Half Moon Bay, Calif. (June 8, 2021) – Chris Bertish, internationally acclaimed speaker, author, big-wave surfer, Guinness SUP World Record holder and Conservationist, has just embarked on the Transpacific Wing Project, a solo and unassisted 2,750-mile journey by wing foil across the Pacific Ocean from Half Moon Bay, California to Oahu, Hawaii on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Bertish was be towed out two miles from Mavericks Big Wave outer buoy to launch his incredible journey.
The TWP craft (Transpacific Wing Project) with hydrofoils, measuring 19 feet long and 3 feet 7 inches wide (5.8 by 1.1 meters), was custom built for Bertish’s 2017 solo paddle journey across the Atlantic and has been updated and significantly modified with the most advanced satellite communication systems, radar, GPS, hydrofoils, and powerful wings which he will use to harness the wind to power his adventure across the Pacific. The journey will require Bertish to wing a minimum of 10-15 hours per day, for over sixty days straight, unsupported and completely unassisted.
“We are stronger than we realize, and if we set our sights on a goal and overcome a challenge, we can get through anything,” says Bertish. “I want this voyage to highlight the ocean health challenges we face and be a visual reminder that together we can cross an ocean of challenges, change and uncertainty if we choose to work hard at it and never give up—no matter what.”
During the transpacific crossing, Bertish will collect key data for science by posting weekly captain’s logs documenting valuable ocean temperatures, PH and noise pollution data that he collects along the way. Chris will also give back to education during his expedition by providing live ocean classroom sessions—a world’s first from the middle of the ocean. The ocean-themed lessons will focus on ocean health and climate change challenges, giving students actionable tips on how they, too, can make a difference in this imperative race against time.
The Transpacific Wing Project will help raise awareness and funding for charitable organizations and global initiatives including Sea Shepherd, Conservation International, Ocean Unite and ocean education and sustainability programs, all through the Chris Bertish Foundation, a 501c3 organization established in 2020 with the goal of building awareness, giving back and being a beacon of inspiration and positive change for youth and the world.
Website: http://chrisbertish.com
Foundation website: https://chrisbertishfoundation.org
Twitter: @chrisbertish
Instagram: @chrisbertish
Facebook:Â @officialchrisbertish
Linkedin: @chrisbertish
9 Feb 2017
By Robert Norman Greetings again readers! I’m Robert Norman, SUP paddler from Florida and today we will be delving into my training and supplies for the Guinness World Record attempt on Feb 10th-Feb 11th at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. The current number to beat to be put into the men’s record is 99.4Mi or […]
23 Jan 2017
On the 6th of December 2016, Chris Bertish, the professional waterman and adventurer from South Africa, left the shore of Morocco to start an incredible journey across the Atlantic on a stand-up paddle board, unassisted! He is currently reaching half of his voyage and looks set to become the first man to complete a Transatlantic SUP Crossing. […]
17 Dec 2014
We had plenty of questions for Tristan Boxford, founder, via the Waterman League, of the Stand Up World Tour (surfing) and Stand Up Word Series (racing). From the origins of the Waterman League to the future of the sport, Tristan Boxford looks back at 2014 for us, talks prize money, new rule book and 2015! […]
