The United World Challenge
A daring journey across the ocean for research, education, conservation and inspiration.
MISSION
Our mission is to accelerate solutions for ocean innovation and inspire a more courageous world.
Expedition
1
Monterey, California to Oahu, Hawaii
2700 miles – 71 days
Despite having no prior rowing experience I solo rowed the 2020 United World Challenge from California to Hawaii, becoming the first person to ever row the treacherous route as their first ocean row.
People who have climbed Everest
people who have walked on the moon
people who have solo rowed to hawaii
With the support of the United World Challenge team and partners, Our first expedition
raised $76,775 for charity
funded the collection & recycling of nearly 5,000 pounds of ocean plastic, and
inspired thousands of people worldwide
Major Announcement Coming Soon
Be the first to know about our second expedition by signing up below.
MEET TEZ
My journey began with experiencing depression in college and led me to become the only person ever to row solo from California to Hawaii as their first ocean row.
In between, I became one of the youngest delegates to attend the World Economic Forum and earned an MBA from London Business School while running some of the UK’s longest ultra-marathons. I’ve also had my share of turbulent times. In 2016, I experienced radical loss when my father took his own life – an event which inspired me to become and ocean rower. And as a professional, I’ve moved through many changing tides. Navigating those challenges has ultimately propelled my growth.
I believe we all have an “ocean” to cross, and the United World Challenge is my mission to inspire others to find their ocean and the courage to cross it.
Set a goal so big, you have to grow into the person who can achieve it.
The Team
The Challenge is supported by adventure, medical, and marine science experts, plus a coalition of world-class media partners and expedition sponsors.
Current Sponsors
The Ocean Is Our Planet’s Life Support System
After completing Expedition 1, I kept thinking about the ocean. Its health determines ours. I started asking, what now? What's next? What’s a goal so big that I have to grow into the person who can achieve it? A goal so big, it inspires others to grow with me?
And so the next step with the United World Challenge?
It came to me that it's not just about completing another expedition, but to do so in a way that brings researchers, companies, and storytellers together to create tangible results for the ocean by:
- Supporting frontline conservation efforts and market-based solutions
- Advancing scientific research
- Inspiring people to feel connected to the oceans
There's never been a more critical time to connect with our oceans. We have to take action now, because if we lose the oceans, we lose everything.
We get to take action to protect and restore the oceans, so we never lose our most vital connection to the waters that fuel all of who we are.
When we protect the oceans, we protect us all.
Interested in getting involved with Expedition 2?
Sponsorship is more than just a good story. It’s about pursuing a vision greater than the sum of the parts. It’s about making impact neither partner could achieve alone.
In short, it’s about crossing oceans together.
