Danube June 2026
Black Forest to Black Sea
9
4
THe Adventure
rowing 2400 KM
Rowing the Danube on Polly will be a five to six-week adventure of grit, discomfort, and discovery. From the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the journey will span nine countries and four capital cities—Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade—each offering its own cultural rhythm and riverside charm. Hazards will lurk in swift currents, sudden storms, headwinds and extremely large commercial barges and cruise ships. While discomfort will come in the form of blistered hands, bottom sores, muscle injuries, damp sleeping conditions, limited shade and constant vigil on either navigation or rowing during daylight hours. Yet every hardship will be matched by moments of wonder: white-tailed eagles soaring overhead, golden jackals slinking through the reeds, and pelicans gliding across tranquil backwaters—creatures rarely, if ever, seen in the UK. Polly our gorgeous ocean rowing boat, will become both vessel, home and companion in this grand adventure—a floating witness to resilience, curiosity, and the quiet magic of exploration.
Sponsorship Opportunities
How can you get involved and help as part of this inspirational project to get us to the start line?
You can become an OAR sponsor, Title Sponsor, join our friends and family club and have your name on the boat.
You can help by donating your time through your business services, professional time and or donating products we could raffle or sell on to raise funds for the project.
Why
Fulfil a dream
Explore Europe
Charity
Inspire
Beauty of the River Danube
Biggest challenge to date
Mountains & Plains
Second longest river in Europe
Wildlife not found in the UK
training
How's the training going? That's the most frequently asked question we get It's at this point we think....do we launch into talking about the Physical training with weights or ergo, Pilates, strength and conditioning, the mental preparation, the courses that the pair have both completed including Sea survival, First Aid at sea, VHF, Seamanship & Navigation, Ocean Rowing Course, Powerboat Course, CEVNI, the river rowing training or the 120 hrs minimum on the actual boat we need to qualify for the race. We could talk for hours about all of it and do!!
THE TEAM
JOOLES & IAN Paillin-DEAN
This rowing duo are a husband and wife team with three children who have decided to take on the challenge of a lifetime and row the Danube together.
Jooles
Mum to two children aged 15 and 11, has lived her life either on or next to the water. She spent six years preparing for the World's Toughest Row 2025 but after several life changing events along the journey to the start line, chronic seasickness and family demands as an only child and Mum the decision was made to pivot the adventure. Her previous river rowing accolades over the last 15 years, coastal and ocean rowing training, passion for life and inherent determination has made her the driving force and natural choice to lead the team on this epic adventure.
Ian
Dad to one teenage girl, who has spent nearly 30 years performing in musical theatre and a natural when it comes to dancing. Known for his Salsa and Zumba classes. Ian's mini-adventures include OCR running, open water swimming, kayaking and 40 mile walks. Thoughts turned to ocean rowing after a close friend crossed the Pacific in a team of three. It is with the hope of inspiring his daughter, and to show her anything is possible, Ian is keen to see what Europe has to offer while supporting his wife in taking on this most epic of adventures.
Charities
LOROS | The RIVERS TRUST |My Name's DoDDIE
LOROS a local hospice charity who every year cares for over 2,500 people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. They deliver free, high-quality, compassionate care and support to terminally ill patients, their family and carers. They deliver care that is special and unique to each individual. They care for the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of each individual patient and provide support for the family and friends. This care responds to the needs of the whole family and can be provided whether the patient is in the Hospice or at home. This charity is very close to Ian's heart as both his parents passed away from cancer with his Mum spending her last weeks with LOROS until she sadly passed away. Jooles also would have wanted her childhood sweetheart who sadly also passed away from a rare cancer in 2020 to have had hospice care at home with his family around him, unfortunately he didn't make it home but his legacy lives on in him wanting her to complete the row one day.
The Rivers Trust is a vital charity dedicated to safeguarding and improving the health of rivers across the United Kingdom. This mission is particularly significant to us, Team Stronger Twogether, as we live, swim, and row by the River Soar and River Trent every day. These rivers are not just bodies of water; they are integral to our community and our way of life. Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the issues they face: raw sewage discharge, invasive species, and litter are daily battles. Beyond these visible problems, there are deeper, more insidious threats like chemical pollution and microplastics. By raising money for The Rivers Trust, we aim to support efforts to clean up our rivers, tackle these complex issues, and ensure these waterways remain safe and beautiful for future generations. Our connection to these rivers drives our passion for this cause, and we believe that together, we can make a significant impact. My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is a beacon of hope and determination in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Founded by Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir, who faced his diagnosis with extraordinary courage, the charity is dedicated to funding vital research and providing practical support to those affected by MND. With its bold tartan branding and unwavering spirit, the foundation inspires communities to rally together—whether through fundraising events, awareness campaigns, or sporting challenges. Every donation helps drive progress toward a world free of MND, honouring Doddie’s legacy with action, compassion, and relentless optimism.
MEDIA
To see our press mentions or contact us about media opportunities please head to the Media page.
TRACK US
You will be able to track us online.
OUR SPONSORS
Head to our Sponsors page to see who has sponsored us already.
