MEET THE Ocean Rowing Academy TEAM

Coaching Stats

  • The Ocean Rowing Academy Race Winners Graphic Icon

    4

    Race Winners

  • The Ocean Rowing Academy World Record Graphic Icon

    15

    World Record Crews

  • The Ocean Rowing Academy Class Winners Graphic Icon

    19

    Class Winners

  • The Ocean Rowing Academy Total Crews Graphic Icon

    86

    Total Crews

The Ocean Rowing Academy Training Team Headshot WTR Credit Aaron, Louie and Duncan

Photo credit: World’s Toughest Row

At The Ocean Rowing Academy, our team brings together world-class experience, deep technical knowledge, and a shared passion for ocean rowing.

We’ve rowed the miles, faced the challenges, and understand exactly what it takes to succeed on the water.

Together, we’re here to guide, support, and equip you for every step of your journey, from your first training session to the moment you cross the finish line.

Duncan Roy Ocean Rowing Trainer and Founder of The Ocean Rowing Academy Headshot

Photo credit: The Ocean Rowing Academy

Duncan Roy - Professional Ocean Rowing Coach and Founder

“Hi, I’m Duncan, ocean rower, coach, and founder of The Ocean Rowing Academy.

I’ve rowed across the Atlantic Ocean twice, the Mid-Pacific and circumnavigated Great Britain, broken world records, and led crews through some of the toughest and most rewarding expeditions on the planet. But what drives me now is helping others experience that same journey - safely, confidently, and with the right mindset.

When I first started ocean rowing, I realised how difficult it was to find structured, professional training, something that gave people the confidence to take on the ocean and truly enjoy it. That’s why I created The Ocean Rowing Academy: to bridge that gap between dream and reality.

I’ve been fortunate to train hundreds of rowers, from complete beginners to race winners, helping them develop the seamanship, safety awareness, and teamwork that turn anxiety into assurance. Watching my teams launch from shore knowing they’re ready for anything the ocean throws at them is, honestly, the best feeling in the world.

As a proud Yorkshireman I’ve always valued hard work, a practical approach, and a good laugh, traits that I bring to every session at The Ocean Rowing Academy. If you’re planning to row an ocean, whether solo or as part of a team, I’d love to help you make it the most epic of experiences.”

Aaron Kneebone Ocean Rowing Trainer

Photo credit: World’s Toughest Row

Aaron Kneebone - Professional Ocean Rowing Coach

“Hey, I’m Aaron, ocean rower, coach, former Royal Marines Commando and small boat specialist who’s spent most of my life on or around the water.

I’ve rowed the Atlantic twice, both times winning the trios category and breaking the world record with Dark Trio. I’m also halfway through rowing around Britain, because apparently two oceans isn’t quite enough.

My time in the Marines gave me a deep respect for the sea and for the importance of preparation, precision, and teamwork. Now, as part of The Ocean Rowing Academy, I get to pass that on, helping crews build the confidence, skills, and mindset to take on the world’s toughest environments safely and successfully.

Coaching for me is about more than just drills and routines, it’s about developing trust, resilience, and self-belief. I take huge pride in seeing crews go from first strokes to world records. And if there’s country music playing in the background, that’s just a bonus.”

The Ocean Rowing Academy Team Shot Backs Duncan Louie and Aaron looking out to sea
The Ocean Rowing Academy Training Team Headshot WTR Credit Louie

Photo credits: Main: Ocean Socials Inset: World’s Toughest Row

Louie - Head Coach, Chief MoralE Officer and Snack Supervisor

Meet Louie, The Ocean Rowing Academy’s youngest and most energetic coach.

At just three years old, Louie’s primary role is to keep Duncan and Aaron on their toes, boost morale, and remind everyone that a happy boat is a fast boat.

Whether he’s supervising snack breaks, issuing high-fives, or keeping spirits high with his infectious laugh, Louie brings energy and joy to every occasion. He takes his coaching duties very seriously, mainly ensuring there’s plenty of fun mixed in with the hard work.

When he’s not motivating the team, Louie can usually be found exploring the boat park, singing along to country music with his dad, or playing football on the beach. Every great crew needs someone to keep them smiling, and that’s Louie’s speciality.

Fortitude The Ocean Rowing Academy Training Boat Rannoch R45

Photo credit: The Ocean Rowing Academy

Fortitude - The Trusty SteeD

Meet Fortitude, The Ocean Rowing Academy’s very own training boat and a true legend of the ocean rowing world. A Rannoch R45 built for performance and resilience, she’s light, fast, and full of character.

With four Atlantic crossings to her name, Fortitude is no stranger to the open ocean. She’s twice been a race-winning boat and a category champion, carrying some of the toughest and most determined crews to success, all of whom Duncan has had the privilege of coaching.

Today, Fortitude continues her legacy as the beating heart of key training programmes. She’s the vessel used for our Introduction to Ocean Rowing courses, giving new crews a first real taste of life at sea, as well as for refresher and skills-focused sessions once crews’ boats have been shipped.

