Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
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Academics from Leeds Beckett University are supporting former SAS soldier Ian Rivers as he rows across the Atlantic Ocean for the Row Sentinel Challenge. Find out more about Ian, the challenge ahead and the expertise and research that is being put into practice.
Ian Rivers
I’d describe myself as an adventurer. I’ve always been drawn to the ocean, ever since I was a kid. I’ve wanted to attempt this challenge since I was in my 20s.
The challenge
Ian will be rowing a small boat over 3,100 miles, with only the stars to guide him to raise money for the SAS Regimental Association’s Sentinels programme and St Michael’s Hospice in Herefordshire. He will be rowing for between nine and twelve hours each day and estimates that the crossing will take him around 95 days. He will start the challenge in mid-May.
Ian's story
From tackling Everest, to escaping kidnap in Syria, Ian’s life has been anything but dull. He’s a qualified yacht master, an ex-SAS solider with 27 years of experience and a mountain guide. Now 55 and a grandfather, he’s attempting to complete a challenge that has been his ambition for decades.
COMPLETING THE JOURNEY
Ian arrived at the Isles of Scilly on Monday 23 August, after 85 days in the Atlantic Ocean. During that time, he battled through capsizings, a force 10 storm and serious injuries. Read more about his journey.
Ian Rivers says thank you to Leeds Beckett
Dr Mariana Kaiseler talks about preparing Ian for the Sentinel Rowing Challenge.
The challenge has its own dedicated website where you can find out more about Ian and his background along with a detailed breakdown of the challenge itself. The row is designed to raise money for the Special Air Service Regimental Association (SASRA) and St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford, whilst also raising awareness of the mental health challenges facing serving and veteran personnel.
Follow the latest updates on Ian's progress on the twitter feed for the challenge.
Ian approached Leeds Beckett after working with the university previously when it supported the British Army’s attempt to summit Mount Everest via the West Ridge in 2006. He has been given expert advice from academics from the Carnegie School of Sport and the School of Health on various aspects of the challenge, from physiology to nutrition.
Ian being assessed by the team at Leeds Beckett
More details about the members of Ian's support team at Leeds Beckett
Matt Barlow is a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology within the Carnegie School of Sport.
Dr Alex Dinsdale is the Course Leader for the MSc Strength and Conditioning and a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics. Alongside his academic role. Alex is an accredited member of the UKSCA and a fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has also been a successful strength and conditioning coach for well over a decade, whereby he has worked with numerous sports at all levels of performance.
Dr Lauren Duckworth is the Course Director for the postgraduate suite of sport and exercise nutrition courses within the Carnegie School of Sport.
Lauren completed her PhD research at Leeds Beckett University entitled, 'Dietary Protein Manipulation in Overweight and Obese Adolescents'. Funded by Glaxo Smith Kline and supervised by Professor Roderick King and Professor Paul Gately. Lauren previously completed her BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett University and went on to gain an MSc with Distinction in Exercise Physiology at Loughborough University.
Jason is a Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Therapy and Sports Medicine. His teaching commenced at Leeds Beckett University in 2017, after almost a decade as Senior Lecturer in Sports Therapy at Teesside University. He also continues to treat elite athletes within his own sports injury clinic.
Dr Theocharis Ispoglou, PhD, MSc, PGCHE, SFHEA, is a Reader at Leeds Beckett University. Theocharis has a keen interest and expertise in studying the effects of nutritional and exercise interventions as a means to optimise human performance.
Andrew is a Principal Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Psychology. He also works as a Practitioner Sport and Exercise Psychologist supporting athletes and coaches from a range of sports and backgrounds.
John O'Hara is a Professor in Sport and Exercise Physiology. His research interests are in the area of sport performance, including; carbohydrate metabolism; physiological changes at high altitude; hydration status; global position tracking.
Dan is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sport & Exercise Physiology. His research interests include: Acclimation interventions for competition in thermally challenging environments; Exertion associated illnesses and heat stress; Performance and applied sport science.
Head of Sport and Exercise Nutrition, Louise has a diverse applied work profile alongside her academic role. With a background in clinical dietetics she has a particular interest in the practical application of sport dietetics in elite and extreme environments.
