All Events

The Science of Rowing Solo Across the Atlantic

Details
Date
May 18, 2025
Time
11:20am, 1:20pm
Location
Science World
Tickets
Free with General Admission

Join extreme athlete Kyle Wills for a short talk as he explains the science behind tackling the World’s Toughest Row – a solo rowing race that will take him 5,000km across the Atlantic Ocean! Come learn about the technology, equipment and food he’ll bring on his epic adventure.

Rowing 5,000 kilometres across the Atlantic Ocean isn’t just about strength—it’s science too. From a custom-built boat outfitted with solar panels, navigation systems, and a water desalination unit, to the 6,000+ calories of freeze-dried food needed daily, every aspect of ocean rowing is a lesson in survival, endurance, and preparation.

Kyle will break down the physical and mental demands of his upcoming solo row for the SickKids Foundation. You’ll discover how sleep deprivation, calorie management, and ocean weather systems play a role in getting from one side of the world to the other—all powered by one pair of oars and a whole lot of determination.

Athlete Bio

Kyle Wills is a Vancouver-based endurance athlete, ultrarunner, skydiver, and pilot currently training for the World’s Toughest Row—a 5,000-kilometre solo, unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean, launching in December 2026. One of only three Canadians to ever attempt this feat, Kyle is using this expedition to raise $250,000 for the SickKids Foundation, supporting life-saving pediatric care and research.

With a background in adventure sports and a passion for pushing human limits, Kyle has completed multiple 100-mile ultramarathons and now brings his resilience to the open ocean. His journey is as much about purpose as performance: honouring his own past mental health struggles, inspiring others to embrace challenges, and ensuring every child has the chance to keep thriving with the best care possible.

About the sticker

Survivors

Artist: Jeff Kulak

Jeff is a senior graphic designer at Science World. His illustration work has been published in the Walrus, The National Post, Reader’s Digest and Chickadee Magazine. He loves to make music, ride bikes, and spend time in the forest.

About the sticker

Egg BB

Artist: Jeff Kulak

Jeff is a senior graphic designer at Science World. His illustration work has been published in the Walrus, The National Post, Reader’s Digest and Chickadee Magazine. He loves to make music, ride bikes, and spend time in the forest.

About the sticker

Comet Crisp

Artist: Jeff Kulak

Jeff is a senior graphic designer at Science World. His illustration work has been published in the Walrus, The National Post, Reader’s Digest and Chickadee Magazine. He loves to make music, ride bikes, and spend time in the forest.

About the sticker

T-Rex and Baby

Artist: Michelle Yong

Michelle is a designer with a focus on creating joyful digital experiences! She enjoys exploring the potential forms that an idea can express itself in and helping then take shape.

About the sticker

Buddy the T-Rex

Artist: Michelle Yong

Michelle is a designer with a focus on creating joyful digital experiences! She enjoys exploring the potential forms that an idea can express itself in and helping then take shape.

About the sticker

Geodessy

Artist: Michelle Yong

Michelle is a designer with a focus on creating joyful digital experiences! She enjoys exploring the potential forms that an idea can express itself in and helping then take shape.

About the sticker

Science Buddies

Artist: Ty Dale

From Canada, Ty was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1993. From his chaotic workspace he draws in several different illustrative styles with thick outlines, bold colours and quirky-child like drawings. Ty distils the world around him into its basic geometry, prompting us to look at the mundane in a different way.

About the sticker

Western Dinosaur

Artist: Ty Dale

From Canada, Ty was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1993. From his chaotic workspace he draws in several different illustrative styles with thick outlines, bold colours and quirky-child like drawings. Ty distils the world around him into its basic geometry, prompting us to look at the mundane in a different way.

About the sticker

Time-Travel T-Rex

Artist: Ty Dale

From Canada, Ty was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1993. From his chaotic workspace he draws in several different illustrative styles with thick outlines, bold colours and quirky-child like drawings. Ty distils the world around him into its basic geometry, prompting us to look at the mundane in a different way.

Cookies Ahead!
Read our privacy policy to learn about how our website uses cookies for analytics and marketing purposes.

We believe that now, more than ever, the world needs people who care about science. Help us fund the future and next generation of problem solvers, wonder seekers, world changers and nerds.

Donate Now