South African Chris Bertish, internationally acclaimed Big Wave Surfer and Guinness SUP World Record Holder, has completed the first, solo, unsupported Transatlantic SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) Crossing.
Bertish set off on the greatest ocean adventure ever attempted from the coast of Morocco on December 6, 2016, and traversed 4 050nm/7500km, paddling 1944 000 strokes across the Atlantic Ocean for 93 days, to reach the finish in English Harbour, Antigua.
Bertish stand-up paddled to the English Harbour shores to receive a hero’s welcome and flotilla on the water to guide and encourage him to the finish line.
His own brothers, locals and project supporters from around the globe turned out to watch the dramatic arrival take place and cheer Chris on during the final strokes to the finish.
As the nearly 20’ specialised SUP craft, the ImpiFish, shoved to shore for the first time in three months, after much cheering, hugging and tears of joy, Chris said: “If you truly believe in yourself and persevere, anything is possible, and here we are.
“After over three months solo on the open ocean, I am here, on land again with friends and family – my feelings of accomplishment and extreme gratitude for everyone that made this incredible journey possible are beyond words.”
The SUP Crossing will continue raising funds for several charitable organisations including The Lunchbox Fund, Operation Smile and Signature of Hope.
Bertish personally committed to funding one operation for a child in Africa through Operation Smile for every World Record he achieved on this epic Transatlantic journey.
And he achieved many of them including a new world record for a 24-hour solo unsupported and unassisted open ocean distance SUP.
“We created a new a smile for every mile I crossed the Atlantic,” added Bertish.
“This incredible journey is going to be able to truly change lives. Knowing the impact this will have made every day out on the open ocean worthwhile.” – African News Agency (ANA)
