Gábor Rakonczay crosses the Atlantic with SUP

Renowned for its special commitments, the extreme sportsman, who returned from Antactis in January last year, will depart from Gran Canaria on January 20 and is scheduled to row 5200 kilometers to Antigua in 55 to 65 days.

"Ultraminimal, zero comfort and zero emissions," Gábor Rakonczay said in a project press conference Tuesday, saying that in the past two months he will not be able to hide himself on a rigid, self-built plank of only 5.5x1.5 meters. when the storm comes.

"Two years ago, I had the idea of a means of crossing the ocean after dueling and solo canoeing," the 38-year-old athlete explained in the background of his decision. He said he chose SUP because the surface of the surfboard is so minimal that without a cabin or any protective design, it is a real challenge to cross the ocean anyway.

"This is the perfect tool for a classic, uncompromising expedition," said Rakonczay, who says that if something hasn't been accomplished, sooner or later someone will come and do it.

"With my experience of six crossings so far, I know that this is a truly cross-border challenge, but with the determination, commitment and precision of a job," said the extreme athlete, "who is embarking on an extremely brutal journey."

"In a truly human-like environment, surrendering to nature, the way I manage my mental abilities and loneliness literally determines everyday survival. Only the ocean, my board, my paddle and myself. With minimal means, for maximum adventure," he added.

His professional companion, Ádám Norbert Szabó, who kills the ocean in 2016, says Rakonczay is the best man for the job, and the only person who can do it.

"I'm pretty sure he'll succeed because he put in a tremendous amount of work and energy to make this expedition perfect," commented Norbert Adam Szabó, who revealed that Rakonczay had three devices this time, including two satellite cell phones. he will take you with you to call the rescue center immediately in case of an emergency, but he will also have a life raft.

For MTI's question, Rakonczay did not reveal the project's budget, but said that his ship was already international and this time much more was spent on satellite communications than previous expeditions.

"Extreme athletes are no longer gambling athletes," he emphasized, and encouraged those present to choose the simplest and safest route, which during this period was almost storm-free.

"There will only be a maximum of four days of storm, the rest is fun," said Rakonczay, who is also the winner of the American Adventure of the Year Award and the Hungarian Design Award. Last January, Antarctica traveled 900 kilometers with its three companions in 44 days and reached the South Pole as the first Hungarian. As an ultra-runner, he regularly runs ultramarathon races, such as running a 680 kilometer race or rising from sea level to Mont Blanc.

(Source: sportrajongo.hu, m4sport, mti / Photo: pixabay, mti)