Ananya Prasad: A Solo Journey Across the Ocean, and Beyond
As the days count down to the start of her incredible solo ocean rowing adventure, Ananya Prasad is preparing for more than just the physical challenge ahead. On December 12th, Ananya will embark on a 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic, making history as one of the few solo female rowers to attempt this feat, and potentially the first woman of colour to row any ocean solo. But for Ananya, the race is about more than personal achievement - it's about embracing isolation, pushing boundaries and inspiring others to take on challenges they never thought possible.
In an exclusive interview with Shackleton's Amelia Steele, Ananya shared with us her emotional preparation, technical training, and the unique insights she’s already gained from this ambitious journey.
Getting Ready for the Big Day
As the start of the race draws near, Ananya reflects on the surreal feeling of preparing for something so immense. “I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet,” she admits, “but I’ve been speaking to others who’ve done similar challenges. They all say it doesn’t hit you until you’re at the start line, and then you realise there’s no turning back.” For Ananya, the final preparations - arriving in La Gomera on December 1st for race prep and meeting fellow rowers - will be the first real moment of reckoning.
Looking back to when she first spoke to Shackleton for the Live Courageously campaign, Ananya reflects on how much has changed. “At that point, I had only just got the boat and I was still logging hours of technical and physical training, getting the boat ready. Now, the boat has been shipped to the start line and all the technical training is complete. It’s getting very real,” she says.
Training, Preparation, and the "Tick Boxes"
Ananya’s preparation has been a blend of rigourous physical training and mastering the technical aspects of the boat. “You need to prove that you’re familiar with the boat, know how to fix it if something breaks, and understand all the safety protocols,” she explains. It’s not just about rowing - it’s about being able to handle any situation, from life raft deployment to managing emergencies on the open ocean. “Most importantly, you have to know your boat inside out because you’ll be living on it for nearly two months,” she adds.
With the boat fully packed and ready for launch, Ananya is now focused on staying in top physical condition and tying up any final administrative loose ends. "Once I get to La Gomera, I’ll go through the boat inspections and make sure everything is set. But mostly, it’s about mentally preparing for the journey ahead," she says.
The Mental Challenge of Solo Rowing
The mental side of the journey is something Ananya is particularly focussed on. Working with a mental performance coach, she’s been using breathing exercises, meditation, and visualisation techniques to stay calm and grounded. "It’s all about getting comfortable with discomfort. I’ve also been given letters from my friends and family that I can open at certain milestones, like after 500 miles or 1000 miles. It’s a way to stay connected and keep my morale up,” she explains.
The idea of solitude is something Ananya welcomes. “Right now, I’m more focused on embracing the isolation, which actually feels like a good thing. The idea of being out there for 40 days doesn’t really bother me. I’m mentally preparing for it,” she says with a calm certainty.
Despite the isolation, Ananya will have access to a satellite phone and internet, ensuring she remains in contact with family, friends, and a safety team. But the challenge, she notes, is as much emotional as it is physical. "You have to know your limits, be mentally strong enough to push through the tough days, and also be okay with taking breaks when needed. It's all about self-awareness."
Embracing the Solitude, the Stars, and the Ocean
One of the most exciting aspects of this journey for Ananya is the opportunity to witness the night sky like never before. "I’ve always been an amateur astronomy fan, and to see the stars without light pollution will be incredible,” she says, noting that the Geminid meteor shower coincides with the start of the race. "I’m hoping to catch a few shooting stars while I’m out there."
Ananya is also looking forward to the simplicity of life at sea. "It’ll be a real mental reset, with no distractions - no emails, no admin work - just rowing and taking care of myself." And while the ocean itself may be beautiful, it’s also filled with challenges, including the potential for marlin strikes. "The boat creates shade under it, attracting smaller fish, which in turn can bring in predators like marlins. They’ve been known to puncture boats, but I’m trained for that kind of damage," she says.
Breaking Barriers: The Pressure and Power of Representation
As the only solo female rower in this year’s race, Ananya feels the weight of her role in representing underrepresented groups. “This isn’t just about me,” she says. “It’s about encouraging women of colour - and anyone from a different background - to take on challenges they might not have considered possible. It’s about breaking barriers, not just for women, but for anyone who feels like they don’t have the support or representation to pursue something like this.”
Ananya sees her journey as an opportunity to inspire others and foster greater diversity in adventure sports. “If my journey can help change the landscape of these fields - even if it’s just inspiring one person - it would be meaningful,” she says. She’s met some incredible individuals along the way, joining an incredible cohort of adventurous women, like Wendy Searle, the seventh woman to solo row to the South Pole, and Cat Burford, just embarked on her own solo expedition to the pole. These connections continue to fuel Ananya’s drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Giving Back: Charities Close to Her Heart
Throughout this journey, Ananya is raising funds for two important causes. Founded by Ananya’s uncle in 1992, the Deenabandhu Trust provides a home and education for orphaned and impoverished children in South India, shielding them from poverty and exploitation. It's a cause deeply personal to her where she has spent a lot of time. In the UK, she’s raising funds for the Mental Health Foundation, an organisation focused on mental health research, prioritising the prevention of mental illness. Her goal is to raise £100,000 to support both causes.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
As Ananya prepares for this historic journey, she remains focused on the process, not the end goal. "I’m not interested in breaking records," she says. "My goal is to complete the journey and have a well-rounded experience - enjoying the challenge, the wildlife, and the environment along the way."
For Ananya, the Atlantic crossing is not just a test of physical endurance, but a profound exploration of self-reliance, resilience, and the emotional strength it takes to confront the unknown. "This journey will challenge me in ways I can’t predict," she says, "but I believe it will help me grow, not just as an adventurer but as a person."
As she looks ahead to the start of this life-changing expedition, it’s clear that Ananya’s journey is about far more than just rowing across an ocean. It’s about breaking down barriers, changing perceptions, and encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones and chase their own dreams.
