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ROW HARD NO EXCUSES chronicles the voyage of the only American entry in a rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean. It is both an exciting sports-adventure story and an intimate portrait of the two-man crew that explores masculinity, midlife and ambition.

At 51 and 41, John Zeigler and Tom Mailhot are among the oldest competitors to participate in the Atlantic Rowing Challenge, a three thousand mile race from the Canary Islands to Barbados. They spend three years (and personal savings) to make their dream of winning possible, but once on the water, their boat and their bodies don't respond as they'd imagined. Drawing from their compelling video diary at sea, the film engages the audience in the emotional challenges and rewards of their arduous journey. The unique perspective of Tori Murden, the first woman to row solo across an ocean, and the diverse chorus of other teams-men and women, young and old-add context to a meditation on shattered expectations and the pursuit of happiness.

Ocean rowing, as a sport, has only been around since the inaugural Atlantic Challenge race in 1997. Before then crossings were strictly Guinness Book of World Record affairs. In fact, fewer people have rowed across the Atlantic than have climbed Mount Everest. Race rules pit two-person teams against each other rowing unassisted with no food drops or navigational aid. Rowers have to contend with sleep deprivation, seasickness, isolation, boredom and cramped living conditions. Even with a steep entry fee and no prize money, the 2001 race drew thirty-six teams from thirteen nations including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, China, and eight European countries.

Directed by first time feature director Luke Wolbach, ROW HARD NO EXCUSES is a labor of love collaboration between he and his father Bill Wolbach.