Guts and determination saw Chris Bertish, internationally acclaimed Speaker, Big Wave Surfer and Guinness SUP World Record Holder, complete the first, solo, unsupported Transatlantic SUP Crossing on, March 9th, 2017. The SUP Crossing made history and set a new world record.
Chris Bertish set off from the coast of Morocco on December 6, 2016 and paddled across the Atlantic Ocean to reach the finish in English Harbour, Antigua at 8.32am on Thursday morning. His family, locals and project supporters from around the world were in Antigua to watch him paddle the last few strokes across the finish line.
The 20’ specialized SUP craft, the ImpiFish, tied up alongside for the first time in 3 month amid much jubilation. Said Chris, “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 organizations in South Africa, the country that Chris Bertish is from. Bertish’ efforts over the last 4 months have been nothing short of miraculous and his selflessness to sacrifice everything to change the lives of millions of at-risk children across Africa is something everyone should strive to achieve.
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. As it turns out he achieved many of them including a new world record for a 24-hour solo unsupported and unassisted open ocean distance SUP. The incredible journey created a new a smile for every mile Chris Bertish crossed did when crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
“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,” said the intrepid SUP paddler. Chris Bertish aims to raise enough money to build at least five schools in South Africa, provide monthly dividends to feed and educate thousands of children and pay for surgeons to carry out life-changing cleft lip and palate operations; he has raised in excess of $412,000 to date.
To follow Chris Bertish, get involved and donate go to http://www.thesupcrossing.com
An outstanding feat - SUP - 93 days, 7,500km distance and 1,944,000 strokes to finish.