Think Tank Discussion; Crossing the Pacific in a Row Boat

Well the other day our think tank got on a discussion of rowing across the Pacific in a Rowboat. Now before you laugh there is a Frenchman who actually did it. He went across the Atlantic four times. We got to thinking of the logistics needed to beat this record he set of 129 days.

One of our think tank members Swift from Las Vegas thought; "The best position would be in the central part of the boat, while rowing in a forward position; but during rowing races not everyone is in the central part of the boat. What about getting seasick? Medication might be needed, it helps, it doesn't stop it in everyone because it is appearing to be a genetic issue that's stronger in some than in others. What about cadence?"

I thought well, that is a very interesting point I thought; Well, it would be fine, like a long distance runners cadence only even slower really. But in running you step every half-second or 3 times per second. Sometimes striding out .75 times or 1 time per second.

Swift began to discuss the similarities of the Tour de France to paddling across the Pacific Ocean and noted that someone like Lance Armstrong only a rowing champion would be the best type of human to try something like this."

However I thought what if we had a scientifically and perfectly engineered boat with special oars, which allowed it to travel very fast through the water, even with the waves? Could we take a very dedicated and mentally tough average good athlete and still get it done? If we could, I would or might like to try it.

Swift said well you are crazy enough to try it, I suppose and said; "Lance, I can see you crossing the ocean--it would be fun. With composites, the ship could be designed to be quite aerodynamic to move through the water more efficiently than wood or other materials. Perhaps, there could be something with the design or the weight at the bottom that would discourage the thing from flipping over during storms."

Indeed, I thought these are excellent points aren't they? Yes, of course you would have to stay alert and fight it? That would be a challenge. If it got to bad, close her up airtight and wait it out. Conquer your fears. Develop a self-enclosed and encapsulated pod as part of the boat incase of Typhoons or Hurricanes or just really dangerous and rough seas.

Swift said, well we will have to check to see if the French guy had sails, but if they would be made out of this film, there'd be electricity that wouldn't add a lot to the weight. (New Flexible Solar Panels like on the Aerovironment "Pathfinder") How peaceful would it be to be moving on a calm sea with the boat lit up so one could determine when the calmness would be over. There would be a lot of clues that a person could figure out in the time it took to cross. I wonder if things are different over the Ring of Fire as far as water currents and movements of storms. It would be great to have a computer, so one could have a program of the maps of the ocean in these areas, so as one rowed, the idea that there was an underground volcano, so fish might be plentiful to catch that day.

Yes indeed I said, some electronics would be needed for navigation. Yes or a satellite radio or something I suppose. You could on a very calm time send emails by a satellite? But short wave might be the best way to do it. Might be cool to have a Satellite Phone too.

Swift indicated that it might also be an important consideration for proper seating. "Something that would be important would be to create an ergonomically correct seat to row on so the back wasn't stressed unduly. Perhaps, there would be some type of upper body garment that could be worn at first that would encourage the correct posture so there'd be muscle memory for the rest of the journey."

Good plan I said; "Smart thinking. But do not make it too easy otherwise that would be a real problem for the challenge of it, as it is a test of will, the ultimate survival. You must battle the adversity with will and human intent, you see that is the fun of it?"

Swift said; "I was thinking about this last night and today, and the movement would be a rocking motion in liquid, which would be very womb-like. I wonder if storms would feel more intense when they occurred because of the sensory deprivation and how the womb-like movement might affect the primitive area of the brain."

Indeed what about vertigo; although it does sound peaceful to me. On a pitch-black night with my new invention for my LED light, to flicker on the waves ahead so you did not get any surprises. The light would run off the waves slapping against the hull and the vibrational energy. Well yes all that would be a consideration, but also I think conquering the fear and risk might be a way to really make the experience a life event worthy of the human endeavor. If we talk all the danger away, it might not seem like such an adventure. You need enough to not necessarily feel 100% safe, but comfortable knowing you were prepared for the 'survival' aspect of the journey.

Swift said; "It would be important to be able to access NASA's AIRS system that is integrated with the Global Forecast System. Microwave and infrared imaging would help improve the accuracy of the 4 to 5 day storm forecasts as it could penetrate the cloud layers to show the temperature and water content of major storms. The accuracy is supposed by improve by 20% so one could determine the best times to take a shower--cold as it might be. It's good to be prepared."

"I was thinking that the bottom of the ship or boat could also take advantage of the cold of the water and could be a refrigeration unit so that food could be preserved in a safer manner and could be more fresh food than canned foods. The weight of the ship would diminish only slightly with better food and cans that wouldn't be tossed overboard. Freeze-dried can be so boring. There would be a better nutritional mix, which is important for the success of the journey. If one fished well, the journey could be a great series of gourmet meals! How about a solar oven so one could bake while rowing? "

Indeed Swift is correct this would be a smart plan, but right under me I would want to be able to see the ocean underneath too. I would not be concerned with anything but sustenance. I wouldn't want to make it too easy, but I could tow a small line and fish is good protein. Solar Oven, yes I have seen those, good idea. And you could make your own water by using a can of seawater and a mirror at an angle off the top condensation would run into the fresh water can. Also they make little RO filtration units, which are solar and then kill bacteria in a solar pack.

Now then Swift gets serious; "Would you choose the Atlantic or the Pacific, Lance?"

I had to stop and think for a second, well probably the pacific, but at certain times of the year you could do an Atlantic voyage? I guess all we need now is a perfect rowboat, some oars, rationing and a Corporate Sponsor? What would you take if you were going to paddle across the ocean? Think on it.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

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