More than just a boat, Fortitude represents everything we stand for: experience, preparation, teamwork, and respect for the ocean. She’s part of our story, part of our success, and a proud member of The Ocean Rowing Academy team.

TESTIMONIALS

  • Annasley Park - Solo Independent 2025 Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Annasley Park - Solo Independent 2025

    “Duncan was the catalyst to the success of my solo ocean row — I wouldn’t have been prepared mentally, physically, or emotionally without him.”

  • Deep Blue Crew Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Paddy Ronan - Deep Blue Crew

    “Duncan and Aaron’s professionalism, guidance, and support were integral to our Atlantic campaign’s success — we couldn’t have done it without them.”

  • Oar The Rainbow World Record Pacific Row Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Taylan Stulting - Oar The Rainbow

    “Duncan and Aaron’s guidance and support were invaluable — they helped us stay safe, overcome challenges, and break the mid-Pacific world record.”

  • Hannah Huppi - The Arctic Challenge 2025 Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Hannah Huppi - The Arctic Challenge 2025

    “We broke the speed record by five days — a direct result of Duncan’s expert coaching and thorough, high-quality training.”

  • Swiss Raw Ocean Rowing Team who were trained by The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Ingvar Groza - Swiss Raw

    “We didn’t want to leave any stone unturned — that’s why we contacted Duncan to give us a thorough update on drills and manoeuvres.”

  • Deep Blue Crew Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Gus Knott - Deep Blue Crew

    “Professionalism, compassion and know-how — Duncan and Aaron helped us not only survive but flourish on the ocean.”

  • Ananya Prasad Atlantic Odyssey Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Ananya Prasad - Atlantic Odyssey

    “Thanks to Duncan’s training, I handled losing my rudder solo — his coaching made the difference between struggle and success.”

  • Team Cheerfulness Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Peter Sage - Team Cheerfulness

    “Duncan gave us the certainty we needed — his mastery and commitment to client success are unmatched.”

  • The Tidewaves Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Louise Cox - The Tidewaves

    “You won’t just survive at sea, you’ll thrive — Duncan equips you with every skill for a safe, enjoyable crossing.”

  • Adam Jones - Row2Inspire Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Adam Jones - Row2Inspire

    “Duncan put me at ease from day one and gave me the confidence to row out under the stars — and I haven’t looked back since.”

  • Nia Bayliss - The Lightship Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Nia Bayliss - The Lightship

    “Duncan’s depth of knowledge and passion make him the safest pair of hands to take a team from the start to beyond the finish line.”

  • Andy Purvis - Oar Mighty Mates Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Andy Purvis - Oar Mighty Mates

    “This course is a no-brainer for first-time ocean rowers — it gave us the confidence and skills to row safely and efficiently.”

  • Taylor Winyard - Pacific Triow Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Taylor Winyard - Pacific Triow

    “By the end of the training course, we felt confident, prepared, and totally fired up for whatever the Pacific threw at us.”

  • Aidan O'Reilly - The Emerald Expedition Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Aidan O'Reilly - The Emerald Expedition

    “Duncan’s enthusiasm and professionalism made us confident and capable to embark on our own adventure.”

  • Eamon Breen - Atlantic Broing Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Eamon Breen - Atlantic Broing

    “Duncan gave us the platform to become strong and efficient ocean rowers — calm, organised, and level-headed from start to finish.”

  • Jack Norris - The Emerald Expedition Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Jack Norris - The Emerald Expedition

    “There is really just no way to know how much you don't know — the 4-day course was excellent and took us through everything we needed.”

  • KARL - 2Stroke Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    KARL - 2Stroke

    “The best decision we made. Duncan’s knowledge and experience are second to none.”

  • Maddie - Vibe The Wave Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Maddie - Vibe The Wave

    “From the moment we met Duncan, he simplified everything — His humility and genuine passion for people and the sport is profound.”

  • Ed - 2Stroke Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Ed - 2Stroke

    “Investing in Duncan’s support was the best decision we made — it was the biggest contributor to our success and confidence at sea.”

  • Gian Luc - Oarsome Army Educators Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Gian Luc - Oarsome Army Educators

    “Approachable, friendly, and professional — we left confident and ready to take on our ocean row.”

  • Rod Adlington - The Brightsides Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Rod Adlington - The Brightsides

    “His advice literally made the difference between success or fail — I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.”

  • Andrew Major Atlantic Rocketman Ocean Rowing Team trained by The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Andrew Major - Atlantic Rocketman

    Working with Duncan was one of the most transformative parts of my journey as a solo rower — his depth of knowledge and tried and tested approaches were invaluable.

  • Andrew Tropp - The Arctic Challenge 2025 Ocean Rowing Team who trained with The Ocean Rowing Academy

    Andrew Tropp - The Arctic Challenge 2025

    “Simply put, we could not have done it without him. Duncan’s influence was woven into every aspect of our world-record success.”

Full Testimonials Page