Rowers Meet Whale Pod in Middle of 3,000-Mile Atlantic Race

Imagine rowing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean when suddenly a whale breaches inches from your boat. That's exactly what happened to the Get Busy Rowing team during their charity challenge across 3,000 miles of open water.

Will Towning, Greg Collins, Chris Betts, and Elliot Collins were midway through the World's Toughest Row when four or five whales appeared around their small vessel. The pod surfaced and dove alongside the boat, creating a moment none of them will ever forget.

"It was the most surreal moment of my life," said Elliot Collins, the Connecticut-based team member. Another rower recalled hearing teammates shouting "whale, whale, whale" before scrambling out of the cabin just in time to witness the close encounter.

The team captured incredible footage showing one massive whale breaching right next to their boat. For a few tense moments, they worried the animal might accidentally strike their vessel during the unassisted rowing race from the Canary Islands to Antigua.

The Ripple Effect

This adventure is about more than wildlife encounters. The four rowers are competing in the transatlantic race to raise money for the Matt Hampson Foundation, which supports young people seriously injured while playing sports.

So far, they've raised nearly $15,000 for the cause. The foundation's Get Busy Living center in rural Leicestershire, England, was opened in 2018 by former rugby player Matt Hampson, who experienced his own life-changing injury in 2005.

Three team members hail from England while Elliot lives in the United States, proving that inspiring causes bring people together across oceans. Their grueling journey tests both physical endurance and mental strength as they row unassisted across thousands of miles of open water.

When you push yourself to the limit for something bigger than yourself, the universe sometimes rewards you with moments of pure magic.