NORTON SHORES, Mich. — A Mona Shores graduate who has already run from L.A. to Washington D.C., is now charting the course for his next adventure -- rowing across the North Atlantic all by himself.
Byrce Carlson's unique rowing vessel may been seen on Mona Lake for the next two weeks. The vessel, which he's owned for less than two months, was built in England and Carlson says he hopes to row it back there.
He's training on the boat in preparation for a solo unsupported tow across the North Atlantic. "So I have an extra set of ors just in case one brakes," said Carlson.
►More information: brycerows.com
He currently teaches high school science in Cincinnati, Ohio, and also coaches that city's junior rowing team.
"The boat is just over 20 feet and weighs just over 700 pounds," said Carlson. The Atlantic crossing will have Carlson living in his boat for several weeks.
"The most optimistic estimates is between 40 days on the short end and 80 days on the long end," said Carlson.
The itinerary starts in St. John's, Newfoundland. It should end in Southwest England.
Carlson began thinking about the rowing adventure during an epic 3,000 mile run in 2015.
"It was in the middle of my run across the U.S. a couple years ago that I started to dream about what's next," said Carlson.
The two week training session in the Muskegon area will include a crossing from Milwaukee to Muskegon. The North Atlantic crossing will start in May or June next year.
While on the crossing, Carlson hopes to communicate daily with his students and supporters using videos and blogs.
The Ocean Rowing Society has recorded only 15 successful solo unsupported North Atlantic crossings.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WZZM 13 app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.