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Dare to Do: Taking on the planet by bike and boat
On 1 April 2011, rower and adventurer Sarah Outen set off in her kayak from Tower Bridge for France. her aim was simple: to circle the globe entirely under her own steam - cycling, kayaking and rowing across Europe, Asia, the Pacific, North America, the Atlantic and eventually home. A year later, Sarah was plucked from the Pacific ocean after tropical storm Mawar, her boat broken, her spirit even more so.
But that wasn't the end. Despite ill health and depression, giving up was not an option. So Sarah set off once more to finish what she had started, becoming the first woman to row solo from Japan to Alaska, as well as the first woman to row the mid-Pacific from West to East. She kayaked the treacherous Aleutian chain and cycled North America, before setting out on the Atlantic, despite the risk of another row-ending storm...
Dare to Do is more than an adventure story. It is a story of the kindness of strangers and the spirit of travel; a story of the raw power of nature, of finding love in unexpected places, and of discovering your inner strength. It is about trying and failing, and trying again, and about how, even when all seems lost, you can find yourself.
But that wasn't the end. Despite ill health and depression, giving up was not an option. So Sarah set off once more to finish what she had started, becoming the first woman to row solo from Japan to Alaska, as well as the first woman to row the mid-Pacific from West to East. She kayaked the treacherous Aleutian chain and cycled North America, before setting out on the Atlantic, despite the risk of another row-ending storm...
Dare to Do is more than an adventure story. It is a story of the kindness of strangers and the spirit of travel; a story of the raw power of nature, of finding love in unexpected places, and of discovering your inner strength. It is about trying and failing, and trying again, and about how, even when all seems lost, you can find yourself.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2016
53 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 7, 2017
Sarah Outen’s previous endurance challenge was rowing across the Indian Ocean, as described in her book, A Dip in the Ocean. For most people this will be enough, but not for Sarah. On the 1st April 2011 she embarked from Tower Bridge in a kayak in her latest venture, London2London, the aim of which was to circumnavigate the globe purely by human power; rowing, cycling. First, she had to kayak to France across the channel. So begins an adventure that was to take four years, one bike, one kayak and two rowing boats.
This journey was long, tough and relentless and she had to battle tropical storms, hurricanes, loneliness, ill health and depression. It was physically and emotionally draining too, but Outen is made from tougher stuff; quitting was not an option. It was not entirely solo as she was joined on parts of it by Justine, a world renowned paddler, for the kayaking, and her partner for the bitterly cold ride across North America. The ocean rows though were solo. These were the most risky too, as she pitted her energy and tenacity against the might of the sea. On top of all that, Sarah fell in love too. Her rowing set another raft of records and achievements for her amazing journey. She was the first woman to row from Japan to Alaska, first to kayak the Aleutian archipelago and the first to cross the mid Pacific from West to East under her own steam.
However, this is much more than a tale of a journey round our planet. This is Sarah’s story of being able to dig deep when it feels that everything is against you, having the doggedness to continue even when plucked from a battered rowing boat in the middle of a vicious storm and having that inner strength to get up and carry on. As hard as it is to physically do, the mental drain is equally telling, thankfully the strong team behind her, as well as the kindness of people from all round the globe carried, pushed and cajoled her into completing this quite frankly amazing achievement. Even though she is a better adventurer than author, it is a compelling read.
This journey was long, tough and relentless and she had to battle tropical storms, hurricanes, loneliness, ill health and depression. It was physically and emotionally draining too, but Outen is made from tougher stuff; quitting was not an option. It was not entirely solo as she was joined on parts of it by Justine, a world renowned paddler, for the kayaking, and her partner for the bitterly cold ride across North America. The ocean rows though were solo. These were the most risky too, as she pitted her energy and tenacity against the might of the sea. On top of all that, Sarah fell in love too. Her rowing set another raft of records and achievements for her amazing journey. She was the first woman to row from Japan to Alaska, first to kayak the Aleutian archipelago and the first to cross the mid Pacific from West to East under her own steam.
