Indian Ocean Race 2009
The Woodvale Indian Ocean Race will be as advertised "The Toughest Rowing Race in The World". It will be run from Geraldton in Western Australia across to the beautiful Island of Mauritius. Between these two points lay 3,100 Miles of untamed ocean that has until this point only been crossed by three people.

The crossing will take anything from 50 to 90 days and the teams from all over the world will be aiming to break numerous records and in the main part to survive the extremely long and dangerous crossing. Unstable weather systems, sharks, intense heat and 40 foot waves will be a daily possibility during this first ever race across the Indian Ocean.

---

Mark Davis

Birthplace: Southampton, Hampshire, England
Date of Birth: 18/04/1975

Mark is originally from the south coast and also has an interest in the sea and a natural desire to be close to it. With this challenge this may be closer than he had previously ever dreamt.

He is a keen footballer representing his region in his younger days and now as a Prison Service Physical Education Senior Officer at HMP Blakenhurst enjoys taking part in a wide variety of activities. He is a talented sportsman who, like his rowing partner on this journey never really stuck to one sport and became a "Jack of all trades". In this rowing pair Mark will be seen very much as the engine room at 18 stone and 6 Feet 5 Inches. He has never done any events that have involved a lot of endurance but is looking forward to this one with great anticipation.

Marks says...
"I am looking forward to the race. The preparation will be hard, but I am fully prepared for the long haul. We will have to commit ourselves 100% in the early part of the adventure to ensure we reach the start line fully prepared and then 200% to achieve what we know we are capable of. Sea sickness aside, I can't wait!"

---

Ben Steadman

Birthplace: Weymouth, Dorset, England
Date of Birth: 02/12/1975

Ben is a 31 year old Prison Service Physical Education Senior Officer at HMYOI Swinfen Hall. He has been a PE Officer for 9 years. Ben enjoys his job as he interacts with both staff and prisoners and enjoys the challenges that the job throws up. Born and brought up in Weymouth, Dorset has close links with the sea but until now has never really taken on any ocean based challenges. He completed the Ironman France race in 2004 and at 16 stone and 6 feet 5 is no easy accomplishment. He has played county level Football and cricket and as a student represented the Region at Volleyball and Basketball. A talented sportsman who will try anything, as is proven by his entry in to this adventurous race.

Ben says...
"I am looking forward to the race. The preparation will be hard, but I am fully prepared for the long haul. We will have to commit ourselves 100% in the early part of the adventure to ensure we reach the start line fully prepared and then 200% to achieve what we know we are capable of. Sea sickness aside, I cant wait!"