A New Team Is Born
After months of recruitment, the new Row4NextStep team came together as Dawn, Paul, and Mat joined John for the Pacific crossing. Their arrival brought experience, confidence, and momentum to the expedition.
+
+
The World’s Toughest Row is an unrelenting, 2,800-mile ocean crossing from Monterey, California, to Kaua‘i—widely regarded as one of the most extreme endurance challenges on Earth. Teams row day and night, two hours on and two hours off, for nearly two months, completely unsupported.
Every stroke carries the Row4NextStep crew farther from land and deeper into the vast Pacific, where towering waves, raging storms, searing heat, and punishing winds will test them to their limits. With every blister, salt sore, and sleepless night, they will rely on one another and their shared mission—proving that through grit, teamwork, and purpose, the human spirit can endure even the wildest and most unforgiving miles on Earth.
Against distance, fatigue, and the raw power of nature, they will press on fueled by determination, teamwork, and an unshakable purpose: to row not just for themselves, but to change lives and help create a future without limits.
Rowing for hope. Rowing for lives. Rowing4ever.
This journey is far beyond the 2800 miles — it’s about raising 10 million dollars to ensure the long term sustainability of NextStep. With this funding, NextStep, a network of life-changing paralysis recovery centers, can continue transforming lives and never close its doors to the paralysis community.
NextStep is a nonprofit organization providing life-changing rehabilitation and fitness centers for people with paralysis across the nation.
Through research-based, activity-driven therapy, they deliver recovery, independence, and better health for those who need it most.
Support the 4 to help the 6 million living with paralysis.
Welcome aboard — be part of the team, because when you donate, you row with us.
Your generosity fuels the journey, changes lives forever, and brings the unmatched reward of knowing you’ve changed someone’s tomorrow — with sponsorship opportunities across the boat, campaigns, events, and documentary.
Meet John, Dawn, Paul, and Mat: four accomplished adventurers and ocean rowers whose combined experience spans thousands of miles at sea, multiple ocean crossings, world records, expedition leadership, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Together, they bring an exceptional combination of endurance, resilience, seamanship, and teamwork to the Row4NextStep campaign. United by a common purpose, they are preparing to take on one of the world's toughest endurance challenges: rowing 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean in support of NextStep Fitness.
But success depends on more than the crew alone. Behind every ocean crossing is a dedicated team of supporters, advisors, coaches, family members, volunteers, and partners working tirelessly behind the scenes to help turn this ambitious vision into reality from the first day of preparation to the final stroke across the finish line.
Be a Row4NextStep ambassador — help us raise awareness that in the U.S., 6 million people live with paralysis, facing daily challenges that extend far beyond mobility, often without access to affordable, specialized rehabilitation and fitness.
With the right resources — research-based therapy, supportive communities, and accessible care — they can live healthier, fuller lives, making access a necessity, not a privilege.
After months of recruitment, the new Row4NextStep team came together as Dawn, Paul, and Mat joined John for the Pacific crossing. Their arrival brought experience, confidence, and momentum to the expedition.
With vacancies to fill, John focused on recruiting experienced ocean rowers with proven endurance. The goal was to build a stronger team for the Pacific crossing and the NextStep mission.
As a coach and mentor, Mat became a trusted part of the Row4NextStep team. As the team evolved, discussions about him taking a more direct role brought fresh excitement to the expedition.
As preparations intensified, Mo reflected on the impact of the expedition on his family. Choosing to prioritize them, he stepped away from the team while remaining a strong supporter of the mission.
Following several key changes, John faced the challenge of rebuilding the team. He focused on finding people with the skills and commitment needed to keep the Pacific crossing on track.
As the project evolved, Brian faced growing business demands, making it difficult to balance work and expedition preparations. After careful consideration, he stepped away from the team with full support.
A major milestone was reached when the 2027 Pacific race was confirmed. With the event on the calendar, the team focused on training and preparations, bringing the Pacific crossing closer.
Your support powers recovery with NextStep, providing rehabilitation, training, and hope for those living with paralysis.
Together, we can create strength and independence.
