It has been two months to the day since Richard Kohler departed from Granger Bay in Cape Town on 19 December 2022, and he has since made history as the first person to cross the Southern Atlantic Ocean on a kayak.
TygerBurger previously reported on his many journeys and attempts (“Milnerton’s Kohler set to kayak to Brazil”, 24 November 2021) to cross the Southern Atlantic Ocean – he finally conquered this mammoth task in a story about endurance and courage against the odds.
To claim the record of paddling solo and unsupported from South Africa to Brazil, Richard had to touch dock or land unsupported. There was no place for him to dock at the yacht club, so Richard had to swim ashore to fulfil the requirements to successfully make his Ocean X crossing official.
The bay of Salvador is vast and lends itself to strong tidal currents filling and emptying the bay every several hours – meaning if Richard didn’t make it in time, he would have to wait till Monday morning 20 February) to finally touch down on Brazilian soil.
Beating the odds
As luck would have it, Richard managed to paddle hard in the final moments of his long journey to be able to swim to the beach and was joined for the last few kilometres by an entourage of navy, lifeguards and local paddlers. Richard then tied Osiyeza to a mooring buoy, jumped ship and swam ashore to meet his wife, Judith, and the rest of the welcoming team.
“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. 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,” said Richard when arriving in Salvador.
“The experience is one that I will cherish for the rest of my days, but more importantly I hope that my story has inspired others to dream and to act on their dreams. I would like to thank all my sponsors, supporters, followers, donators, my exceptional shore team and my family for getting me across.
“The crowning glory must be the phenomenal success of the fund raising 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,” beamed Richard.
Previous attempts
This has been several years in the making, and Richard first attempted the crossing in December 2021, but had to regrettably make a detour to Walvis Bay after just two weeks at sea. But this time around, through lonely days and nights, Richard achieved his Ocean X dream and finally touched land a few days earlier than his estimation of 70 days to complete the crossing in an incredible 63 days and seven hours.
Richard’s journey started from Cape Town, where he made his way north along South Africa’s West Coast in his kayak named Osiyeza – “The Crossing” (named after Johnny Clegg’s song).
Several unusual weather conditions hampered the first part of the journey with Richard experiencing gale-force winds, rough seas, and rain squalls.
Richard had to sit tight and hang back to avoid severe storms, while also remaining positive mentally. His meticulous planning paid off and three weeks into his journey, Richard turned Osiyeza west to position himself into the trade winds. This ensured he would stay firmly on course towards the shores of Salvador in Brazil.
Operation Smile
The number 70 is also very special to Richard and his Ocean X journey as this solo crossing was done with a purpose in mind to make a change by raising enough money for Operation Smile. Richard’s inspiring journey has seen him reach and exceed his goal of 70 life-changing cleft palate operations, having raised almost R600 000 for the charity, giving over 100 children new smiles. More than one for every day he has been at sea.
“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 lip and palates. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed in support of Operation Smile. Congratulations and thank you, Richard,” says Sarah Scarth, executive director of Operation Smile South Africa.
“Thank you to Richard’s sponsors and everyone who has donated and backed Richard’s cause on this incredible journey, while also giving much-needed messages of love and support on social media.”
