Chris Bertish, a South African surfing and watersports professional just made a solo trip across the Atlantic Ocean…on a stand-up paddle board!
First of all, check out this contraption created by naval architect Phil Morrison. Not your standard vacation-rental fare, here. The SUP had a small sleeping space, GPS, radios, autopilot systems, satellite weather forecasting equipment and solar panels.
Bertish made the 4,500-nautical mile trip from Agadir, Morocco to English Harbour, Antigua in 93 days, sustained by freeze-dried meals, protein shakes, and jerky.
He paddled the custom 1,360-pound craft an average of 43 miles per day. He also set the record for the furthest solo travel over open ocean in one day: 71.96 miles.
After that primal display of victory, this heroic nautical caveman deserves an nickname as cool as these guys:
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Origin Announce Their Spring 2017 Roster
Once Origen announced their roster for the 2017 Spring Split, it became immediately apparent that the team would struggle to stay in the EU LCS. The roster included Satorius, Wisdom, NaeHyun, Tabzz and Hiiva.
sOAz and Amazing Leave Origen
xPeke was left as the last man standing from the original roster. sOAz and Amazing left the squad after becoming dismayed with the team's performance.
soaz and amazing leave
xPeke Steps In As AD Carry
The team's new bot lane duo simply did not work out. Forg1ven left the squad mid-split, with no replacement available, xPeke stepped into the ADC role. His infamous play is a harrowing memory for all Origen fans.
It all started when xPeke left Fnatic…
Origen was founded by xPeke in 2014 after he left Fnatic following the World Championship. With no prior experience running a team, nobody could have predicted just how far the team would go.
Origen Become the EU LCS’ Worst Ever Team
Without a single series win to their name, Origen's 2017 Spring Split roster will go down in history as the EU LCS's worst ever team.
Zven and Mithy Leave to Join G2 eSports
The dagger in the back of Origen. The team's bot lane duo departed the team unexpectedly ahead of the 2016 Summer Split.
Origin Heartbreak featured
Julius Erving – “Dr. J”
Nicknames don't get much cooler than "Dr. J", that's basically the pinnacle of nicknames. Everyone knows you're cool, and probably really good at basketball, both of which Julius Erving was. And for what's it's worth, his afro was as cool as his nickname. (Source: Twitter)
Fred McGriff – “Crime Dog”
I absolutely love everything about Fred McGriff's nickname of "Crime Dog", because I absolutely have no idea what it's even in reference to. Crime Dog? Like what the hell does that even mean? My response is who cares, because it's freaking awesome. (Source: Twitter)
Gordie Howe – “Mr. Hockey”
That's right, I'm showing hockey some love here. Now I'm not really a Redwings fan at all, and Gordie Howe was way before my time, but I mean come on, he has an awesome nickname. "Mr. Hockey" is the stuff of a legend, they literally made him the face of hockey because he was so unbelievable at it. (Source: Twitter)
Fnatic Schalke
NighT – Probability: High
One of the most talked about possible moves, NighT could soon find himself on another team. The reigning EU Rookie of the Split, NighT is highly sought after as a mid laner. Do not be surprised to find him on a team such as Team Liquid when the next split begins.
Adrian – Probability: Moderate
Once an All-Star for the NA LCS, Adrian now finds himself as a free agent after his departure from Team Liquid. While the talent is undeniable, many of Adrian's pocket power picks are currently out of the meta, and rumoured team issues may cause other teams to think twice before signing him.
Rekkles
Probability: Low
A mid season slump found Rekkles pushed to the edge of retirement or leaving Fnatic once again. Once one to the more talked about players looking to move, with Fnatic's late season surge any type of trade or retirement seems highly unlikely.
LirA – Probability: Low
The most valuable member of EnVyUs's line-up , any rebuild will likely be built around him. If he didn't count as an import, LirA's value would be through the roof as one of the best junglers in NA. With limited teams that have import slots open and his immense value to NV, do not be surprised in LirA stays put.
Piglet – Probability: Moderate
After switching from ADC to mid, Piglet had an up and down season in his new role. For the upcoming split, Piglet may retire or be replaced by another import in the mid lane. If he stays with Team Liquid for next split, do not be surprised to see him move back to his former role of ADC.
FeniX – Probability: Low
The mid laner for Gold Coin United has been regarded as possibly the NA CS's best player this split. After GCU's failure to reach the LCS, he could be an option for teams looking to upgrade their mid, and who have an import slot available. Outside of Team Liquid and NV however, options are limited.
Ninja – Probability: High
Likely the most criticized member of Team EnVyUs, much of the blame for their struggles this split has fallen on Ninja. Currently occupying a valuable import slot, his performance has likely not warranted him staying with the team. Do not be surprised to see him replaced very soon.
Chris Bertish maintained an engaging captain’s log via Facebook. He drank scotch on New Year and wrote about his run-ins with turtles and yachts.
In his final log, posted an hour before the trip’s completion, Bertish said: “A day I have been working toward for as long as I can remember … I’ve put everything on the line for this project for the last five years … everything!”
Bertish partnered with charities Signature of Hope Trust, the Lunchbox Foundation and Operation Smile, hoping to raise the funds to build at least five schools in South Africa, as well as funding cleft palate surgeries. He’s raised more than $400,000 thus far.
“The more time I can spend in the ocean, in any shape or form, the better. I’m a waterman and the ocean is my inspiration. It’s where I truly feel alive, comfortable, content, happy and free.
Nothing is impossible, unless you believe it to be.”
Chris Bertish
Prior to the SUP conquest, Bertish won the 2010 Maverick Big Wave Invitational and set the record for open ocean 12-hour nonstop SUP in South Africa. In 2013, he set the record for fastest time crossing the English Channel on a stand up paddleboard: 5 hours, 26 minutes.
It’s worth noting that the previous effort to cross the Atlantic via SUP didn’t last long – Frenchman Nicolas Jarossay tapped out after a week.
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