Experienced rower will attempt to break world record

Wednesday 03 November 2021

Local endurance rower Simon Johns wants to break the distance world record for an indoor 24-hour solo row.

His attempt will be supported by financial services group, Praxis IFM, as the main sponsor, and will take place on 13-14 November to raise money for charity.

“I’ve had my eye on this challenge for ten years after a previous charity row back in 2011,” said Mr Johns.

“I’ve been specifically training for this since the first lockdown in early 2020, and in that time I’ve rowed 7.5 million metres, further than London to Miami.”

The world record was set in 2006 when a distance of 280.5 km was rowed within 24 hours. The record was set in the aged 40 – 49 lightweight category. 

Pictured: The current record of 280km in 24 hours is the equivalent of rowing from Sark to Jersey 11 times.

Mr Johns has raised nearly £4,000 so far in the run-up to the row. He will donate all the funds raised to Bright Tights and the Premature Baby Foundation.

“Bright Tights and the Premature Baby Foundation are two charities that are close to my heart,” said Mr Johns.

“Both have provided invaluable support to the families of two of my close rowing friends. Having experienced first-hand how our local community benefits from the great work these organisations do, I want to give something back to them.”

Praxis IFM is excited to be Mr John’s main sponsor. “We’re always proud of our local team and Simon exemplifies the hard-working, determined and generous person we look to hire," they said. "The Premature Baby Foundation and Bright Tights charities rely on the aid of islanders and local businesses, so we are happy to support them by backing Simon."