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Tough Enough: World’s Toughest Row

As a researcher of teams in extreme environments, Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ã½ psychology student Andres Käosaar rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

Four men in blue collared shirts stand on boat next to rippling water while holding a white and blue sign that reads: "World's Toughest Row. We rowed the Atlantic. La Gomera - 3,000 miles - Antigua" as sun rises behind a mountain in the background.

According to the Ocean Rowing Society, about 2,045 rowers have successfully crossed an ocean. Psychology doctoral student Andres Käosaar is now one of them.

Käosaar studies how teams function in isolated, confined and extreme environments, such as space and Antarctica. Motivated by the pursuit of a life well-lived, and to better understand his research subjects, he signed up for the World’s Toughest Row with three fellow Estonians, forming team Rowtalia. Together, they journeyed 3,000 miles west, from the Canary Islands off the African coast, across the Atlantic Ocean while raising money for mental health and children’s charities based in Estonia.

It seemed improbable to most people. But at dawn on Jan. 23 — after 39 days, 23 hours and 47 minutes at sea — Rowtalia overcame all odds, reaching the finish line in Antigua and Barbuda.

$75,000 raised
For charities in Estonia during Rowtalia’s journey
12 hours
Of rowing a day completed in two-hour shifts
3 years
Of training, mainly on indoor machines, prepared Käosaar’s team, which had no prior rowing experience

Bearded man wearing sunglasses in blue collared shirt and green cargo shorts stands at bow of white row boat as two men sit with oars in their hands, looking up at him.

Aerial view of white row boat with three seated men and one man standing as it drafts away from large crowd of people gathered on dock decorated with flags of various countries and blue banner sign that reads: "World's Toughest Row. 3,000 Miles to Go."

Four men wearing blue collared shirts stand on white and blue World's Toughest Row boat while holding red flairs as it drifts in rippling water with mountains in the background.

Jenna Marina Lee Spring 2025