Student makes history by rowing Pacific

University of North Georgia (UNG) sophomore Harrison Crockett and his father, Tim Crockett, this summer became the first father-son duo to row the Pacific Ocean. They completed the milestone via the Mid-Pacific route, starting June 3 and wrapping up July 20.

The pair completed more than 2,400 nautical miles in 47 days, 14 hours, 53 minutes. Their adventure raised awareness and funds for veteran mental health causes. Tim Crockett, who served in England's Royal Marine Commandos, completed a solo row of the Atlantic Ocean in 2018 after losing a friend who was a fellow veteran to suicide.

Harrison Crockett, a Marietta, Georgia, resident who is pursuing a degree in international affairs, was excited to join his father on the journey for this row. After being in seventh grade during Tim Crockett's Atlantic row, Harrison Crockett didn't have to watch from afar this time.

The pair began their journey in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Franciso, California, and completed it with family awaiting them in Hilo, Hawaii. They pushed through often-turbulent weather along the way.

"I'm not just able to do something incredibly hard like this. But I'm also able to mentally persevere through it," Harrison Crockett said. "You think you can only do so much, but really, your reach is so much further."

Tim Crockett had a better idea of what to expect from his previous ocean rowing, something his son didn’t have.

"He was stepping out into the unknown," Tim Crockett said. "I was impressed by how quickly Harrison adapted to the conditions. You couldn't ask for anything more."

Jennifer Crockett said intense preparation allowed her son to be so effective in working with his father on this milestone.

"It forces you to grow up pretty quickly," she said. "They worked really hard to make sure that not only was Harrison physically ready, but that he was also emotionally ready."