Duo bidding to break Atlantic rowing record to raise money for surf therapy

This December a North Devon woman and her race partner will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime as they bid to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in the World’s Toughest Row.

Jess Smiles, a swimmer and surfer from Croyde and her friend Beth Murphy from Surrey will take on the ultimate endurance challenge to raise money for The Wave Project.

The pair will be the only female duo to enter the World’s Toughest Row race in 2025 and as team Atlantic Highway they are aiming to beat the current women’s pairs world record to make the crossing.

Setting off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12, they will row unsupported for around six weeks, facing waves of up to 40 feet, before reaching Antigua in the Caribbean in early 2026.

Above: The Atlantic Highway crew of Beth Murphy (left) and Jess Smiles get to grips with their future home for more than 40 days as they prepare to row the Atlantic.

The World’s Toughest Row has 44 entrants this year, including solo rowers, teams of two, three and four athletes from across the globe.

Last year saw Lynmouth adventurer and businessman Sam Glover win the solo part of the event, making the crossing in 42 days and raising almost £70,000 for UnLtd - The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs.

Previously, the fastest women’s pair completed the event in 45 days, and Jess and Beth are aiming for a competitive attempt to rival that.

Jess has been preparing for months on the North Devon coast in anticipation of the biggest test of all.

Her race partner Beth, from Surrey, shares her passion for adventure and has experience in endurance sports. The two first met at Swansea University, where they both rowed competitively, captained teams and served on the rowing club committee.

After years apart, Jess and Beth reconnected to take on their biggest challenge yet — a journey that will test their physical limits, mental strength, and teamwork.

Jess said: “I’m looking forward to the feeling of being so far away from civilisation and completely immersed in nature.

“Both Beth and I are curious to see how far we can push our bodies in such a harsh environment.”

Above: Beth Murphy (left) and Jess Smiles pause during training for the World’s Toughest Row.

While the duo are aiming for a competitive time, they’re also rowing for a purpose - to raise at least £10,000 for The Wave Project, a UK charity that supports young people’s mental health through Surf Therapy.

Jaz Bennett, North Devon co-ordinator for The Wave Project, said: “Through Surf Therapy we help young people find calm, connection and healing.

“We’re so inspired by Jess and Beth’s determination to take on this epic journey, and proud that they’re rowing in support of The Wave Project. We’ll be cheering them on every mile and wish them all the best for a safe and successful crossing.”

The World’s Toughest Row is an unsupported event and if competitors need assistance, they would be forced to withdraw from the race.

READ NEXT: Devon crew capsizes in world’s toughest row

Aside from the huge physical toll – Sam Glover lost 15 kilos during his row – crews face the wear on their vessels as well as their bodies, with any necessary repairs having to be made at sea.

Unpredictable weather, huge Atlantic waves and even sharks will add to the dangers.

If you would like to sponsor Jess and Beth and support The Wave Project, please go to https://givewheel.com/fundraising/6124/atlantic-highway-crowdfunding

Once the race is underway you can follow the crews’ progress at https://www.worldstoughestrow.com/the-atlantic as well as learn more about the event.

You can also follow the progress of Jess and Beth via their TikTiok and Instagram @atlantichighway