Barbados is well-known for producing extraordinary talent, including our sportsmen and sportswomen. Philip Als rowed into the history books and the Guinness Book of Records by becoming one of the first Barbadian ocean rowers to successfully cross the Atlantic in the 2003 Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Challenge. Along with fellow rower Randal Valdez, the Barbadian rowing duo “Team Rowing Home”, undertook the 3,000 nautical mile row across the Atlantic, starting in La Gomera in the Canary Islands.
Philip Als Bio In 2003, Philip Als rowed into the history books and the Guinness Book of Records by becoming one of the first Barbadian ocean rowers to successfully cross the Atlantic in the 2003 Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Challenge. Along with fellow rower Randal Valdez, the Barbadian rowing duo “Team Rowing Home”, undertook the 3,000 nautical mile row across the Atlantic, starting in La Gomera in the Canary Islands. L-R Philip Als and Randal Valdez Leading the race at one point, they battled the elements of the sun, gale-force winds, high seas, and sharks. After 43 days, 14 hours and 17 minutes on the ocean, the team rowed into Port St. Charles, Barbados on 01 December 2003 to a rapturous reception from proud Barbadians who had followed their epic journey. Als and Valdez placed third (3rd) in the race out of sixteen (16) eams, earning them a Guinness World Record.
The Early Years
Als represented Barbados from 1984 in windsurfing before going professional in Europe, USA and the Caribbean. He also coached the Barbados Windsurfing team for the 2000 Sidney Olympics. Upon his return he and his Barbadian teammates were the IPSC Caribbean Pistol champions earning him a gold medal. With his competitive nature, Philip set out to prepare for the 2003 Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race from La Gomera to Port St. Charles, Barbados. Fast forward to today and that same driving spirit is set to see Als take on the greatest challenge of his sporting career, to join the expedition to row the Northwest Passage.
Growing up in Barbados just one road away from the great Sir Garfield Sobers, Philip has always been inspired to strive beyond the obvious and to stretch the boundary of possibility. Speaking from his home in Barbados he said, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to row the NWP and be part of the team that achieves this and makes history”.
Barbados Minister for Culture, John King, commented; “We are extremely proud of Philip as one of our Island’s Ambassadors, joining this incredible rowing expedition. We are encouraging all Barbadians at home and abroad to get behind Philip and support him in this great endeavour.”
Northwest Passage Rowing Expedition
Originally scheduled for a June 2022 departure, Barbadian Philip Als will now be going on an expedition to row the Northwest Passage in summer 2023. A crew including 15 rowers from different parts of the World will make a historic attempt to sail the Northwest Passage - the Arctic route that links the Atlantic and the Pacific - in specially designed boats. The expedition is expected to begin in North East Canada and end in Alaska. It will draw attention to the changing environment, collecting meaningful data for climate scientists at New York University and Big Blue Ocean Clean-up. However, access via the proposed route will be heavily dependent on the unpredictable ice flow and the extreme arctic weather conditions.
Barbados is well-known for producing extraordinary talent, including our sportsmen and sportswomen. We want to congratulate Philip Als on the heart, courage and dedication that has gone into training for this ambitious Northwest Passage Rowing Expedition. The Government and people of Barbados proudly stand behind him as he represents himself and our country. Philip is an inspiration for many young Barbadian athletes looking on to see how far following their passions can take them – in this case, on the world stage putting Barbados on the map
Facts About Phil:
- Philip Als has proudly worked as a top salesman for (Courtesy Garage) Hyundai in Barbados for over 10 years. As he approaches the end of his career he will be taking on a new challenge - to join the International Expedition Team to row the Arctic’s notorious Northwest Passage in 2021.
- Philip has 30 years of experience as a professional sportsman. He has been recognised by the Barbados National Sports Council as one of the Island’s sporting National Icons
- He is a Guinness World Record holder for his 2003 Atlantic Rowing Challenge.
- Philip is a Brand Ambassador for Barbados both on and off the water and is internationally recognised for his sporting excellence in his field. He continues to mentor young and aspiring sports people.
- Is one of the few persons on island that wears the Barbados National kilt
- Originally from Old Quarry Ave., Bayland and later moved to Fairview Place (Bayville). Walcott’s Avenue “Lazy Town”.
- Was inspired in his early years watching Sir Gary Sobers play cricket in the street (he was never great at it so Als turned to the ocean)
- His favourite Bajan food is Breadfruit Cou Cou and Saltfish
- His watering-hole (rum shop/bar) is Scotland View Bar in Indian Ground