From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Bela Evers-Kapoor proves courage, endurance, and purpose know no bounds.
UK-born, Netherlands-based ocean rower Bela Evers-Kapoor has made history as the first woman of Indian descent to row across the Pacific Ocean. She was a key member of the Dutch GROHE Team Ocean, completing a 39-day, 2,133-nautical-mile journey from Monterey Bay, California, to Kauai, Hawaii, departing May 30 and arriving July 8, 2025.
Aboard the rowing boat Ambrosia, Bela was the only woman among three crew members, showcasing exceptional endurance, resilience, and leadership. The team faced towering 30-foot waves and winds of up to 40 knots, pushing both physical and mental limits.
This journey was more than a record-setting achievement—it was a mission. The team rowed to raise global awareness for drinking water preservation, emphasizing the urgent need for water conservation and behavioral change to reduce waste.
Known for her determination and positivity, Bela maintained high spirits even in extreme conditions, embodying courage and teamwork. In 2020, she also crossed the Atlantic Ocean as part of a four-woman team, making her the only Indian woman to row both oceans.
A mother of three and grandmother of one, her historic accomplishment inspires athletes, women, and girls worldwide, a true testament to perseverance, adventure, and environmental responsibility.
“This crossing was about more than endurance; it was about purpose. To row for water sustainability while testing ourselves against the Pacific Ocean has been an unforgettable honor,” said Bela after arriving in Hawaii.
The GROHE Team Ocean crossing supports the #Aquawareness initiative, promoting education and action to ensure water sustainability for future generations.
About Bela Evers-Kapoor:
Bela Evers-Kapoor is a pioneering endurance athlete of Indian descent who has successfully rowed both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, cementing her place in ocean rowing history.
