Around Iceland in a kayak

Friday, 11 March 2011

[Photo from Die Beeld.]

This is a remarkable story of two South Africans who are all about doing rather than talking. Dan Skinstad and Riaan Manser are soon to become the first South Africans to kayak around Iceland – a risky and difficult journey that will take them 4 months.

Dan, brother of rugby personality and all-round good guy, Bob Skinstad, will undertake the journey to celebrate the completion of his studies. Having just wrapped up his articles in law, he was looking for a physical fitness-related challenge. He has a mild form of cerebral palsy which he finds difficult rather than debilitating.

Riaan is the veteran adventurer who circumnavigated the African continent on his bicycle in 2003 – a journey which took just over 2 years; and followed that up with a loop around Madagascar on a kayak.

The two have planned meticulously for the trip, which commences on 16 March. A camera crew will tag along to film the voyage but will not interfere in any way, leaving the two to fend for themselves in the icy conditions.

Read the full story by Mandy De Waal on the Daily Maverick here. Inspiring stuff guys, we’ll be following your progress!