Mick Dawson skippered the first—and still only—rowing boat to successfully cross the North Pacific Ocean, a monumental voyage of over 189 days, spanning nearly 7,000 miles from Japan to San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Mick returned to the Pacific in 2018 rowing from California to Hawaii with Steve Sparkes, a fellow Marine and blind veteran, to complete another remarkable world first. A former Royal Marine Commando, accomplished author, and one of the world’s most successful ocean rowers, Mick brings a wealth of experience, adventure and profound insights to any event or conference.

His experiences provide powerful lessons in leadership, teamwork, and resilience, forged in some of the most extreme environments on Earth.

A dynamic and inspirational speaker, Mick captivates audiences with compelling tales from his extraordinary ocean expeditions, equipping leaders and their teams with the tools to set and achieve ambitious goals, overcome challenges, and unlock their own full potential.

Mick Dawson is a former Royal Marine Commando, professional sailor, adventurer, and world record-holding ocean rower. Born in Boston, Lincolnshire, England, Dawson has become one of the most experienced and successful ocean rowers in the world, a popular and captivating speaker, and an inspiration to all who hear his stories.

In 2009, Dawson and his rowing partner Chris Martin became the first team to successfully row across the North Pacific Ocean, from Japan to San Francisco. This epic 7,000-mile journey took them 189 days, 10 hours, and 55 minutes to complete, earning them a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Dawson has completed multiple Atlantic Ocean crossings, including:

• A 70-day journey with his brother Steve in 2001.

• A 61-day crossing with Andrew Morris in 2005.

Dawson has rowed over 20,000 miles across the world’s oceans, spending more than 420 days at sea in ocean rowing boats.

He has has used his rowing expeditions to raise awareness and funds for various causes:

• The 2009 Pacific crossing raised money for the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice and Hamilton Lodge School for Deaf Children.

• He established the Cockleshell Endeavour project to help veterans struggling with PTSD through kayaking adventures.

• Dawson partnered with Steve Sparkes, a blind veteran, to row 3,000 miles from California to Hawaii, making Sparkes the first blind person to row the Pacific Ocean.

Mick Dawson continues to inspire others through his motivational speaking, books, and ongoing projects that combine adventure with philanthropy.