. So for him, the 40-plus days at sea is the ultimate reward for the years of meticulous preparation it has taken him and the team to get there. I remember I once asked him if he didn’t get bored rowing. He said to me that he was never bored. “The sea is ever-changing, a thing of mesmerising beauty. I just love watching her constant change.”
helping others live their best lives
My brother has an incredible capacity to make the most of every day of his life. He loves life, and I’ve often (half) joked that he is living two lives in the space of one. His drive, his purpose is all about giving back: helping, supporting and growing others to live their best lives too.
I believe creating the team for this row - starting with the core of eight (four rowers and four land crew) - then reaching out to our wonderful partners and connections and building relationships (some we knew of, or found through shared values, and some who found us, and who will still find us through wonderful serendipity) is the greatest reward of all.
He knows that a team of connected people - each with a part to play - championing a crazy adventure to make dreams come true for an important cause - is what will make the row across the Pacific achieve a state of “swing”.
A state of “swing” is when the whole team is rowing in perfect sync. Everyone’s connected to the motion and to the moment. It creates a feeling of utter happiness, accomplishment and euphoria.
This endeavour cannot help but change lives, through inspiration, through growth, through connection, and through giving. I think this ripple effect is what means everything to my bro.
did i mention how proud i am of you bro?
I am so proud. Cam, whether you are one in 1,500* people who have rowed the Atlantic, or one of 127** who will have rowed the Pacific by the summer (this number includes our phenomenal super heroes Tia, Stu and Celo), or even one of only 40** people in the world who have rowed these two ocean legs, you are my hero.
Such a legacy of inspiration for those who know you, and those who will know of you. Go make some history Pacific Discovery!
*Huge thanks to Ocean Rowing Stats for providing the data for this blog.
** These figures include the rowers signed up for the Pacific 2023 crossing.
*** There have only been two mixed four's teams to do the route. In 2014 Pacific Warriors did 57D 5H 45M and in 2016 Moana Uli did 48D 2H 40M. They were both made up of three men and one woman.
Join the Pacific Discovery swing here.