[imagesource:richardkohler.co.za]

It’s been a record-breaking few weeks for South African sea fairers.

Following Kirsten Neuschäfer who made history when she became the first woman to win the prestigious Golden Globe round-the-world race, Mazansi can now proudly celebrate Richard Kohler, who successfully completed a solo and unsupported Ocean X kayak adventure from Cape Town to Brazil.

Kohler left Granger Bay in Cape Town on December 19, 2022, and almost two months to the day, the intrepid adventurer set foot in Brazil to become the first person to successfully cross the Southern Atlantic Ocean on a kayak.

It’s as impressive as it sounds, and not without some last-minute drama.

In order to claim the record, Kohler had to either touch the dock, or land unsupported on the Brazilian coast, and seeing as his landing site at the bay of Salvador didn’t have any docking, the explorer had to jump out of his kayak and swim the last few gruelling metres to the shore.

With strong tidal currents filling and emptying the bay every few hours, Kohler could have been forced to postpone his landing till this week, but luckily fate was on his side and the tides allowed him to reach a mooring buoy.

Kohler was able to swim to the beach by paddling hard in the final moments of his long journey, where he was joined for the last few kilometres by an entourage of navy personnel, lifeguards, and local paddlers.

“It’s been a dream of mine to cross an ocean alone. Paddling a kayak across the ocean has been a ten-year dream and the last five years of planning and execution.”

His incredible story of endurance and mental strength was all for a good cause, and thanks to this South African’s record-breaking effort, Operation Smile South Africa raised almost R 500 000. This means that more than a hundred children will be able to receive corrective cleft surgery.

“The crowning glory must be the phenomenal success of the fundraising for Operation Smile South Africa. We have raised over half a million Rand, ensuring that more than a hundred children will receive corrective cleft surgery.”

Kohler made the crossing in his kayak named Osiyeza, “The Crossing” (named after Johnny Clegg’s song).

He was forced to detour three weeks after his initial departure due to unusual weather conditions that threw gale-force winds, rough seas and rain squalls into his course, but after keeping his mind focused while the storms vented out, he was finally able to begin the planned 70-day Westward paddle towards Salvador Bay in Brazil.

“I am very relieved that I had what it takes for an adventure like this but also very grateful that it has come to an end. The experience is one that I will cherish for the rest of my days.”

Sarah Scarth, executive director of Operation Smile South Africa heaped praise on the explorer.

“Like everyone who has been closely following Richard’s progress, we are in complete awe of what he has achieved and delighted he has made his dream a reality, and deeply grateful that he has used his epic adventure to transform the lives of dozens of children born with cleft lips and palates. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed in support of Operation Smile. Congratulations and thank you, Richard!”

Give this man a Bells. In fact, Kohler probably deserves a case of scotch.

You can check out the below video for more on his amazing adventure:

[source:capetownetc]