Coeur d’Alene man 'inspired to endure'

Dr. Peter Durso of Coeur d'Alene is about to embark upon “The World’s Toughest Row” from California to Hawaii.

“I couldn't say no to an opportunity like this,” Durso said, adding he wants “to do something accomplished by fewer than 100 people, potentially historic and unquestionably life changing.” 

He'll be joined by teammates Brendan Cusick and Patrick Morrissey of Durango, Colo., and Scott Forman, MD, of Albuquerque, N.M.

“Our motto is "inspired to endure," Cusick said. "I personally hope that our small part will contribute and inspire others to embark on adventures that further the greater community and support each individual in finding the capacity to see their potential.”

The foursome, known as Team Human Powered Potential, will climb aboard their boat, American Spirit, off the coast of Monterey, Calif., on June 8 to row 2,800 miles to Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands, anticipating nonstop rowing for 30 to 40 days. 

Their boat is a Rannoch 45 28-foot ocean rowing boat, constructed from fiberglass and carbon fiber.

The Human Powered Potential teammates are going the distance not only to push their own personal potential but also as a fundraiser for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. 

They have already raised $5 million, with a goal of $28 million. 

Morrissey, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease just over four years ago, will be the first person with Parkinson's to row the Pacific Ocean. 

"The challenge, the required commitment to training and bringing awareness to Parkinson's," he said of what drives him to row. “I am committed to slowing the progression and finding a cure for Parkinson's in my lifetime. Exercise is the one thing that may slow the progression of Parkinson’s. One hundred percent of the money raised will go to the Micheal J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research."

The four teammates are all endurance athletes, but not previously rowers. While Durso was an All-American swimmer and triathlete, he has not attempted any ultra endurance events.

“We are a strong team, fully committed to the race, the cause and each other,” he said.

Cusick, a reclamation and sustainability specialist for Red Willow Production Company, is a former international high-altitude mountain guide and current bike racer and endurance runner.

Morrissey, recently retired, was president of GF Properties Group, the real estate arm of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund. He was a Division 1 wrestler in college and has competed in mountain and road bike races over the years. 

Forman, an emergency room physician in the Southwest, competes in endurance running and cycling. 

The Human Powered Potential team is also supported by their training partner and Forman’s son, Skyler, and coach Angus Collins, who has rowed the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, and set the world record time for the Atlantic and Pacific in Team HPP’s American Spirit.

“While our crossing will be amazing, it won’t be easy,” said Cusick, who, along with the other teammates, has been training for almost two years.

Durso said he loves the weight training and has gained 20 pounds, which will help keep him fueled all the way to Hawaii.

“The indoor rower sessions can be monotonous but are definitely helping us move the boat faster," he said. "I also spent many hours last summer doing training rows on the Spokane River. Our California training rows aboard American Spirit have been physically, mentally and emotionally challenging. We have encountered extremely difficult conditions, waves, strong winds and currents, which is great preparation for our crossing.” 

When the American Spirit’s team pulls out of Monterey, they will encounter the California current pushing south along the coast, along with trending northerly winds for approximately the first 200 miles, making the beginning of the race likely the most difficult part.

“Typically, we’ll row two at a time for two hours on and two hours off, 24 hours a day until we reach Hawaii,” Cusick said.

However, when conditions are challenging, such as is possible off the coast of California, the team is prepared to row three at a time for more power, alternating 90 minutes rowing with a 30-minute rest. Once they break through the early race winds and currents, the expectation is to row with trade winds, which generally push toward Hawaii.

Team Human Potential will be completely self-sufficient on the journey, bringing food for 55 days in freeze-dried meals and snack packs. A desalinator will provide water. Through text and satellite phone they will be in daily contact with the World’s Toughest Row official safety team, which keeps track of their location and helps with social media support and family communication and with coach Collins for weather routing, race strategy and general advice.

“First, we are inspired by Pat for his initiative to take this on,” Cusick said. “So much so that our willingness to endure for this period crossing the Pacific Ocean is miniscule compared to the greater endurance that people with Parkinson's must face daily."

Info: humanpoweredpotential.org