Simon Chalk launched Woodvale, a property development company, in 1998 after taking voluntary redundancy from BT.

In 2000 he launched Woodvale Events, a subsidiary company set up to organise and manage Simon's personal ocean challenges.

In 2002 Woodvale Events saw Simon, and rowing partner Bill Greaves, safely to the start of their first self organised ocean challenge. They were to attempt to row across the Indian Ocean from Western Australia to Mauritius, some 3,100 nautical miles (3,565 land miles). Unfortunately disaster struck only a few days into the row when their boat capsized after hitting something large submerged in the water. Simon and Bill survived by sitting on the upturned hull unable to reach the life raft which was trapped inside. After a staggering 14 hours in the water they were eventually rescued by bulk carrier Africa. Amazingly undeterred by his experience Simon returned to Western Australia in 2003 to make a second attempt, only this time he went solo. This attempt was a success making Simon the first British adventurer, and youngest person ever, to row solo across the Indian Ocean.

After this success, Woodvale Events went on to sponsor the Atlantic Rowing Race 2003 and establish themselves as an authoritative figure in the world of ocean rowing. Spurred on by the success of the race, Simon purchased the Atlantic Rowing Race and Ocean Fours Rowing Race from Sir Chay Blyths’ Challenge Business in 2004. Woodvale Events hosted their first race, The Atlantic Rowing Race 2005. Subsequent successful races followed with the Atlantic Rowing Races in 2007, 2009 and 2011.  The Indian Rowing Race 2009 saw teams of pairs and fours rowing 3,100nm from Western Australia to Mauritius and brought ocean rowing into a new era.

Woodvale Challenge aims to take Ocean Rowing into more exciting chapters and we look forward to working with you to achieve it.