World-first as man crosses Atlantic Ocean unaided on paddle board

[Suijin]

So this guy just finished his voyage, crossing the Atlantic on a paddle board.

World-first as man crosses Atlantic Ocean unaided on paddle board - CNN.com

Along the way he set a record for unassisted travel in a day of 71 miles.

Having sailed that route, I think it's safe to say that he actually surfed a large part of the way. You get in the trades, with regular following seas, and most of your paddling is likely keeping the boat pointed west, lol.

[MarkJ]

90 days.

Steve Calagan did it in a life raft after his boat sank in 70 days.

It gets to be dogs bollocks... remember a few years ago it was about how young a girl could be to circumnavigate? (As long as they were relatively pretty)

So now its idiots floating on carboard boxes... as long as its down wind and down current.

Only difference is this one landed in Antigua and the 1970's life raft landed in Barbuda ... 5nms the difference.

[newhaul]

Doesnt look like any paddle board I ever saw. Looks more like one of those long distance row boats. https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...act=mrc&uact=8
Never saw a cabin on a paddle board. I have to throw the BS flag on this one.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

90 days.

Steve Calagan did it in a life raft after his boat sank in 70 days.

It gets to be dogs bollocks... remember a few years ago it was about how young a girl could be to circumnavigate? (As long as they were relatively pretty)

So now its idiots floating on carboard boxes... as long as its down wind and down current.

Only difference is this one landed in Antigua and the 1970's life raft landed in Barbuda ... 5nms the difference.

Callahan was a few 100 miles to the East of where this guy started when he took to the liferaft (a 6 man Avon) after his little boat sank

According to him, he was 450 miles west of the Canary Islands, 800 miles north of the Cape Verde Islands,

Callahan's story is a very good one also. He had just a little time to grab a few things out of his sailboat for supplies before it sank all the way. The speargun probably saved his life.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/121410.Adrift

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeands...lantic-76-days

[Steadman Uhlich]

The bright side:

1. He did it. Bravo!
He finished and reached his goal. Not everyone does.

2. It shows it "can be done."
This is another in the long list of challenging things people try, despite the difficulty or risks. This is another in a long list of people who have crossed an ocean or made a long voyage in unusual vessels (or on them).

[MarkJ]

Yep he did it. Not only that didn't he just do some mamouth swim in the Antarctic?
He guy is a serious athlete.

I will find a link.

[Edit. It wasn't a swim, but surfing big waves in South Africa.]

[Sea Dreaming]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Doesnt look like any paddle board I ever saw. Looks more like one of those long distance row boats. https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...act=mrc&uact=8
Never saw a cabin on a paddle board. I have to throw the BS flag on this one.

I agree with your assessment. I do not say the guy didn't do something notable or worthy. But "paddle board" misrepresents the craft. I am lazy and did not read the article. The use of "paddle board" is the mistake of the article author.

[chris mac]

Good on him for accomplishing a goal. It isn't one I would want, but that's why he did it and not me:-)
Double good for using it to raise money for charities. He's using the publicity for worthwhile causes.
He would probably be a cool guy to talk with over a beer or two. He should have some great stories.

[1000 islands]

The unaided should really be interpreted as solo,which he was not.

The very first picture shows his assisting boat.

To me it's a bunch of bs but he'll make a few bucks from it and get his name in the Guinness book.

[Steadman Uhlich]

I consider this aspect of his voyage to be the most admirable.

From the linked article:
"Working with charities Signature of Hope Trust, the Lunchbox Foundation and Operation Smile, 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. As of today, Bertish has raised R5,460,030 ($412,000)."

I think that IS an achievement and worthy of praise.

[Steadman Uhlich]

The article on CNN says he was SOLO and Unassisted and Unsupported. I respect that much more than a closely followed, supported, or assisted record attempt.

That photo on the CNN site/article that shows a powerboat near him was taken near the finish, and it is not unlikely that the press and local boats would come out to greet him and escort him into the harbor. That is done for Vendee Globe boats too and most significant boat events.

[Cavalier]

I think we're gonna to have to update the standard response to the common, "What's the smallest vessel capable of crossing the Atlantic?" threads.

Sent from mTalk

[williamtl]

So, I can just see the next thread, "I'm new to the site, going to quit my job and cross oceans. What type of paddle boards are blue water capable? I have $4 to spend."

Response 1: Only rigid PBs are bluewater capable. They must have a full keel, none of these little stub keels at the back. And for heavens sake don't try it in an inflatable.

Response 2: There are plenty of inflatable PBs that are blue ...

Response 3: oNLY cUSTOM pbS aRE bWC

...

All in fun. [emoji3]

[Island Time O25]

It's one cool looking contraption. The inside pic perspective makes the cabin look huge compared to its outside view. If the guy has any business sense he might want to market/license this thing before anyone else does.

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by williamtl

So, I can just see the next thread, "I'm new to the site, going to quit my job and cross oceans. What type of paddle boards are blue water capable? I have $4 to spend."

Response 1: Only rigid PBs are bluewater capable. They must have a full keel, none of these little stub keels at the back. And for heavens sake don't try it in an inflatable.

Response 2: There are plenty of inflatable PBs that are blue ...

Response 3: oNLY cUSTOM pbS aRE bWC

...

All in fun. [emoji3]

Response 4: As long as it doesn't have keel bolts it's blue water capable.