Chris Bertish, somewhere between 0 and 4,600 miles of paddling. Photo Allan Van Gysen
You may or may not have heard, but big wave charger Chris Bertish is doing quietly something that most people would never even dream of doing. He’s doing the first ever solo, unsupported, open ocean SUP expedition across the Atlantic Ocean. Yes, you read that right. He’s stand up paddling across the Atlantic. By himself.
Bertish just hit a major milestone in his journey: the 34°W mark, which lines him up with South America’s easternmost point and smashes all sorts of records. Fifty-two days ago, Bertish set off on his journey. He pointed his customized SUP southward from Agadir, Morocco, planning on ending up in Florida, a trip of nearly 5000 miles. A few weeks later, on December 20th, he passed the Canary islands and set a 300-mile SUP world record.
Of course, the trip is fraught with difficulties. The first two weeks were filled with rough open ocean conditions, a couple of capsizes, and a bone-crushing marathon paddle every single day for three months straight. So far, he’s traveled nearly 2000 miles in the ImpiFish, his specialized craft. Designed for this trip by Bertish himself, it can self-right, has a small cabin, and a variety of other modifications.
“The main goal of this project is to push the limits of what’s possible for the sport and for what the human spirit can endure, while inspiring others to believe in themselves and what’s truly possible,” said Bertish. “We are changing the lives of millions by paddling smiles across the faces of less fortunate children in Africa and South Africa, with the money we raise for this incredible project.”
The SUP Crossing crosses the Atlantic Ocean, while leaving a sustainable legacy by raising enough funds for: The Lunchbox Fund, Operation Smile and Signature of Hope with the target of raising over $1,124,150 US Dollars, but simultaneously making the entire project, a completely self-sustainable charity initiative, that will have a lasting legacy by paying out monthly, for more than two decades and for generations to follow. Donate HERE.
