THE SPONSORS
We couldn’t do any of this without the support of our awesome sponsors. From the biggest to the smallest, they each play an important part in making Keith’s adventure happen.
Fyffes plc
"Fyffes are delighted to become the Official Platinum sponsor of Keith Whelan's Indian Ocean Row in 2011. When we were approached by Keith in 2009 with a proposal for sponsorship it seemed a natural fit for our product and our brand.
Keith may not have the luxury of eating Fyffes bananas on his 6,000 km ocean row but due to the slow energy release of bananas some of the energy he will need and the mental alertness he requires, for training in particular, can be found in Fyffes bananas.
We commend Keith's spirit and bravery and wish him every good wish through his training and wish him great success in this enormous challenge."
Rowhire
"Rowhire are pleased to be Keith’s Official Training Partner for his incredible journey across the Indian Ocean. The exercise machines provided by Rowhire for Keith will help to build his aerobic fitness and strength, getting him in to the right physical shape to tackle the crossing.
As to the other aspects of the challenge, you are a brave man Keith and we wish you the very best of weather, seas, and luck!"
Fifty Digital
"Fifty Digital are proud to be supporting Keith on this epic challenge by providing our design expertise throughout the course of his adventure. We wish you the best of luck Keith!"
53 Degrees North
Created for active people that use their free time to pursue adventure sports, 53 Degrees North is the ultimate outdoor adventure store in Ireland. We used our wealth of experience and knowledge (that we've acquired from over 20 years of dedicated service in Irelands outdoor adventure industry) to build a company that offers its customers access to Ireland's biggest selection of the best outdoor adventure brands in the world - at the best prices.
Our staff are keen outdoor enthusiasts and will pass on their knowledge and experience when helping you with all of your purchases. They're accomplished mountain bikers, climbers, kayakers, runners, surfers, sailors, trekkers, mountaineers, hikers, walkers, skiers, snowboarders, swimmers and campers. They also undertake extensive training from all of our suppliers every season (which includes endless product testing), so their product knowledge is second to none.
We cater for complete beginners to sports professionals so everyone will feel right at home when shopping in our stores or online on our website.
Extreme Ireland
Extreme Ireland are a dynamic company based in Dublin. We specialise in walking, adventure and day tours from Dublin. We are Ireland's leading walking tour company and Dublin's leading day tour company. As adventure and the spirit of adventure is our ethos we were happy to sponsor Keith on his epic journey. Life is all about adventure, enterprise and this trip encompasses all this.
Beyond First Aid
An award winning medic, who teaches most things 'Pre-Hospital'. From family first aid and first aid at work, to dealing with a casualty in the Himalayas and evacuation from remote deserts. He also advises on travel safety and can provide you with country specific data sheets showing what nasties the place can throw at you, how to avoid them, and what vaccinations you'll need. Thanks for all your help Steve!
Brodericks Brothers
Barry, myself and all the staff at Brodericks Brothers are delighted to be rowing in behind Keith (not literally of course as we have to stay in Ireland and make delicious bars- if we weren't busy doing that we obviously would have!) for this incredible challenge of crossing the Indian Ocean. This is a super human effort from Keith and we wish him all the best on this epic solo journey. We'll have plenty of tasty treats waiting for you on your return.
Feedme.ie (official expedition food sponsor)
Feedme.ie, Ireland's largest and 100% Irish online food ordering website are very proud to sponsor Keith on his epic journey rowing across the Indian Ocean. We wish Keith a safe and pleasant crossing and look forward to an account of his journey when he returns.
Powerbar-Life Cycle Ltd.
"Powerbar-Life Cycle Ltd. are honoured to be Keith’s official nutritional supplier for this extremely arduous challenge. Powerbar products continue to be recognised by elite athletes in assisting them in achieving their aspirations and we wish Keith a successful journey."
Buff®
"Buff®, makers of The Original Multifunctional Headwear are delighted to be supporting Keith in his challenge. We’re sure the Buff® headwear we’ve provided will prove invaluable on his journey and also help a little with his fundraising. Keith, best of luck with the challenges the Indian Ocean with throw at you. We look forward to your safe return."