However, this is much more than a tale of a journey round our planet. This is Sarah’s story of being able to dig deep when it feels that everything is against you, having the doggedness to continue even when plucked from a battered rowing boat in the middle of a vicious storm and having that inner strength to get up and carry on. As hard as it is to physically do, the mental drain is equally telling, thankfully the strong team behind her, as well as the kindness of people from all round the globe carried, pushed and cajoled her into completing this quite frankly amazing achievement. Even though she is a better adventurer than author, it is a compelling read.
June 30, 2020
Sarah Outen is the ultimate badass, and a kind-hearted one at that. I have never seen anything like her mental and physical fortitude. At least one of the legs of her (nearly) self-powered circling of the globe had never been done before. Outen’s appealing personality is matched by the kindness of hundreds of strangers and encounters with creatures ranging from leatherback turtles and dolphins to whales.
Outen’s writing sparkles with keen observations of her surroundings and insights into the human psyche. My favorite portion of her trip was Alaska, where she kayaks the Aleutian Islands, spends time in indigenous villages and has numerous close encounters with grizzly bears. I love long-distance biking and kayaking, but I couldn’t imagine spending ten months alone at sea, including days at a time in a claustrophobic capsule of a sleeping cabin. She describes her mental exercises, including an “invisible peloton” of family and friends that pull her along. After nearly perishing in a tropical storm and being rescued, it takes nearly a year to regain her strength and overcome PTSD and depression. Yet, she goes back in the capsule. I thought the most nuts leg of her trip was cycling across Canada and the U.S. in the dead of winter. Her fiance joins her and wears a sign that reads, “I’m with crazy.” Then again, I had French Canucks ask me if I was from Siberia for skiing Mt. Tremblant in -40 C/F (they converge!) weather.
“Dare to Do” adds to the disproportionate share of my adventure books written by Brits. I have concluded this is due to latent imperial yearnings. Waving the Union Jack at key moments is the most tangible form this takes. The sun may have set on the empire, but Brits can still be kings of their domain and battle Mother Nature. Judging from the ample media coverage, the British public eats these adventures up. Who needs the EU? I have as much national pride as the next person, but a flag is the last thing I would haul up a mountain. Are we reentering an age of tribalism?
I do wish Outen had worked with a better editor to improve the pacing and flow of her narrative. After a touching prologue, the first two chapters send the reader hurtling through Europe. Outen covers 3000 miles in 16 pages. I found ten or so passages that cried out for clarification and/or explanation. I would also have fewer mentions of “kit sorting” (gear packing). Some minor tweaks could turn this book into an adventure classic.
All in all, “Dare to Do” is an inspiring and heart-warming tale.
Outen’s writing sparkles with keen observations of her surroundings and insights into the human psyche. My favorite portion of her trip was Alaska, where she kayaks the Aleutian Islands, spends time in indigenous villages and has numerous close encounters with grizzly bears. I love long-distance biking and kayaking, but I couldn’t imagine spending ten months alone at sea, including days at a time in a claustrophobic capsule of a sleeping cabin. She describes her mental exercises, including an “invisible peloton” of family and friends that pull her along. After nearly perishing in a tropical storm and being rescued, it takes nearly a year to regain her strength and overcome PTSD and depression. Yet, she goes back in the capsule. I thought the most nuts leg of her trip was cycling across Canada and the U.S. in the dead of winter. Her fiance joins her and wears a sign that reads, “I’m with crazy.” Then again, I had French Canucks ask me if I was from Siberia for skiing Mt. Tremblant in -40 C/F (they converge!) weather.
“Dare to Do” adds to the disproportionate share of my adventure books written by Brits. I have concluded this is due to latent imperial yearnings. Waving the Union Jack at key moments is the most tangible form this takes. The sun may have set on the empire, but Brits can still be kings of their domain and battle Mother Nature. Judging from the ample media coverage, the British public eats these adventures up. Who needs the EU? I have as much national pride as the next person, but a flag is the last thing I would haul up a mountain. Are we reentering an age of tribalism?
I do wish Outen had worked with a better editor to improve the pacing and flow of her narrative. After a touching prologue, the first two chapters send the reader hurtling through Europe. Outen covers 3000 miles in 16 pages. I found ten or so passages that cried out for clarification and/or explanation. I would also have fewer mentions of “kit sorting” (gear packing). Some minor tweaks could turn this book into an adventure classic.
