Preparation went beyond securing equipment. It included an almost all-encompassing training regime to ensure he could endure the physical demands of the row. Hauksson follows FISA (International Rowing Federation) guidelines, training seven days a week (twice a day in summer!). His regime, which barely seems to leave time to work, includes: attending sculling camps to improve technique; working with former Italian national rower, Leone Tinganelly, who lives in Iceland; weight lifting; rowing and endurance training; cross-country skiing and judo; and diet.
The adventure began when Hauksson rowed out of the harbour in Reykjavik in August 2003. The original dream was to circumvent Iceland in one epic row. Three weeks later, his boat destroyed by difficult weather and constant strong crosswinds that kept driving his craft on to Iceland’s rocky northern shores, Hauksson realized he would have to adopt a new vision. Fortunately, Hauksson came ashore with only scrapes and bruises.
He used 2004 to train and prepare for a second much longer leg (1900km/1025 Nautical Miles) to the finish line. While he planned the next phase of his adventure, Hauksson realized the need for a completely different boat. It would need to be much lighter to row against the wind, and not be driven on shore in what he calls “uncontrollable landings”. This new boat would also need to be light enough so he could single-handedly pull it ashore in a remote location if necessary. While it needed to be as flexible as a ballerina, the new boat would also need enough volume to carry him, his gear and two days worth of supplies.