Heroes in the Caribbean, the Antigua Island Girls Make Waves in Canada

The Antigua Island Girls are no strangers to making waves. After becoming the first all-female, all-black rowing team to cross an ocean in 2018, they pushed the boundaries again in 2023, when they crossed the Pacific in less than 40 days.

In doing so, they became local and regional heroes. The team has become global ambassadors for their Caribbean home of Antigua and Barbuda, where most of the population cannot swim, let alone row. 

Last week, two of the Island Girls, Christal Clashing and Kevinia Francis, dipped their oars in Canadian waters. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Canadian Office supported their trip to Canada after they were invited by the Okanagan Nation to participate as honoured guests in the Pulling Together Canoe Journey. 

The week-long event saw the pair traverse Vancouver Island’s WSÁNEĆ, Malahat, and Cowichan territory in traditional West Coast canoes. Representatives from the Tourism Authority caught up with Clashing and Francis on dry land, and here are some quotes from the conversation.

“ At first, it was about challenging ourselves and showing that Caribbean women could take on something as extreme and daring as rowing across an ocean. None of us came from a rowing background, and one of us didn’t even know how to swim at the start — so this was a leap of faith,” the rowers stated.

“But as the journey unfolded, it became bigger than us. We started hearing from others — young girls, mothers, women, teachers — people who saw themselves in our story. That changed everything. Our motivation evolved from personal growth to purpose. Now we row, speak, and show up not just for us but for everyone who needs to see that impossible is merely a starting point.”

Clashing and Francis said it has been “a beautiful journey” watching their story ripple through their island home.

“For many, it’s a reminder that we as a people are capable of extraordinary things. It’s not every day you see women from a small island take on the world’s toughest rows and finish strong. We think our story has helped shift the narrative of what’s possible from the Caribbean, especially for young people. It’s given our country a new kind of spotlight, and we carry that with pride.”

Being invited to participate in the Canoe Journey was a true honour for the Caribbean women.

“The Canoe Journey is more than just an event. It’s a sacred experience rooted in culture, history, and healing. Being invited into that space is deeply meaningful to us. As women who’ve crossed oceans, we know that water carries stories, memories, and spirit. This journey feels like a continuation of our own, and we’re showing up ready to listen, to learn, and to walk – or paddle – in deep respect for the people and the traditions we’re joining.

Clashing and Francis said the stories of the First Nations people they met in Canada resonated deeply with them.

“The way they hold space for their ancestors, the way they protect their traditions, and the deep connection they have to land and water. In some ways, it mirrors what we hold dear in our own culture. In other ways, it reminds us of an ancestral connection that we’ve lost but once had. In Antigua and Barbuda, community, respect, and honouring those who came before are very much part of who we are. So hearing the Okanagan story feels familiar, even though we come from different parts of the world. It reminds us that while our waters may be different, the values that guide us are often similar.”

The pair of Caribbean rowers offer advice to young women looking to challenge their own barriers.

“If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. We sure didn’t! Don’t wait until you feel “ready” — because ready is a moving target. Just begin. Step into the unknown and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, even when you doubt it yourself. Your dreams are valid. Your voice matters. And even if no one’s done it before, especially if no one has done it before — that’s your sign to do it. Make Waves. The barriers you face may be real, but so is your power to break them. You are capable.”