On paper, they’re four Australian women with day jobs, strong opinions, and a
shared love for the ocean. In reality, they’re on a mission to make history—rowing
5,000 kilometres across the Atlantic in the World’s Toughest Row. No engine. No
sail. Just strength, belief, and one relentless question: What if we actually can?
They call themselves the Blades of Oary. And they’re not here for comfort—they’re
here to get uncomfortable on purpose.
Micah, Cassie, Chelsea and Laura: The Women Behind the Oars
They met through remote work, wild adventures, and wind-whipped days on kitesurf
boards. Their bond deepened over time, stitched together by salt, sweat, and the
kind of humour you earn by being far from home.
Micah was the first to catch the spark—watching a film about women rowing the
Atlantic lit a fire that wouldn’t go out. She didn’t want to just admire boldness. She
wanted to live it.
Cassie is a nurse and the team’s go-to for medical emergencies—but she’s also the
calm in the storm, the one who makes chaos feel planned. Her reason for doing this?
To prove that women belong in every arena—especially the wild ones.
Chelsea is methodical, self-aware, and fiercely committed. She’s the one who’s
worried about sleep deprivation—and the one who’s training the hardest to conquer
it.
Laura is the sailor and the ocean-lover. The one who finds peace in the swell and
challenge in every wave. She is here to show that the ocean isn't just a place for men
with maps—it’s for women with vision.
From left: Chelsea, Cassie, Micah, and Laura
The Dream is a Boat Named Saltie
The boat is small, stripped-back, and self-sufficient. Just like them. It’s home for weeks on end—two hours rowing, two hours resting. No support. No land in sight. Just an endless blue horizon and the raw, honest effort of four women chasing something bigger than themselves.
They've trained for over two years, mastering technique, strength, and survival. But what stands out isn’t the fitness—it’s the resilience. Because what they’re building isn’t just physical stamina—it’s the mental muscle to push through doubt, isolation, and fear.
And they’re doing it all for something far bigger than a personal challenge. They’re raising $250,000 for Ruah Community Services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, two organisations dedicated to supporting women and remote communities across Australia. Because adventure should give back. And courage should serve others.
Not Just a Row—A Reckoning
They've faced logistical nightmares, time-zone battles, and the humble brutality of peeling 20kg of onions every month for Bunnings sausage sizzles. “It’s hilarious now,” they laugh, “but it’s also part of the story. Part of what makes this real.”
When they talk about what scares them—injury, sleep loss, unpredictable seas—they don’t flinch. They talk about it, plan for it, and move forward anyway. That’s the point.
And when you ask them what they’re most looking forward to? They don’t say “the finish.” They say the dolphins, the silence, the simplicity. The feeling of being utterly present, connected to something ancient and wild.
This Is the 2NU Spirit
At 2NU, we champion people who take the path less travelled—and sometimes, no path at all. The Blades of Oary embody everything we stand for: bold movement, sharp vision, and an unbreakable connection to the outdoors.
They’re not influencers. They’re not chasing likes. They’re chasing something real—and we’re proud to be part of the journey that helps them unleash their vision.
What Comes After the Atlantic?
They don’t know yet. And that’s part of the magic. Maybe they’ll row the Indian Ocean. Maybe they’ll ride the wind to a new kitesurfing destination. What’s certain is this: they won’t stop moving forward.
Follow the journey. Support their cause. Be reminded of what happens when ordinary people decide to do something extraordinary.
How to Follow the Journey:
- Instagram: @bladesofoary
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Donation Page: Australian Sports Foundation
Final Word from the Blades:
"The scariest moment is always before you start. After that? It’s just you, the ocean, and the proof that you’re capable of more than you ever imagined."
How to support the Team:
- Direct donation: Australian Sports Foundation
- Buy 2NU performance sunglasses with Blades of Oary discount code [BLADESOFOARY] to enjoy 25% off for all items (except Try-on), and 2NU will donate all operational profit of the order to Australian Sports Foundation.