All in all, “Dare to Do” is an inspiring and heart-warming tale.
December 14, 2018
‘Being scared of something is never a good reason not to do it’ – quote above the cabin door of Sarah Outen’s rowing boat.
This was my first book by Outen. I had not read ‘A Dip in the Ocean: Rowing Solo across the Indian’ where she rowed in a tiny rowing boat called Dippers for 4 months between Australia and Mauritius. That particular expedition finished in August 2009. So, what to do next? She had some ideas but no fixed plans. ‘I had had a rough idea of looping the planet using human power: rowing across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, cycling across the continents in between and kayaking to join up the dots’.
Fast forward to April 2011 where her next adventure begins at Tower Bridge in London. There is no time in the book for going over the minute details of the planning and preparation stage. Suffice to say it was immense. The London2London expedition is here and it is straight in and on as she kayaks separately with a kayak expert called Justine Curgenven. ‘I would kayak and cycle from London to Japan, row the North Pacific to Canada, cycle across North America and row home across the North Atlantic, with a final triathlon from Falmouth to London’.
The writing is clear and her thoughts are honest. Very honest indeed. I was willing her on all the way. Not only in the physical journey but also when she hits a significant mental bump in the road. She had a lot to get through, that is for sure.
My belief in humanity went up (difficult not to go further down if I’m honest) as she met some just wonderful people. This is the thing, I guess. When you travel you do meet people. Good and bad but there were so many good ones in this book. I should stop watching the news and reading books full of gruesome subjects. Saying that she did not meet some sleazy horrible men. They are everywhere either wanting money or just expecting something else. She says, ‘Ninety-nine point nine per cent of people will want to do well by you, wherever and whoever you are’.
I loved some of her philosophical musings like: ‘…if you can be positive and grateful about things more times than you are negative, then it should be OK and you will move forward, metaphorically and physically’.
Outen is not a travel writer in the Theroux, Palin, Bryson, Severin sense of integrating history with lyrical observations on their travels. She has a job to do. This is an expedition and countries whizz by, sometimes in one sentence. It is quite hard to get your head around quite what she achieved here. With her bike, Hercules, her kayak, Nelson, and her rowing boat, Gulliver, she circles the world. Not forgetting Happy Socks and Krissy. How mad is that? OK, so things don’t always turn out as expected on the expedition but, my word, what an adventure. A fantastic effort with all the money raised for charity and the trips to schools to educate the kids.
She should be very proud.
This was my first book by Outen. I had not read ‘A Dip in the Ocean: Rowing Solo across the Indian’ where she rowed in a tiny rowing boat called Dippers for 4 months between Australia and Mauritius. That particular expedition finished in August 2009. So, what to do next? She had some ideas but no fixed plans. ‘I had had a rough idea of looping the planet using human power: rowing across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, cycling across the continents in between and kayaking to join up the dots’.
Fast forward to April 2011 where her next adventure begins at Tower Bridge in London. There is no time in the book for going over the minute details of the planning and preparation stage. Suffice to say it was immense. The London2London expedition is here and it is straight in and on as she kayaks separately with a kayak expert called Justine Curgenven. ‘I would kayak and cycle from London to Japan, row the North Pacific to Canada, cycle across North America and row home across the North Atlantic, with a final triathlon from Falmouth to London’.
The writing is clear and her thoughts are honest. Very honest indeed. I was willing her on all the way. Not only in the physical journey but also when she hits a significant mental bump in the road. She had a lot to get through, that is for sure.
My belief in humanity went up (difficult not to go further down if I’m honest) as she met some just wonderful people. This is the thing, I guess. When you travel you do meet people. Good and bad but there were so many good ones in this book. I should stop watching the news and reading books full of gruesome subjects. Saying that she did not meet some sleazy horrible men. They are everywhere either wanting money or just expecting something else. She says, ‘Ninety-nine point nine per cent of people will want to do well by you, wherever and whoever you are’.
