The Captain’s Log serves as the team’s official record, documenting every key moment of preparation, training, and planning in the buildup to the row.
It captures milestones like safety certifications, equipment tests, and strategy sessions, providing a detailed timeline of their journey to the start line.
Once at sea, the log becomes a living account of the crossing itself, recording weather conditions, shifts, challenges, and triumphs.
More than just a record, it is a story of resilience, teamwork, and the extraordinary effort behind rowing 2,800 miles across the Pacific.
After months of conversations, planning, and recruitment, the new Row4NextStep team finally came together. Dawn Smith, Paul Lore, and Mat Steinlin officially joined John to form the crew that will take on the Pacific Ocean in 2027.
Their arrival marked a turning point for the expedition. Combining decades of ocean-rowing experience, leadership, and resilience, the new team brought renewed energy, confidence, and momentum to the project. Row4NextStep had entered a new era.
With vacancies to fill, John saw an opportunity not simply to replace departing members but to strengthen the team for the challenges ahead. His focus shifted toward recruiting experienced ocean rowers with proven records in endurance and offshore expeditions.
The goal was clear: assemble a team capable of tackling one of the world’s toughest endurance events while serving as inspiring ambassadors for the NextStep mission. The search would ultimately lead to a stronger and more experienced crew than ever before.
Having worked closely with the crew as a coach and mentor, Mat developed a deep understanding of both the challenge and the people behind the project. His experience and leadership quickly made him a trusted part of the wider Row4NextStep family.
As the team evolved, conversations began about the possibility of Mat taking on a more direct role. The idea of moving from coach to crew member generated excitement and optimism about the future of the expedition.
As training and planning intensified, Mo took time to reflect on the demands that an ocean crossing would place on both himself and his loved ones. The commitment required extended far beyond race day and would impact every aspect of family life.
Recognizing his personal priorities, Mo made the decision to step away from the team and focus on his family. While he remained a strong supporter of the mission, he knew this was the right choice for himself and those closest to him.
With several key changes taking place, John found himself facing a new challenge: rebuilding the team. The Pacific crossing remained firmly on track, but finding the right people would be essential to the success of the expedition.
Rather than rushing the process, John focused on identifying individuals who not only possessed the necessary skills and experience but who also shared the team’s values, commitment, and belief in the mission behind Row4NextStep.
As the project evolved, Brian faced increasing demands from his rapidly growing business. Balancing the responsibilities of entrepreneurship with the extensive preparation required for an ocean crossing became increasingly challenging.
After much reflection, Brian made the difficult decision to step away from the team. While disappointed to leave the expedition, he recognized that his business needed his full attention, and the team fully supported his decision.
A major milestone was reached when World’s Toughest Row officially confirmed the 2027 Pacific race. The confirmation provided clarity and momentum, allowing the team to move forward with confidence in their planning and preparation.
With the event now officially on the calendar, the focus shifted toward training, fundraising, logistics, and team development. The dream of rowing across the Pacific suddenly felt much closer to becoming a reality.
As preparations continued, the team faced an unexpected setback when Ryan’s health began to deteriorate. After careful consideration and consultation with medical professionals, it became clear that the demands of an unsupported Pacific crossing would present too great a risk.
Although stepping away from the expedition was a difficult decision, Ryan chose to prioritize his long-term health and wellbeing. His departure was deeply felt by the team, but everyone supported his decision and wished him well for the future.
After months of planning and anticipation, the Row4NextStep ocean rowing boat finally arrived. For John and Brian, this was a significant milestone and an opportunity to inspect the vessel that would eventually carry the team across the Pacific Ocean.
Together they carefully checked every aspect of the boat, familiarizing themselves with its systems, storage compartments, safety equipment, and living space. Standing beside the vessel for the first time made the challenge feel more real than ever and marked the beginning of a new chapter in the expedition.
Brian first called Ryan last October with the idea of rowing across an ocean, and within seconds he said yes—with one request: we had to do it for NextStep Fitness. From that moment, the whole team embraced the mission, and what began as an adventure quickly grew into a powerful commitment to support people living with paralysis.
NextStep Fitness eases the financial burden for its clients by offering reduced fees, ensuring that life-changing rehab and fitness remain accessible to those who need it most.
Because this model depends heavily on sponsorships, the rowing team has set out to raise $10 million to keep NextStep’s doors open forever.
We’re excited to share that our team has officially been approved to take on the World’s Toughest Row – Pacific.
This milestone means we’ve committed to the race rules, secured our entry fees, and begun the journey through all the required safety, training, and preparation milestones on the path to the start line in Monterey.
The Row For NextStep documentary is officially born, led by two acclaimed filmmakers—Pertti Kajasilta of DigiScoop and Nic Good of Fresh Air Crew—who bring decades of storytelling experience.
Together, they will capture the incredible journey of four friends rowing across the Pacific to make a life-changing difference for countless people living with paralysis
The Florida training camp will be packed with critical sessions focused on safety, equipment handling, race strategies, and seamanship.
It will also serve as a vital opportunity for team building, ensuring the crew is fully prepared to face the Pacific together.
the hunt is on
I went to Fernandina, Florida, to meet up with old & new friends and learn about ocean rowing. What I got was so much more.
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.
Your support powers recovery with NextStep, providing rehabilitation, training, and hope for those living with paralysis. Together, we can create strength and independence.
