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EDITOR'S NOTE: Newsflash obtained photos from Michael Walther.
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An extreme sportsman has set out to cross the Atlantic Ocean alone on a stand-up paddleboard without a support boat.
Michael Walther, 44, from Kiel in northern Germany, began the 6,000-kilometre (3,700-mile) journey from Portugal to French Guiana earlier this month (August), aiming to complete the voyage in around 90 days.
Walther said his expedition is designed to raise awareness about climate change and the protection of the oceans.
He is a multiple German sailing champion, grew up on the island of Norderney, and founded the project Zero Emissions.
Walther also works as a sustainability consultant and gives lectures on climate protection, extreme sports and motivation.
He is paddling up to 16 hours a day, most of them during nighttime.
Walther said that even in the dark he can see surprisingly well and added that if he keeps a pace of 5 kph (3 mph), it feels like going for a walk.
He has packed about 110 lbs of astronaut food, 45 lbs of energy bars, a life raft, survival suit, medical kit, repair tools, spare parts, ropes, a hydrophone for research, four rolls of toilet paper, a drone, laptop, satellite phone and paddles.
He also has a desalination unit to provide drinking water during the crossing.
Walther has also fitted eight emergency communication systems including a satellite phone and distress beacon.
He keeps a safety leash tied to his foot to remain connected to the board if he falls into the water.
Walther said he expects more than 2,000 hours of solitude and four million paddle strokes before he reaches the coast of South America.
If successful, he plans to arrive in French Guiana in November and said his first priority will be to shower, eat and sleep.
(Mike Leidig / newsX)
Byline Journalist: Mike Leidig
Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Spotter: Mike Leidig
Byline Commisioning Editor: Mike Leidig
Byline Senior Writer: Mike Leidig
Byline Picture Editor: Zorica Stojkovik
Byline Copychecker: Angela Trajkovska
Byline Illustrator: Angela Trajkovska
Byline News Editor: Mike Leidig
Geography: French_Guiana, Portugal
Subject: Humans, Men, Real-life, Inspirational, Sport, Canoeing
T4 Editor Story Rating: 6
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 8
T4 Total rating: 7