I loved some of her philosophical musings like: ‘…if you can be positive and grateful about things more times than you are negative, then it should be OK and you will move forward, metaphorically and physically’.
Outen is not a travel writer in the Theroux, Palin, Bryson, Severin sense of integrating history with lyrical observations on their travels. She has a job to do. This is an expedition and countries whizz by, sometimes in one sentence. It is quite hard to get your head around quite what she achieved here. With her bike, Hercules, her kayak, Nelson, and her rowing boat, Gulliver, she circles the world. Not forgetting Happy Socks and Krissy. How mad is that? OK, so things don’t always turn out as expected on the expedition but, my word, what an adventure. A fantastic effort with all the money raised for charity and the trips to schools to educate the kids.
She should be very proud.
September 18, 2017
In this book, adventurer Sarah Outen tells the story of her latest projects, beginning with London2London, a heroic attempt to circle the globe by cycle, kayak and rowing boat. This attempt ends during a terrific storm in the middle of the Pacific, but Outen is determined to carry on, raising funds for charity and getting involved in initiatives aimed at educating young people about the benefits of outdoor life. She therefore starts out on new adventures, rowing from Japan to Alaska and kayaking down the Aleutians, then cycling across Canada and North America, before embarking on another solo row on the stormy Atlantic.
This is a compelling real-life adventure story, and provides some fascinating insights into how Outen dealt with the physical and psychological demands of such gruelling trips. She acknowledges the help and support she received along the way, both from her resourceful support team and from a multitude of kind strangers who offered practical and emotional help when she needed it. However, she is alone for much of the time, and one can only admire and be astonished by her determination, resilience and practical ability.
Outen writes quite well, especially when describing the ocean storms and the natural world of North America in the second part of the book. The earlier part is a little sketchy in comparison, and I would have liked the same level of detail there, especially her account of the cycle ride across Europe and Asia. Her straightforward style is engaging and likeable, but at times it does tend to underplay just how demanding and exhausting her achievements are. Nonetheless, this is a fascinating account of an awesome human endeavour.
I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
This is a compelling real-life adventure story, and provides some fascinating insights into how Outen dealt with the physical and psychological demands of such gruelling trips. She acknowledges the help and support she received along the way, both from her resourceful support team and from a multitude of kind strangers who offered practical and emotional help when she needed it. However, she is alone for much of the time, and one can only admire and be astonished by her determination, resilience and practical ability.
Outen writes quite well, especially when describing the ocean storms and the natural world of North America in the second part of the book. The earlier part is a little sketchy in comparison, and I would have liked the same level of detail there, especially her account of the cycle ride across Europe and Asia. Her straightforward style is engaging and likeable, but at times it does tend to underplay just how demanding and exhausting her achievements are. Nonetheless, this is a fascinating account of an awesome human endeavour.
I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
December 21, 2020
I loved this book. I would suggest it to adventer fans as it is about Sarah Outen trying to go around the planet useing here own power by cycling , rowing and kiacking.
June 24, 2018
I'm in this book! How often will I ever say that? Just this once I imagine. It completely took me by surprise that Sarah described our day on the road out of Homer.
This is a fun read, even though most of the time it sounds pretty dang arduous and miserable. I really enjoyed Sarah's perspective on meeting people and experiencing all the different cultures, economies and terrains along the way.
I enjoyed Sarah's "can do" attitude, though it's actually more of an "if I can, you can" attitude.
This is a fun read, even though most of the time it sounds pretty dang arduous and miserable. I really enjoyed Sarah's perspective on meeting people and experiencing all the different cultures, economies and terrains along the way.
I enjoyed Sarah's "can do" attitude, though it's actually more of an "if I can, you can" attitude.
October 23, 2017
Very well written! At times I nearly felt as exhausted as the Author but by that I mean that I felt I was her copilot experiencing all that she did! Recommended
June 8, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-chann...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-cha...
https://theboatyacht.com/hanse-291-fo...
https://numberoneboats.com/hanse-291-...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-chann...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-cha...
https://theboatyacht.com/hanse-291-fo...
https://numberoneboats.com/hanse-291-...
