Isaac Giesen · Christchurch, NZ

Across an ocean,
against depression.

The first New Zealander to row solo across the Atlantic, and the first to row two oceans in one year. 143 days at sea, in honour of an Aunty and two mates lost to suicide.

Book Isaac to speak The story
Our story

An ordinary Kiwi, an extraordinary row.

Isaac Giesen became the first New Zealander to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, and the first New Zealander to row two oceans in one year. A total of 143 days at sea.

He did it in honour of his Aunty and two close mates lost to suicide.

The biggest challenge I'm going to face is the isolation.Isaac, before the row

Isaac now travels New Zealand with Bonnie Lass, the boat that carried him across, speaking to schools, businesses and communities about his journey, positive mental health, and the eight key points that have helped him along the way.

Bonnie Lass, Isaac's orange ocean rowing boat, on its trailer
Bonnie Lass, Isaac's ocean rowing boat
By the numbers

What it took.

1st New Zealander to row the Atlantic solo
143 Days at sea across two ocean rows
7,700 KM Portugal to Cuba in 74 days

Real talks.
Real boat.
Real kōrero.

Isaac speaks at schools, businesses, charities and community events across Aotearoa. He brings his boat, his eight key points for staying mentally well, and the kind of plain-spoken honesty about depression and suicide that people remember years later.

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Schools

From Year 9 assemblies to Year 13 leadership conferences. Goal setting, perseverance, mental health, and finding your own adventure. Isaac has spoken to audiences of 600 to 900 students at a time.

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Corporates

Staff days, client functions and leadership offsites. Isaac brings Bonnie Lass to the carpark and a story that connects high performance with mental wellbeing, without the corporate-speaker varnish.

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Communities & events

Mental health awareness events, youth trusts, sports clubs and charities. The message is universal and the delivery is genuine.

Testimonies

What schools and businesses say.

This was 450 children aged 5 to 13, and every one of them intently listened to every word.
Jonathan BierworthDeputy Rector, St Andrew's College
With just under 900 students present Isaac gave an informative and entertaining presentation… We have invited Isaac back to present to our Senior school as we felt that the message was both relevant and valuable.
Dave BoneAssistant Principal, Christchurch Boys' High School
His 8 lessons for life are simple yet powerful for our young people to take on board and start straight away.
John QuinnDirector of Wellbeing and Positive Education, Christ's College
Isaac's speech and presentation at our recent client function was fascinating, inspiring, unique and, most importantly, from the heart. Having the boat there was a real drawcard that drew everyone in and got them engaged with the topic.
Francis FitzgeraldCEO, Partners Finance & Lease
Our students and staff left the presentation already starting to feel less stressed, more relaxed, ready to take responsibility and ready for adventure!
Lisa PonweiserActing Assistant Principal, Mount Hutt College
It was a truly inspirational talk… He also brought Bonnie Lass along for us all to see just how small she is and confirm how tough a journey it would have been for him over the 74 days at sea!
David CrickCEO and Managing Director, Runacers
Legends

Three charities. One cause.

Bravehearts logo

Bravehearts

Preventing child sexual assault, because happy, healthy kids grow into happy, healthy adults.

Black Dog Institute logo

Black Dog Institute

Improving the lives of people affected by depression, bipolar disorder and suicide, through research and clinical practice.

Victim Support NZ logo

Victim Support NZ

A free 24/7 community response for people facing grief and trauma at the worst times of their lives.

Get Isaac to your event

Bring the boat.
Tell the story.

School assembly, leadership offsite or community fundraiser: Isaac will roll up with Bonnie Lass and a talk that's honest, useful and quietly unforgettable.

hello@thebluerower.co.nz