Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Chris Bertish, internationally acclaimed speaker, Big Wave surfer and Guinness SUP world record holder, completed the first, solo, unsupported transatlantic SUP crossing on Thursday.
Bertish set off on the greatest ocean adventure ever attempted from the coast of Morocco on December 6, 2016 and traversed 4 050nm/7 500km, paddling 1 944 000 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. Bertish’s brothers, locals and project supporters from around the globe turned out to watch the dramatic arrival take place and cheer him on during the final strokes to the finish.
As the nearly 20’ specialized SUP craft, the ImpiFish, shoved to shore for the first time in three months, after much cheering, hugging and tears of joy, Bertish commented, “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 made history, set a new world record and will leave a lasting legacy helping generations to follow.
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 over the Atlantic,” commented 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.”
With Bertish’s long time experience as a keynote and inspirational speaker known internationally for inspiring audiences with his tales of courage, determination, and skill to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles in pursuit of his dreams, he added, “Reaching your goals and breaking records is all about beating the odds and challenging your own limits until you achieve what you never imagined could be accomplished. Nothing is impossible.”
To follow Chris Bertish, get involved, donate and continue the adventure click here: http://chrisbertish.com/sup-crossing/
Keep the conversation going with the official hashtag: #theSupCrossing #CarrickWealth #StandUp
For more details on Chris Bertish visit the following channels:
· Website: http://chrisbertish.com
· Twitter: @chris_bertish
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisbertish/?hl=en
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialChrisBertish/?fref=nf
· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S71GeFAfmibX9y9zLLpRw
Finish line in sight (Brian Overfelt)