July 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book . I’ve read a lot of travel around the world books , all have been very good in their own way but Sarah was unique . Firstly it’s a huge task under human power , she’s a woman which sadly adds in a host of ugly issues that a man doesn’t have to deal with . Sarah coped with being in the middle of a tropical storm whilst rowing the Pacific . The trauma and health issues that it caused would be enough for nearly all to pack it in but not Sarah who doggedly fought on and found a solution to doing it another way . Her bravery and courage is something else even that fact she opens admits being scared dealing with her inner chimp is immense. She did something very few people could & what I enjoyed most was , she took the time to still take in the journey, the nature she see & people she met .
It wasn’t a race to the next city or country.
The people she met showed the world does still have good kind people in . Canadian, American, Japanese & Russian people in particular all showed great kindness and her travelling partners Goa through China was a diamond & the bravest of the brave Justine Curgenven who kayaked with Sarah when everything sensible said she shouldn’t be !
As always these books are spread out over a number of years and the goals change and life happens, Sarah found her soulmate in Lucy ..who also showed that British girls are as tough as they come riding bikes in -30 snow and ice winter in Canada , camping out in that is beyond my comprehension.
Lee the weatherman deserves a shout out saving her life in the Atlantic..a true guardian angel.
Well done to Sarah and her team/ sponsors but mostly to all the people that helped her on the journey you’ve really shifted my hope in humanity in these dark news times.
It wasn’t a race to the next city or country.
The people she met showed the world does still have good kind people in . Canadian, American, Japanese & Russian people in particular all showed great kindness and her travelling partners Goa through China was a diamond & the bravest of the brave Justine Curgenven who kayaked with Sarah when everything sensible said she shouldn’t be !
As always these books are spread out over a number of years and the goals change and life happens, Sarah found her soulmate in Lucy ..who also showed that British girls are as tough as they come riding bikes in -30 snow and ice winter in Canada , camping out in that is beyond my comprehension.
Lee the weatherman deserves a shout out saving her life in the Atlantic..a true guardian angel.
Well done to Sarah and her team/ sponsors but mostly to all the people that helped her on the journey you’ve really shifted my hope in humanity in these dark news times.
October 11, 2020
Inspiring person. I found it a little rushed - I think she did so much that to cram it in one book was a bit of a shame really - maybe she had to finish it to complete a book deal? She whizzed through each section so fast. It sort of belayed the fact that she had covered 3,000 miles or more! I felt we were skimming events and connections that could have been deeper. I wonder if, after all, each leg of the journey would have been better served as a separate book?
Anyway, I would recommend this book, and I would go an see her if she was giving a talk. I would also probably watch the film if it came my way, so all in all, inspiring and interesting.
Addendum:
I have been thinking about this book over the last few days and just wanted to add a couple of things:
- I wish she had put more maps in the book. Why don't these adventurers put more maps in! Every place name should have been marked on a map. Eventually I had to get my phone out to google them - but I don't want to do that, I'd rather keep looking at a page in a book. Maybe that would go along with each section being a book in it's own right.
Also - I didn't realise until I read these reviews that she was such a badass - the first woman for nearly all of it. She doesn't come across like that in the book - but its not really her job to big herself up. She was to humble - it diminished the sense of amazement at what she had accomplished. The cover should have bigged her up WAY more! What she did was awesome, but the book made it sound "run of the mill" in a way. I again think was due to the fact she crammed it all in one book. The sense of scale was lost somehow.
Anyhoo. Good for her, and what she achieved was amazeballs.
Anyway, I would recommend this book, and I would go an see her if she was giving a talk. I would also probably watch the film if it came my way, so all in all, inspiring and interesting.
Addendum:
I have been thinking about this book over the last few days and just wanted to add a couple of things:
- I wish she had put more maps in the book. Why don't these adventurers put more maps in! Every place name should have been marked on a map. Eventually I had to get my phone out to google them - but I don't want to do that, I'd rather keep looking at a page in a book. Maybe that would go along with each section being a book in it's own right.
