Kiko Mathews: An Inspirational Journey Across the Atlantic

After a near-life-threatening diagnosis in 2009, Kiko Mathews decided to pack in her teaching job and embark on an adventure that would lead her to some extraordinary places. Finding her feet again while traveling in Africa, Kiko discovered her love of paddleboarding, which became the catalyst for her various initiatives aiming to empower women and encourage an active lifestyle.

Kiko’s life mantra is about letting nothing stand in the way of our dreams and goals—a belief that she carried with her into her toughest challenge yet: solo rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. In this interview, we delve into her expedition, her thoughts on souvenirs, and the importance of challenging ourselves.

Where was your last trip?

This January, I rowed solo and unsupported across the Atlantic, from Gran Canaria to Barbados. I completed the 3000-mile journey in a miraculous 49 days, beating the previous women’s world record.

Where is your next trip?

I will be cycling and sailing from the UK around Denmark and back, focusing on research, education, and awareness surrounding the issue of ocean plastics.

What is your first travel-related memory?

My first independent traveling experience was going interrailing with three friends around Western Europe and Croatia when I was 17. At the time, Croatia was still emerging from the Yugoslav Wars, and you could see remnants of bomb mortar in some places—it was an eye-opening experience.

Aged three, I remember trying to run away from home with my backpack and teddies; that was probably the start of my love of adventure.

Aisle or window seat?

Window definitely. I like to lean against the window so I can sleep—but you have to make sure you’ve gone to the loo before!

Do you have any travel habits or rituals?

I always pack the night before; I just chuck everything in. Then I’ll accidentally overpack because I’ll worry I’ve forgotten something. Before a trip, I also have a recurring dream that I’ve left all my underwear at home.

Favourite city or country or region?

My favourite country is Uganda—it’s a very chill place, and as a traveler, I felt very safe. I learned to paddleboard there on the Nile, which is something I’ll never forget.

I also loved visiting Ethiopia and Sudan. Ethiopia is so raw and beautiful; it’s one of those places that challenges your expectations.

What has been your most unforgettable travel memory to date?

A few years ago, I spent six months driving from the UK to Cape Town with a person who was tetraplegic. Our aim was to raise money and awareness for spinal injuries and spinal injury research—we raised half a million pounds! We wanted to show people that disabilities don’t mean you have to stop living your life to the full.

Tell us about your transatlantic expedition…

In January, I rowed 3000 miles across the Atlantic to raise money for King’s College Hospital in London, which saved my life in 2009 when I was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease from a tumor on the pituitary gland. The tumor returned midway through my training, which was very unexpected. However, I persevered and completed my expedition, breaking the world record for solo rowing the Atlantic.

Besides raising money, I aimed to prove that as humans, we can do anything we set our minds to, regardless of the potential barriers we face. It’s crucial to challenge ourselves, as that’s what fosters growth and reveals our capabilities.

What were your favourite and most challenging aspects of the expedition?

My favourite part was the freedom from everyday life. I loved standing on the boat, looking around, and wondering how far away the nearest person was to me—apparently, quite often it was in space!

Conversely, the most challenging aspect was the monotony: rowing 12-16 hours a day for 49 days can become very tedious. There were times when barely any wind meant I only moved while rowing, and one day, the wind blew in the wrong direction, causing me to go backwards.

As well as physical strength, expeditions like these require a lot of mental endurance. Did you have any tools to help you get through those moments?

I believe that worrying is a complete waste of time, and there’s little point in trying to control certain situations. I can’t control the weather, nor can I control if the boat is broken; it’s much more effective for me to conserve my energy rather than exhaust myself worrying about these issues.

Why was it important for you as a woman to complete this challenge?

My entire expedition was funded by women. Sometimes we forget what we’re capable of, and I wanted to show women, in particular, that they can achieve just as much as men. That said, many men have said they’ve been inspired by my adventure too, showcasing a positive impact for both women and men in facing challenges. I don’t define myself just as a woman—I am Kiko— and this challenge was about trying to be the best version of myself, regardless of gender.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to take on a similar challenge or try a more extreme travel style?

Build a supportive team. Having a group behind you creates accountability for completing the expedition, and the support is invaluable.

Additionally, have a purpose. Especially if you’re raising money or seeking sponsorship, adventure should have a purpose. My original objective was to achieve a world record, but when I realized that my true goal was to champion my illness and inspire others, it gave me the strong foundation I needed to press on.

Tell us about your other initiatives to empower women through adventure and education…

After recovering from Cushing’s in 2009, I returned to teaching but felt I was on borrowed time. Hence, I packed my bags and traveled to Africa, where I discovered paddleboarding. I’m a very energetic person, and paddleboarding provided me with the calm I needed to relax; it allows my mind to switch off when I’m out on the water.

Upon returning to the UK, I aimed to create a similar initiative supporting women in sports. Realizing the multitude of opportunities I had in life, I founded a charity and a paddleboarding business, immersing myself in something I loved.

What is your best or worst travel souvenir?

I stopped buying travel souvenirs when I realized that they aren’t nearly as cool the moment you return home.

What’s your biggest travel fail?

I don’t acknowledge fails or mishaps because I believe any setback leads to a good story later. However, I remember being in India, specifically in Mumbai, and after a night out, I inadvertently dropped my passport. I panicked the next day about having lost it on the onset of my world trip. Fortunately, when the bar reopened, I learned that the cleaning staff had found it and returned it to me.

Quick, an asteroid is going to hit the earth in one week! What’s the one travel dream you’d rush to fulfill?

I have an extensive list of places I want to visit. I think I’d choose Iceland or somewhere in Scandinavia. I envision living in a cabin in the wilderness, enjoying wine and stew by the fire, relaxing in a sauna, and plunging into cold pools or snow.

What advice would you give a first-time traveller?

Invest in a nice skinny pillow. My travel pillow has been a lifesaver, allowing me to sleep anywhere. If you can catch sleep on buses, trains, or planes, your traveling experience becomes significantly easier. Plus, hotel pillows can often be dreadful, so having your own comfort helps enhance the overall experience.

To find out more about Kiko and follow her adventures, visit her website kikomathews.co.uk.