‘Presence, patience, grit’: Gregor Wacker prepares for 6000km India’s Coast solo expedition with Yster SUP

Gregor Wacker’s story – former German military diver, ocean rower, and endurance paddler with a 5000km Atlantic Ocean Crossing under his belt* – hits differently. On one hand it’s about that unique ‘league’ of endurance paddlers and absolute legends in their own right taking on some killer, unsupported challenges and yet still slipping under the radar of industry media.

But it’s also a story about something both raw and pure, inherently belonging to the sport we all share. Whether we’re digging deep or just casually gliding through on a paddleboard, we’re all connected by the feeling that Gregor captures so well: “You’re standing, exposed, in direct contact with every ripple and shift beneath you. It forces presence. It demands humility.”

It all starts there – no wonder Gregor’s next SUP adventure, the solo 6,000 km expedition around India’s entire mainland coastline, is called Jil Yatra: a journey with water at its heart.

TotalSUP sat down with Gregor to learn more about what called him to his upcoming expedition and to hear about his board choice for the preparation phase: the 14×28 Yster Linear inflatable paddleboard. Yster SUP , the Swedish brand known for its strong track record in the world’s toughest ultra-endurance races, stood out to Gregor for its “blend of engineering, performance, and purpose.”

Main image source: blackforestrower.com

Hi Gregor, welcome to TotalSUP! Could you tell us about yourself and how did you get into stand-up paddle boarding?

Hi, and thanks for having me! I’m 54, based in Germany, with a background in endurance and self-reliance. I’ve served in special forces, worked as a military diver, completed Ironman races and ultramarathons and in 2024, I rowed unsupported across the Atlantic in just 49 days.

I got into SUP a few years ago to stay connected to water and movement. It quickly became much more than a hobby,  it’s a way to explore nature, push limits, and simplify everything. Now I’m preparing for Jil Yatra, a solo SUP expedition around the entire Indian mainland coastline, over 6,000 km, unsupported. It will be my biggest challenge yet.

In December 2024, you rowed with Sabrina Simpson 5,000 kilometers across the Atlantic in the “World’s Toughest Row”, from the Canary Islands to Antigua to support the well:fair charity. 5,000 kilometers across the Atlantic is no small feat – what lessons from the row are you carrying into your next expedition?

That row taught me a lot, lessons I’m carrying into Jil Yatra:

• Self-reliance is everything. Just you, your gear, and your mindset. That’s exactly how I’ll approach this SUP journey
• Rhythm over intensity — consistency matters most when the days get long
• Mental resilience is the real engine. You learn how to stay focused when progress is slow or conditions tough.

And finally, while these are solo efforts, they’re fuelled by a community of people who believe in you. That support gave our Atlantic crossing meaning, and I hope to build something similar with Jil Yatra.

Image source: Instagram @black_forest_rowers

How did your physical and mental resilience evolve through the Atlantic crossing, and how will that shape your next journey?

The Atlantic crossing was a crucible, both physically and mentally. No matter how fit or prepared you are, nothing fully prepares you for 49 days at sea, exposed to the elements 24/7, rowing in 2 hour shifts around the clock.

Physically, I became more efficient – stronger in a sustainable way. Now I train for durability, not just performance. Mentally, the row taught me how to stay calm in discomfort, how to handle isolation, and how to stay disciplined when motivation fades. That mindset – presence, patience, grit – is exactly what I’ll need paddling solo for months on end.

How important was your connection to the water, whether rowing or paddling, during moments of isolation or difficulty?

That connection to the water was everything, especially during the hardest moments. When you’re completely alone or exhausted, when the wind’s against you or progress is painfully slow, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the water has a way of grounding you. For me, it becomes a relationship, not something to fight, but something to listen to, respect, and even draw strength from.

During the Atlantic row, there were nights under the stars where the silence was overwhelming but also profoundly peaceful. The ocean reminded me that I was part of something much bigger. And that same connection is what draws me to stand-up paddling. You’re standing, exposed, in direct contact with every ripple and shift beneath you. It forces presence. It demands humility.