Also - I didn't realise until I read these reviews that she was such a badass - the first woman for nearly all of it. She doesn't come across like that in the book - but its not really her job to big herself up. She was to humble - it diminished the sense of amazement at what she had accomplished. The cover should have bigged her up WAY more! What she did was awesome, but the book made it sound "run of the mill" in a way. I again think was due to the fact she crammed it all in one book. The sense of scale was lost somehow.
Anyhoo. Good for her, and what she achieved was amazeballs.
March 13, 2024
This is an interesting book, but I found it hard work to read with such a small typeface. The author’s journey is a series of expeditions, each one of which would be a major event in its own right. They are joined up, but it’s hardly a continuous journey if you fly home or rest up for months. Some of the descriptive writing is excellent but I feel the author went into too much detail about her feelings, too many tears, hugs, and low points. I wanted to say to her. “oh, just get on with it”. My most severe misgivings are reserved for the level of support and the cost, both in monetary terms and the environment. There was a huge team working in the background. The whole trip also seemed to be very dependent on the kindness of strangers; the help offered and accepted shows how pleasant and kind most people are. Yes, a lot of money was raised for good causes but how much was spent? All those plane journeys must have cost a great deal of money, let alone all that kit and shipping. The contribution to CO2 emissions and pollution created must have been huge. This trip was a long way from the self-sufficient journeys of many other travellers. Ironically, the target of joining the dots was a failure, leaving a second boat floating unattended in the Atlantic to match the first one left in the Pacific. However, the Atlantic boat was eventually recovered. On arrival home, it’s all celebrated as a tremendous success. I suppose surviving was a success, but as a journey, it is hard to justify and doesn’t float my boat.
August 6, 2023
Am 1.April 2011 begann Sarah Outen eine ganz besondere Reise. Sie wollte die Welt umrunden und das nur mit eigener Kraft: mit dem Rad, dem Ruderboot und einem Kayak. Auch wenn sie wusste, dass es nicht einfach werden würde, hat sie ihr Unternehmen mehr als einmal an den Rand ihrer Kräfte gebracht.
Mehr als einmal hat mich Sarah Outen überrascht, denn mehr als einmal kam sie mir fast planlos vor. Sie lernte auf dem Weg und das meist sehr schmerzhaft. Trotzdem hat sie nie aufgegeben, was ich sehr bewundere. Oft kommt der Spaß an einer großen Tour erst, wenn man auf sie zurückblickt. Aber über große Strecken habe ich mich einfach nur gefragt, warum sie bei etwas weitermacht, das ihr so wenig Spaß macht. Gefühlt war der größte Teil des Buchs eine Aufzählung von eigenen Fehlern oder all den großen und kleinen Dingen, die ihr zugestoßen sind. Über ihre Reise habe ich viel zu wenig erfahren.
Mehr als einmal hat mich Sarah Outen überrascht, denn mehr als einmal kam sie mir fast planlos vor. Sie lernte auf dem Weg und das meist sehr schmerzhaft. Trotzdem hat sie nie aufgegeben, was ich sehr bewundere. Oft kommt der Spaß an einer großen Tour erst, wenn man auf sie zurückblickt. Aber über große Strecken habe ich mich einfach nur gefragt, warum sie bei etwas weitermacht, das ihr so wenig Spaß macht. Gefühlt war der größte Teil des Buchs eine Aufzählung von eigenen Fehlern oder all den großen und kleinen Dingen, die ihr zugestoßen sind. Über ihre Reise habe ich viel zu wenig erfahren.
October 25, 2018
I think Sarah's openness and honesty "made" this book for me, I have no real idea why you'd want to physically and mentally test yourself to this extent but her determination shines through especially going back to re-do the pacific. The book "accelerated" a bit when she cycled across America but I understand that you need to keep a book to a manageable size. Having said how impressed I was that Sarah re-did the pacific I was equally impressed that she chose not to re-do the Atlantic, that felt like the practical "learning" from her previous expeditions and that by the end of the journey lots of other "stuff" had changed. I liked that she shared her personal stuff beyond the actual expedition days and the stress of the logistics often seemed harder than the actual travel. An amazing woman and quite privilege to vicariously share her adventure.
