David Bean - Why row the entire coast of Texas?

Graphic designer David Bean of Kemah, Texas (near Houston), had an 8-foot boat and little experience when he decided to row all 367 miles of the Texas coast. It took 29 days spread over two and a half years.

His vessel: He rowed the first 232 miles in an 8-foot boat with a 4-foot beam--until it swamped and sank in Aransas Bay. "At that point I decided I needed a real rowboat." He finished the trip in a 15-foot scull.

"There is no motor or sail on my boat; rowing is quiet, efficient, and a very scenic way to exercise. My whole body moves with each stroke as I glide over the waves." (Photo: Jack E. Thompson Jr.)

By Steve Millburg

 

 

The experience: "I am never bored while rowing. The skies are huge with colorful sunsets and rising white clouds. I have had up to 13 dolphins at once jumping along as I row across these large, blue bays."

Ambition vs. reality: "I wanted to row it all in one fell swoop. I realized after about six days that it was going to take much longer than I thought."

His itinerary: None. He would row for several hours until he found a nice place to camp. "In the morning, I like to walk the beach while the water for my coffee is being heated. The moment my toes hit the sand, I'm in my element. Birds and fish are feeding, the sun is rising, the sea breeze is blowing my uncombed hair while I look for shells at low tide."
Unexpected help: "I was amazed that dolphins would come up and look you in the eye. When I was crossing Matagorda Bay, I was escorted by dolphins for more than two hours. One followed me all the way in to shore. It seemed that he was following me to make sure I made it."

Next challenge: This year, David is hoping to row across the south of France. His main worry: He doesn't speak French.