6,000 km across the Atlantic – with the SUP board for climate protection
Michael Walther embarks on spectacular solo adventure from Portugal to South America
Hamburg, 5 August 2025 – Imagine paddling 6,000 kilometers across the Atlantic alone and without external help – on a stand-up paddleboard just 6 meters long. This is exactly what Kiel-based extreme sportsman, environmental activist and zero-emissions founder Michael Walther is planning. From mid-September, he will set course from Lagos (Portugal) towards South America – the first European and second person ever to attempt this route on a SUP board.
Climate protection on the open ocean
Michael wants to send out a clear signal with this unprecedented campaign: For more climate protection, perseverance and the need to take action now. “The Atlantic crossing symbolizes the long road to a sustainable future – step by step, paddle stroke by paddle stroke,” says Walther. “It is time to act. Every day of procrastination is a day lost for our planet.”
A SUP board becomes a floating home
Michael will cover the entire route alone, without a support boat or external supplies. On board: only the bare essentials. His specially developed offshore SUP board not only offers storage space for 90 days’ worth of food, but also sleeping space, navigation technology and safety equipment. Minimalist but functional – in the spirit of sustainable use of resources.
The board has already impressed during test rides on the Baltic Sea and Hamburg’s Alster. Another endurance test will follow in mid-August before things get serious in September.
Mental strength required
“The mental strain is perhaps even greater than the physical strain,” says Michael. “There are days when I barely make any progress despite paddling for hours – or even drift backwards. It’s precisely in these moments that it’s decided how much I really fight for my convictions.”
Strong partners support the project
The project is supported by well-known partners such as VILSA-BRUNNEN, SEIKO, Gebrüder Weiss, boot Düsseldorf, Sports for Future e.V., the Paulchen Esperanza Foundation and many more.
Paddling for science
The Atlantic crossing is not just a sporting adventure – it also has a concrete scientific benefit. Michael will use a hydrophone to collect underwater sound data during his breaks, which will be transmitted directly to the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven via a satellite link. The recordings will be used in international research projects on the state of the world’s oceans.
About “Zero Emissions”
The non-profit initiative Zero Emissions was founded in 2008 by Michael Walther and Thomas Reinke to raise awareness of environmental and climate protection through extraordinary adventures. Whether climate-neutral trips through Germany or SUP expeditions in Greenland – the projects combine sport with education.
Spring 2025 also saw the release of the cinema documentary “Time to Act”, which is based on an expedition to Iceland. Michael’s previous film “The Great Route” won international awards.
Find out more & join in the excitement
Would you like to follow Michael Walther’s Atlantic adventure or find out more about the board, the mission or Zero Emissions? Then take a look at zeroemissions.eu or contact the team directly for interviews, pictures and updates before and during the trip.
We are providing Michael Walther with media support on his journey and reporting on the latest news. Would you like to support Stand Up Magazine on its journey?
Online Abo
Magst Du den Content des Stand Up Magazins?
Mit einem Onlineabo hilfst Du die Zukunft des Stand Up Magazins zu sichern.
Werde Gönner und Supporter unserer Arbeit mit einem Online Abo.
Dein Abo ist ein Jahresbeitrag und erneuert jedes Jahr.
Dazu bist automatisch auf unserem GRATIS Newsletter mit dabei.