April 20, 2020
I loved this book. I loved her courage, stamina and perseverance under ridiculous conditions ... I cannot imagine camping and sleeping in a tent in Northern Canada when the temperature is -30. I am cold in my heated house when it is -30! So aside from all the tough experiences, I want to focus on her positive attitude (I suspect her glass is half full when it is only at the one quarter mark), her humour 'I haven't been this scared since yesterday' and her very excellent writing style. It was a page turner. I was so blown away, I also got her film 'Home' and the Kayaking the Aleutian Islands film with her friend Justine. They both show her love of nature, the films are really worth it too. If you enjoy non-fiction and have an adventure gene, you will love this book.
March 7, 2018
Well, I don’t often read books like this - I’m usually more of an ‘escapist novels’ kind of person - but we were given this book by a friend, who obviously recommended it, so I gave it a go. And I’m so glad I did! This book is touchingly intimate, making this super-human adventurer seem accessible, vulnerable and, well, human. I’m in awe of her tenacity, determination and courage, but also of her humility, humour and ordinariness. I’m going to miss spending my evenings rowing oceans and cycling continents with Sarah Outen :) This book is beautifully written and I highly recommend it. I am also very much looking forward to the film of her journey..!
November 17, 2018
A great adventure by a determined romantic.
A well written book, it engages your concentration and empathy for such a daring global trip and gives insights into the scale of her undertaking. Sarah is not afraid to give an honest opinion on just about anything and the detailed descriptions she gives of her experiences are both enlightening and entertaining. From small beginnings you begin to grasp a more global perspective of Sarah's underaking and what is actually involved. I really enjoyed most when she is alone on the high seas and what is going through her mind plus the sense of time.
A well written book, it engages your concentration and empathy for such a daring global trip and gives insights into the scale of her undertaking. Sarah is not afraid to give an honest opinion on just about anything and the detailed descriptions she gives of her experiences are both enlightening and entertaining. From small beginnings you begin to grasp a more global perspective of Sarah's underaking and what is actually involved. I really enjoyed most when she is alone on the high seas and what is going through her mind plus the sense of time.
October 17, 2020
“Dare to do” by Sarah Outen
Bought this kindle book (plus audible add on read by the author which is excellent!) after watching the film doco of Sarah’s journey yesterday. The film was inspiring yet honest and raw so I think the book will make an impression too.
Started reading (listening!): 2nd October 2020
Finished: 17th October 2020
My review: 10/10 - listened to the audio version read by the author, it was awesome. Inspiring, honest, raw, fun in parts, challenging in others. I also really appreciated reading an adventure by a woman, especially a queer woman, and really found it refreshing and powerful as many of the adventure stories I’d read in the past had been by straight men.
Bought this kindle book (plus audible add on read by the author which is excellent!) after watching the film doco of Sarah’s journey yesterday. The film was inspiring yet honest and raw so I think the book will make an impression too.
Started reading (listening!): 2nd October 2020
Finished: 17th October 2020
My review: 10/10 - listened to the audio version read by the author, it was awesome. Inspiring, honest, raw, fun in parts, challenging in others. I also really appreciated reading an adventure by a woman, especially a queer woman, and really found it refreshing and powerful as many of the adventure stories I’d read in the past had been by straight men.
January 19, 2019
You don’t realise how much goes into an adventure such as this until you read the full story. The tram and organisation of the whole trip was amazing, but so was Sarah’s true grit to get the job done. The book is written extremely well and I enjoyed the mix of humour, the descriptions of the terrain and the characters she meets along the way. Some parts of the book I read quickly so I could find out what happened, and other areas on the book I simply absorbed as my mind went on the journey with her.
Fab book. Great read, and very “human”.
What an achievement! Well done Sarah.
Fab book. Great read, and very “human”.
What an achievement! Well done Sarah.
May 26, 2020
Epic adventure
Sarah is humble and honest in her account of her amazing adventure around the world. Well written and had me at the edge of my seat when she was up against big weather challenges, being rolled about in a hurricane, or biking through the heat or freezing weather of the world.
Also I'm dying to know if Gulliver was ever recovered - mentioned he was spotted at very end of the book, but don't know what happened.
