Ocean rower Christopher Martin has revealed the memory of waking one morning to the sound of whale song is behind the decision to chase a childhood dream in 2009.

The 26-year-old was named Powerade Surrey Sports Personality of the Year last week after single-handedly negotiating the Atlantic, while being subjected to some of the worst weather seen in 200 years.

The Molesey Boat Club member completed the 3,000-mile Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race after 68 days at sea in 2006, and celebrated by pledging to pull off an unassisted conquest of the Pacific with fellow oarsman Nick Dawson.

And Martin, who lives in Surbiton, is looking forward to getting back in the boat for a six-month stint to set a record that has proved elusive for the two other people who have attempted it.

"As a kid, I wanted to be the first to climb Everest before I realised it had been conquered, so then I thought I would try to be the youngest to do it, but then realised I had been beaten to that. This is an extension of that," he said.

"This latest project actually started out when I was celebrating with Nick in a pub in Antigua straight after the Atlantic crossing.

"If we complete the trip we will be the first pair to have completed it without any assistance and I will have achieved my dream.

"The Atlantic is the most emotionally enriching place on earth. You are in control of your own destiny. Everything you do has an affect on your future.

"During the crossing, I woke at 4am to hear whales singing. Moments like that lift your spirits and keep you going.

"It is an amazing experience that, unless you have been there, you can't really get an idea of what it is like."

Martin took up rowing as a student at Hampton School and went on to represent Great Britain at the World Championships six times between 1997 and 2002.

He claimed a bronze medal in the coxed fours event in 2001, but believes conquering both the Atlantic and Pacific would surpass that effort.

And Martin has pledged no expense will be spared this time around.

"I have learnt from my previous trip that you can't do things on the cheap. I had a second-hand water machine converting salt water into the drinking water that packed up last time, which was a disaster," he added.

"That won't happen again. We will have the best ocean-going rowing boat money can buy. It will be bullet proof this time."

Martin is looking for sponsorship for his trans-Pacific crossing and can be contacted on 07967 826833.

l More than 150 sports players, coaches, volunteers and dignitaries attended the inaugural Powerade Surrey Sports Awards last weekend.

Hosted by Eagle Radio's Mark Chivers, who was joined on stage by Olympian Mark Richardson, the Oscar-style awards, which were backed by your local Guardian, celebrated the wealth of sporting talent in the county.

Organising committee chairman Sarah Williams said: "It was a fantastic evening.

"All the award winners for the Powerade Surrey Sports Awards 2007 have contributed to making Surrey one of the most active and successful counties in England, and they should be proud of their achievements and efforts.

"It is a shame we cannot have more winners for each of the awards, as they all deserve recognition."

For more on the Powerade Surrey Surrey Sports Awards see activesurrey.com