So in moments of difficulty, I don’t just focus on the struggle. I try to return to the rhythm, to the breath, to the sensation of moving with the water, not against it. That mindset doesn’t just get you through; it transforms the hardship into something meaningful. It’s one of the reasons I chose to name my next expedition Jil Yatra, a journey with water at its heart. Not just a physical route, but a spiritual one.

You’re setting off to the East Coast of India in September with your Yster SUP board – can you share the inspiration and goals behind this expedition?

Yes, I’m heading to India in September to start the first scouting phase of Jil Yatra. I’ll likely paddle one week each on the east and west coasts, depending on conditions. It’s a test run for gear, logistics, and coastline experience.

The full expedition will be a solo SUP journey around all of India’s mainland coastline – over 6,000 km. The inspiration is a mix of endurance, simplicity, and spiritual exploration. I want to see India from the water, one paddle stroke at a time.

Are there any cultural or environmental causes linked to this paddle, similar to your Atlantic row?

Jil Yatra is a personal challenge first, but I’m working to link it with a broader purpose. I’m in touch with environmental organisations in India, and considering visits to local schools to share the story and encourage ocean awareness and resilience in youth.

These elements are still being defined and I want them to grow organically and respectfully with local partners. The intention is there: to paddle with purpose.

What kind of challenges do you anticipate paddling along the Indian coast, in terms of conditions, logistics, safety?

The challenges are massive, and not just physical. India’s coastline spans nine states, each with its own regulations, languages, and authorities. Navigating local rules, permits, and coast guard zones will be tough.

Then there’s nature: monsoon winds, extreme heat and humidity, shifting currents, and remote stretches with little access. I’ll be solo and unsupported, so I need to stay self-reliant and culturally sensitive, especially when landing in rural or sacred coastal areas.

But these challenges are also why I’m doing it – to test myself while moving respectfully through both nature and culture.

How did you first come across Yster SUP – what caught your attention about the brand initially?

I first noticed Yster SUP through the Yukon 1000 and Yukon River Quest challenges. Seeing elite paddlers win and survive those brutal races on Yster SUP boards caught my attention – they clearly build for endurance and real conditions.

Which Yster model are you currently using, and how does it meet the demands of your expedition goals?

Right now I’m using the Yster ISUP 14’x28” Linear. It’s perfect for this training phase: stable, fast, and tough enough for coastal conditions. The fact that it’s inflatable makes it ideal for travel and scouting in India.

For the full expedition, I plan to switch to a hard board, but I’m still testing options. It needs to offer max glide and carry gear for weeks of unsupported paddling. The ISUP has been a perfect start.

What made you choose the Yster board for training and expeditions? Was there a specific moment or feature that sealed the deal?

Honestly, it was Per Vallbo at Yster. I reached out with questions, and he replied personally and immediately. He didn’t just sell gear, he listened, asked smart questions, and recommended the perfect setup for my goals.

That kind of service and insight sealed the deal. And the gear itself –  the ISUP 14×28, the full carbon paddle, and the dry bags – have performed incredibly well.

Yster supports purpose-driven paddling, and that’s what made them the right partner for me.

How can the SUP and rowing communities get involved or support your upcoming India expedition?

Support is very welcome and needed!

• Knowledge sharing: I’d love to connect with other long-distance SUP expeditioners
• Local connections in India: Navigating culture and logistics will be much easier with local allies
• Sponsorships: I’m looking for brands aligned with endurance, adventure, and storytelling
• Spreading the word: My website and social media will launch soon, and I’ll be sharing the journey from preparation to final paddle stroke.

This might be a solo paddle – but it’s powered by a much larger community. I’d love for more people to be part of it.

This is outstanding, thank you so much Gregor for sharing your story. We can’t wait to follow your expedition and support it along the way!

*In December 2024, Gregor and Sabrina Simpson set off on a monumental challenge: rowing 5,000 kilometers across the Atlantic in the “World’s Toughest Row,” from the Canary Islands to Antigua. Find out more here 

Explore Yster SUP quiver at www.ystersup.com and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram

Follow Gregor on Instagram