Sarah is humble and honest in her account of her amazing adventure around the world. Well written and had me at the edge of my seat when she was up against big weather challenges, being rolled about in a hurricane, or biking through the heat or freezing weather of the world.
Also I'm dying to know if Gulliver was ever recovered - mentioned he was spotted at very end of the book, but don't know what happened.
November 20, 2020
Such an incredible story of sheer determination! I can't comprehend the levels that Sarah went to in order to achieve her goals, I am simply in awe!
I loved this book because it really feels like a true account of the highs and lows of adventure. I valued how honest Sarah is about the struggles with wellbeing along the way and feel truly inspired after reading this.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, as well as the documentary - be prepared to be amazed!
I loved this book because it really feels like a true account of the highs and lows of adventure. I valued how honest Sarah is about the struggles with wellbeing along the way and feel truly inspired after reading this.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, as well as the documentary - be prepared to be amazed!
May 25, 2017
I really enjoyed reading about Sarah's incredible journey. Her goal was to set off from London and travel all the way around the globe through human power by cycling, kayaking, and rowing. Sarah had a fascinating journey and did a good job of writing about her travels. There were times when the story seemed to skip ahead too quickly, but overall it was a great story.
October 2, 2019
An incredible adventure. Sarah Outen takes you through her highs and lows on this incredible journey. Her perspective changes once she meets her life partner making it all the more real and not the Instagram version of life. I personally found the book and detail a bit much but it is definitely a very good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2022
Brilliant true story by Sarah Outen. Her determination to not give up on her self and the quest she is set to do. Some of the scenes were absolutely terrifying especially what she has to endure without any help plus million miles far from the shore right in the open waters and all by herself, shivers!
February 16, 2025
An incredible feat (or series of feats) + eye-opening "behind the scenes" look at the gargantuan preparations needed.
"Dare to do" is immensely inspiring but a cautionary tale too. Really enjoyed the personal account of the author's adventures, despite the many desperate moments.
Highly recommended reading.
"Dare to do" is immensely inspiring but a cautionary tale too. Really enjoyed the personal account of the author's adventures, despite the many desperate moments.
Highly recommended reading.
August 27, 2025
2.5 stars
Many missed opportunities for a great book, some parts felt rushed with little detail and anecdotes that could have been really funny weren’t explained well.
‘Powwow’ being used to describe her team getting together to talk about something was completely unnecessary and how that made it through editorial I have no idea.
LHW Book Club
Many missed opportunities for a great book, some parts felt rushed with little detail and anecdotes that could have been really funny weren’t explained well.
‘Powwow’ being used to describe her team getting together to talk about something was completely unnecessary and how that made it through editorial I have no idea.
LHW Book Club
August 21, 2018
Phew
Unputdownable!! I felt I was with her all along the way. So VERY inspiring, makes me determined to follow my heart and do my own challenges (even though by comparison are miniscule.
Unputdownable!! I felt I was with her all along the way. So VERY inspiring, makes me determined to follow my heart and do my own challenges (even though by comparison are miniscule.
August 25, 2018
Must read
Went into this book not knowing what to expect but loved every bit of it. It felt like the reader was on the journey too. This was about overcoming challenges and settling into life again.
Went into this book not knowing what to expect but loved every bit of it. It felt like the reader was on the journey too. This was about overcoming challenges and settling into life again.
October 28, 2018
This is a disappointing book, she writes quiet well achieves a great deal but fails to fulfill her plan. I admire her spirit but not her literary skills as the book never draws you in and leaves the reader unfulfilled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2019
Wonder full life experience read
Fantastic read of an incredible woman battering her own journey
An awe inspiring read anyone reading this journey will put the book down energised in life and with a positive outlook to the future
Fantastic read of an incredible woman battering her own journey
An awe inspiring read anyone reading this journey will put the book down energised in life and with a positive outlook to the future
September 10, 2025
I have never found myself rooting for kit before but Sarah's writing makes you want her kayaks, bikes and boat to achieve as much as you do her. Loved the raw honesty and relationship thread too. What a voyage of discovery for her.
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