Lagos (Portugal) – After months of intensive preparation, the time has come: extreme sportsman and climate activist Michael Walther has started his spectacular Atlantic crossing on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). The man from Kiel set sail from Lagos in Portugal and completed the first strokes of his approximately 6,000-kilometer journey to French Guiana. In total, it will be around 4 million paddle strokes that will take him across the ocean.
15 hours of paddling per day – a journey to the limits
“From now on, I will paddle for around 15 hours every day in order to arrive in South America within the planned time,” Walther explained before the start. Despite years of preparation, he describes the moment of setting off as “unreal” – accompanied by congratulations from numerous friends, which gave him additional motivation.
With his offshore SUP, which is only 6 meters long, Walther is taking on an unprecedented challenge: no motor, no kite – just muscle power and the forces of nature. Wind, currents and high waves will accompany him every day and may even undo his hard work. “That will make the mental strain particularly great,” says Walther.
Symbol for climate protection – paddle stroke by paddle stroke
Walther is convinced: “The journey across the Atlantic is a long one, just like the path to a truly sustainable future. But it is crucial that we start now.” With his project, he wants to send a strong signal for climate protection and the preservation of the oceans.
He completed a trial trip at the beginning of September to test his equipment under real conditions. On board are solar power, a salt water treatment system, navigation equipment and satellite communication, which will also provide him with power during the lonely weeks at sea.
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Weather forecast for Micha Sunday, September 21
North winds will increase from Saturday and it looks good for the coming week. Micha should have a good downwinder from Portugal towards the Canaries. From Sunday the 28th, weaker winds are forecast north of the Canaries.
Strong partners support the Atlantic mission
In addition to mental strength, the successful crossing of the Atlantic also requires reliable partners. Walther is supported by VILSA-BRUNNEN, SEIKO, Gebrüder Weiss, boot Düsseldorf, Sports for Future e.V., the Paulchen Esperanza Foundation and other organizations.
The project is part of the Zero Emissions Initiative, which has been raising awareness for climate and marine protection with extraordinary campaigns for 17 years. Walther has already received awards from the German UNESCO Commission and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
About Zero Emissions
The Zero Emissions Project was founded in 2008 by Thomas Reinke and Michael Walther. The aim is to inspire people for sustainability through innovative approaches and extreme sports activities. In addition to expeditions such as a climate-neutral circumnavigation of Schleswig-Holstein (2020) or a SUP crossing of Germany (2022), award-winning films are also produced.
Particularly noteworthy are the documentary “The Great Route” (about a SUP expedition in Greenland) and the current film “Time to Act”, which was shot in Iceland in 2024 and released in German cinemas in May 2025.
👉 We’ll keep you up to date with pictures and video footage from the start as well as regular updates on Michael Walther’s Atlantic crossing on the SUP.
Micha is paddling for climate protection and is supported by patrons, we are following his project closely and hope to be supported by patrons too.
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