Vancouver women hope to become first Canadians to row across the Pacific

Two months from now, two Vancouver women will attempt to row 3,900 kilometres across the Pacific Ocean all the way to Hawaii.

They will compete against more than two dozen rowers from around the world who will set off from the coast of California for the inaugural Great Pacific Race on June 7.

Leanne Zrum and Rebecca Berger are the sole Canadian contenders in the race and have been preparing for months to row their 22-foot long boat to Honolulu.

Their goal is to become the first Canadians to row the Pacific, and the first female pair to complete this history-making race.

The women plan to take turns rowing in two-hour shifts, while constantly evaluating their physical and mental condition.

Physical fitness will be the least of the strengths they will be calling on to get through the race, which can take anywhere from 40 to 80 days.

Living in such a tiny space will be an equally trying feat for the women and keeping on track mentally will be incredibly important.

Zrum and Berger are staying motivated by their goal to raise awareness about the health of the world’s oceans. It’s just one of the reasons why the Great Pacific Race isn’t just about winning.

“We’re doing it as a challenge for ourselves, to inspire others and to take on something a little scary,” said Berger.

They will be blogging and updating their website with videos and pictures throughout the race.

With files from Linda Aylesworth