Rowing for a Cause: Seas the Day

Seas the Day

Polo Playing Atlantic Rower

Miriam Payne is a 23-year-old physics graduate from East Yorkshire who plays at The White Rose Polo Club near Market Weighton. She is a competent -1 who is a very reliable team player. Her polo journey started with The Junior Acadamy at White Rose and her first tournament there saw her being awarded Most Valuable Player. Miriam started playing polo at Club level when she gained her handicap aged 12. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength and latterly has played with the Club patron Hedley Aylott and his team, Summit. Miriam is very much looking forward to next year’s polo season, moving forward and playing her two homebred ponies. But for now her focus is set on The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, which will see Miriam row 3,000 miles solo across the Atlantic to raise funds for Mind UK and Wellbeing of Women, so Polo Times spoke to her to find out why she was undertaking this huge challenge.

Q: Why The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge?

A: Why not! Life is short! You only regret the opportunities you don’t take. I am sure that most people could think of a thousand and one reasons not to take on ‘The World’s Toughest Row’. And granted, 3000 miles of blisters, salt sores and ration packed food doesn’t exactly scream ‘festive Christmas getaway’. However, I could not find a single reason as to why I didn’t want to take part. I’m hoping to complete the challenge in 50 to 60 days but it is dependent on the weather and conditions at sea.

Q: Rowing solo across the Atlantic is no mean feat, how will you be preparing both physically and mentally?

A: I am working with a specialist ocean rowing coach and a personal trainer who have both taken part in The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. I am training 1 to 2 times most days both in the gym for strength and conditioning and I also spend long hours on a rowing machine. However, the most important part of training is getting to know the boat and clocking up training hours out at sea. My mental preparation is involved in all aspects of physical training as is finding extra little ways to test myself. I think the boredom and monotony will be the most difficult aspect of the challenge.

Photography courtesy of Miriam Payne

Miriam started playing polo at Club level

Q: Why did you choose these two charities?

A: I have chosen to fundraise for Wellbeing of Women and Mind. I am inspired by Mind’s mission to empower those suffering from mental health issues through their initiatives. Asking for help shouldn’t be as difficult as rowing an ocean. Wellbeing of Women are dedicated to improving the health of women and babies through pioneering medical research. Included in their research is cancers like ovarian cancer, to which I have lost loved ones. Women’s health is typically underfunded, and through my campaign, I hope to raise awareness of this problem and just how crucial research in this area is.

Q: How can we follow your progress?

A: By website: www.seastheday2022.com Social media: @seastheday2022 for Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

The crossing could take between 50 and 60 days

Q: Where can people donate?

A: www.seastheday2022.com/donate. This also contains information about sponsorship opportunities