South African Chris Bertish Becomes 1st to Cross Atlantic Ocean on Paddleboard

Chris Bertish from South Africa has made history by becoming the first person to cross the Atlantic Ocean on a solo stand-up paddleboard. 

Bertish posted about his accomplishment on his official Instagram account:

Bertish's journey took a total of 93 days and covered more than 4,000 miles. 

Per Jamie Grierson of the Guardian, Bertish was riding on a custom-made paddleboard that cost $120,000 and took six months to complete. 

"Bertish paddled an average of 43 miles a day, beating his plan for 30 miles daily," Grierson wrote. "He managed a gruelling 60 miles on the penultimate day to make the final push. He mostly travelled at night to avoid sun exposure and said he kept well-nourished with protein shakes, freeze-dried meals and salty jerky."

CNN noted Bertish, in addition to being the first person to cross the Atlantic Ocean on a solo paddleboard, also made history for the "furthest distance traveled solo, unsupported and unassisted over open ocean in a day (71.96 miles)."

Bertish is a big-wave surfer and sailor who has set the standard for athletes in 2017 with the completion of his mission.