Rowing Across the Pacific for a Healthier Future
In partnership with The World’s Toughest Row and 3 important charities, Team Moar Than US is embarking on a 2,800-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean to raise awareness for issues that matter.
You can support our journey and cause by donating below.
Into the blue
The World’s Toughest Row – Pacific starts in June each year with teams participating from around the World. The annual edition of this race see’s teams starting from the historic harbour of Monterey, California, following the path of many adventurers and explorers of yester year. An incredible atmosphere of apprehension and excitement is guaranteed during the pre-race period as teams complete their final preparations to set off to row across the mid-Pacific Ocean. A finish line as unique as Hanalei Bay on the stunning island of Kaua’i is hard to beat as the backdrop to what will be the most incredible, once in a lifetime adventure.
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the leading U.S. nonprofit supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders through education, early intervention, awareness, and community programs. Their goal is a world where eating disorders are fully understood, compassionately addressed, and effectively treated for lasting recovery.
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering wounded veterans and their families. Through programs focused on mental health, physical wellness, career counseling, and social connection, WWP helps veterans transition successfully to civilian life while addressing the challenges of recovery and reintegration.
Recovery on Water (ROW) is a Chicago rowing team that gives survivors of breast
cancer the unique opportunity to interact, become active in their recovery,
and gain support from fellow survivors. Rowing as part of a team allows
women to connect and form supportive friendships while proactively fighting
to reduce cancer recurrence and take back pride in their bodies.
In addition to being a multinational team, Moar Than Us is aptly named because every member genuinely believes the mission is about something greater than themselves.
Meet OAR Team
Julie Bennett
Michigan, USA
Julie, a dedicated wife, mother, and educator from rural northern Michigan, has spent 37 years inspiring minds from early elementary students through young adults. She currently teaches STEM at a small faith-based elementary school in West Michigan. Her passion for rowing began in 2010 when her youngest son joined his high school team, leading her to become a Certified Level II coach and a decorated rower; earning regional and national medals. Though her coastal rowing experience is limited, Julie's dedication to the sport is matched by her commitment to raising awareness for eating disorders, a cause close to her heart. Through her late teens, she suffered from anorexia and dysmorphia. Julie has inspired young women through her story of building strength and resilience across all aspects of life. She emphasizes the importance of fueling our bodies well and training our bodies for lifelong sport. As part of Team Moar Than US, Julie views their mission as a global and enduring effort, supporting others long after their oars rest in Hawaii.
Erin Enk-Wiese
Vermont, USA
Erin is a 30 year old newly minted Doctor of Physical Therapy currently working as a home health PT in the beautiful state of Vermont. A former collegiate rower for Grand Valley State University and later the University of Louisville, Erin has competed in numerous flat water regattas, and is excited to return to the oars for her go at ocean rowing. Currently an avid weight lifter, runner and hiker, Erin’s appreciation for the mental and physical challenge of endurance sports has continued to grow throughout the years. Guided by her enthusiasm for adventure and desire to leave the world a little bit better than how she found it, Erin finds that she strongly aligns with the mission of team Moar Than U.S., and looks forward to taking on this challenge with them!
Susan Katt
Michigan, USA
Susan, a Michigan native with a lifelong love for water, has spent the past 11 years rowing competitively with the Grand Rapids Rowing Club’s Masters team after a 30-year hiatus from collegiate rowing to focus on family, career, and other passions. Growing up in an era when women’s sports were undervalued, Susan broke barriers by joining her high school boys’ swim team and later competing on the Coast Guard Academy’s first women’s rowing team. A lifelong adventurer, she has competed in triathlons, backpacked on the Pacific Crest Trail, and embraced new challenges at every stage of life. At 64, Susan will take on the World’s Toughest Row, using the opportunity to raise awareness about disordered eating and body dysmorphia while redefining perceptions of age, body size, and gender in sport. Married for 37 years with three adult children, Susan has a background in Sports Medicine and is passionate about promoting strength and balance for older adults. Inspired by her 87-year-old mother’s active lifestyle, Susan continues to embody resilience and inspire others through her pursuits.
Susan Katt
Michigan, USA
Susan, a Michigan native with a lifelong love for water, has spent the past 11 years rowing competitively with the Grand Rapids Rowing Club’s Masters team after a 30-year hiatus from collegiate rowing to focus on family, career, and other passions. Growing up in an era when women’s sports were undervalued, Susan broke barriers by joining her high school boys’ swim team and later competing on the Coast Guard Academy’s first women’s rowing team. A lifelong adventurer, she has competed in triathlons, backpacked on the Pacific Crest Trail, and embraced new challenges at every stage of life. At 64, Susan will take on the World’s Toughest Row, using the opportunity to raise awareness about disordered eating and body dysmorphia while redefining perceptions of age, body size, and gender in sport. Married for 37 years with three adult children, Susan has a background in Sports Medicine and is passionate about promoting strength and balance for older adults. Inspired by her 87-year-old mother’s active lifestyle, Susan continues to embody resilience and inspire others through her pursuits.
JAK KAZMAREK
Medford, OR
Jak, a nonbinary person from Michigan currently living in Southern Oregon, was motivated to start rowing after the pandemic and experiencing 18 years of disability, including three years in a wheelchair with the assistance of a service animal. Inspired by their aunt and uncle who rowed with ZLAC and San Diego Rowing Club; Jak took up indoor rowing in 2020 as a way to get their body stronger and conditioned. When the opportunity came up to row on the water in 2022 with Rogue Rowing, Jak immersed themself in the sport, accelerating their rowing career through dedication and grit. Rowing competitively has motivated Jak to deepen their conditioning in pursuit of achievements that they didn’t think their body was capable of after being told by doctors that they might never be able to work again. Jak proves them wrong everyday, challenging their body through over three hours most days rowing, bicycling, skiing, rafting, swimming, or hiking in addition to balancing work and school. Jak and their wife Danni participate in flat water rowing competitions together earning metals and great stories with their rowing family from camps and regattas all over the world. Jak is determined to compete in the World’s Toughest Row to create a positive milestone in their story about life after being in a wheelchair. They are excited to join Moar Than US, and are inspired to participate to honor the family members in their life that have been impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