Crewroom
Crewroom specialises in technical performance clothing including specialist rowing kit, running gear and cycling clothing.
Timex
Timex is delighted to support Keith achieve his goal of rowing solo across the Indian Ocean. Timex has an unparalleled heritage of creating innovative, technologically advanced and reliable timepieces for endurance athletes. We hope our timepieces will be a great training companion to Keith in his preparation and on his journey across the Indian Ocean. Keith, to a successful and safe return!
O'Leary Analytics
With headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, O'Leary Analytics is an Online Media Monitoring and Analysis company. Formed in 2009, they monitor over 120,000 online news producing sources on behalf of clients.
Numa Sport Optics
Numa Sport Optics is dedicated to creating the highest quality eyewear, built to last, no matter the conditions. We are committed to combining the very best optical technology for our lenses with lightweight, resilient performance design for our frames.
Soleo Organic Sunscreen
Soleo are delighted to be able to support Keith in his challenge to row solo across the Indian Ocean. As he will be subjected to pretty harsh conditions, he can be confident that he will be well protected from the sun using the safest and most effective sunscreen available.
Relinquish
Relinquish is a new, Irish urban clothing brand and its mission is to encourage people to step outside of their comfort zone, live life and give back! When we first met with Keith, we knew straight away that he is the epitomy of everything Relinquish values and stands for. We just knew that we had to support him and are proud to be involved.
We really admire what he is setting out to do - capturing the true spirit of Relinquish - 'Give In To Life'.
We wish him all the best on his exciting journey.
Athy Heritage Centre Museum
Athy Town Council and Athy Heritage Centre Museum are delighted to support Keith on his expedition; yet another Athy man who is testing human endurance and following the lead of our own Sir Ernest Shackleton. When visiting our heritage town, take time to visit the world's only permanent exhibition devoted to the Shackleton Polar Expeditions at the Athy Heritage Centre Museum in Emily Square (Tel. 059 8633075).
The Little Coffee House
The Little Coffee House, a Carlow business, member of Carlow Tourism, MyChefAtHome.ie, Carlow Friday Market and Athy Farmer's Market are proud sponsors of Keith Whelan, in his quest as the Naked Adventurer to row across the Indian Ocean next April.
The Little Coffee House provides a friendly, efficient and reliable service to all our customers, whether you are one of our many loyal and regular customers who drop by for a gorgeous Cappuccino or Latte To Go in Carlow town. Our Coffees and Teas are of the highest quality, and our Hot Chocolate is hand blended to our own secret recipe.
We look forward to welcoming Keith home next year, and continuing our sponsorship on his many quests to follow!
Talbot Hotel, Carlow
Sigg
The "World's Toughest Water Bottle", SIGG combines 100 years of Swiss quality & craftsmanship with a fresh, fun perspective on contemporary style.
If you think your business could provide support to Keith’s challenge then please contact us for a sponsorship information pack.
To discuss sponsorship options, you can speak to challenge publicist Emily Tully on
(+353) (0)86 385 6225 or email emily@thenakedadventurer.com.
OUR CHARITY
Keep a Child Alive is dedicated to providing life-saving anti-retroviral treatment, care and support services to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.
DONATIONS
By making a donation you'll help Keith to raise £10,000 for Keep a Child Alive. Click here to donate »
KEITH'S BLOG
- Solo in a boat?
I may have been solo in a boat but by no means was, this a challenge I undertook all by myself. So many people have helped me along the way so I just want to use this space to say thank you to those people individually. Firstly my sponsors, When I set out to do [...]
Continue reading » - Do you require assistance?
Fujisuka fujisuka fujisuka …this is ocean rowing boat… So after two capsizes can your day get any worse. I thought not, but I was about to be surprised. It’s funny now but at the time I felt almost calmer at sea having being capsized twice. I knew what it was like now and better still [...]
Continue reading »