Meet LEO
daring to ROW THE ATLANTIC SOLO in 2025
My name is Leo Krivskiy,
doctor by trade, adventurer by heart
In 2025, I am embarking on the ambitious endeavour to row solo across the Atlantic. This seemingly insurmountable journey is not only a test of my own resilience and mental fortitude, but also a mission to support a cause very close to my heart - my Ukraine Medical Charity, Ukrops.
My Inspiration TO ROW THE ATLANTIC
Rowing the Atlantic solo is a challenge I have taken up for two reasons - personal growth and humanitarian aid.
On a personal level, this journey is about pushing my own boundaries. It's about seeing how far I can stretch my resilience and determination. It's about testing my own limits and seeing if the immense power of the ocean can make or break me. But more than physical strength, this journey is about mental resilience. It's about being one with nature and accepting whatever it decides to throw my way. I believe this life-altering experience will mould me into a better version of myself.
On a humanitarian level, this rowing expedition is aimed at supporting my Ukraine Medical Charity, Ukrops. Given the political instability in Ukraine, the medical infrastructure has been severely hit. Through my charity, I aim to provide medical equipment and supplies to my Ukrainian colleagues, while also offering them necessary training and support.
My Journey So Far…
Born in Moscow, Russia, I moved to the UK in 2002. My formative years gave me a unique perspective on life. It made me immune to the communist ideology that is often romanticised by those who haven't experienced it first-hand.
Growing up in the landlocked city of Moscow, I was always drawn to the vast, limitless sea. Perhaps it's this inexplicable pull that led me to the south coast of the UK, my home for the past two decades where I am now a Consultant Anaesthetist working at the University Hospital Southampton.
In 2021, I participated in a charity rowing race across the Mediterranean. This was a seminal experience that planted the seed of ocean rowing in my mind. It made me realise the immense potential of physical fitness and the power of self-belief.
At 52, I am in the best shape of my life, physically and mentally. Every day, I push my boundaries a little more, constantly reminding myself that the only limitations are the ones we set for ourselves.
"Driven to test my limits and learn beyond my comfort zone, I embark on a journey not just for self-growth, but to fuel a deeper mission: supporting Ukrainian medics. Every challenge I face and overcome strengthens my resolve to make a meaningful impact, blending personal development with a heartfelt dedication to those in need. This adventure is about more than acquiring skills; it's a commitment to making a real difference to peoples lives through knowledge, compassion, and action.”
— Leo Krivskiy
My Mission to HELP PEOPLE IN UKRAINE
The humanitarian cause attached to my mission gives me the strength when I feel weak or uncertain. Helping Ukrainian medics is a cause bigger than myself. It's about serving people I truly care about and making a difference in their lives.
Through my charity, I aim to raise funds for some key projects that could significantly improve the lives of my medical colleagues in Ukraine and their patients. To achieve this, I am focusing my efforts on helping doctors who are in leadership positions and can make real, positive changes.
MY TEAM
MY JOURNEY WOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE
WITHOUT MY DEDICATED SUPPORT TEAM
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The Krivskiys
Heartfelt thanks to my family, the Krivskiys, my rock in this solo rowing adventure. Though I'm alone on the water, their support and shared journey from day one make all the difference. Facing every challenge together, their strength and belief carry me through. To my biggest fans, my enduring support system, we are stronger as a family. Here's to the Krivskiys ❤️
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Simon Rowell
Simon is my weather router. An engineer turned meteorologist, Simon is an expert at predicting weather at sea. He has worked with clients of all sorts – from race-winning ocean rowers to Rugby World Cup teams. Simon's expertise will be crucial in helping me navigate the unpredictable weather conditions of the Atlantic.
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Lee Boyce
Lee is my personal trainer. A renowned name in the fitness industry, Lee has been helping people transform their lives through fitness for the past 17 years. His book 'Strength Training for All Body Types: The Science of Lifting and Levers' is a must-read for anyone looking to understand fitness from a scientific perspective.
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Lee Mowlem
Lee launched her web consulting business in 2017, initially creating a website for her husband's ocean rowing team. She now specialises in web design, SEO and content strategy, designing dynamic websites for ocean rowers, adventurers and small businesses. Her mission is to simplify web tech for clients, empowering them with an effective, confident online presence.
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Dave "Dinger" bell
Dave “Dinger” Bell is my coach and mentor.
He is a retired Royal Marine of 20 years, after a few short years on the ‘outside’ he decided to give up work to pursue a life less ordinary. Since 2016 he has hiked 1000’s of miles in Scotland and New Zealand and cycled across Europe. In 2021 he left New York to row solo and unsupported back to the UK. His North Atlantic crossing took 118 days and it is the benefit of this experience which Dinger brings to my project.
“I am delighted to be supporting Leo. He has great motivation, a great boat and a great cause. There is always a huge amount to do before an expedition of this magnitude but I am confident his preparation and belief in his cause will see him safely across”
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Martin Cohen
Martin Cohen has helped me with nutrition and has been instrumental in optimising my gut health before my solo transatlantic row.
Martin is a registered Nutritional therapist with over 15 years in the health and wellbeing industry.
His passion for nutrition was born out of his own health challenges and observing the challenges of close family members.
During his training, he began to develop a fascination with gut health and started to specialise in this area.
Now as the director and lead clinician at The IBS & Gut Health Clinic, he works closely with his patients to address the cause of their condition and help them to reach a symptom-free life.
LATEST BLOGS
In this limited amount of time that I have left before leaving for Gran Canaria in December, my attention has been focussed on tidying up my knowledge and skills which are vital for the success of my project, particularly related to the boat’s electrical set-up. There have been some important changes in my team, which make me a lot more confident about being able to reach our goals. The boat is now out of the water for the final stages of the prep, which will involve an inventory of the equipment and food and trying to fit it into it in a way that is safe and with an easy access to the kit that I might need in an emergency.
My journey is fully planned and the ferry tickets are booked. I am leaving the UK with the boat in tow on December 10th and arriving in Gran Canaria on the 15th with a plan to push off to Barbados before Christmas.