…in a kayak powered by solo adventurer Riaan Manser.

The first man to cycle the perimeter of Africa is now attempting to become the first person to circumnavigate the Madagascan coast by kayak, alone and unaided.

Of his remarkable 5000km challenge Riaan has now covered more than 50% of Madagascar’s coastline, and believes he is well on track to achieving his goal towards the end of May 2009. The second half should be considerably quicker than the first as Riaan has now streamlined his boat load, perfected his paddling technique and has significantly increased his average daily distance.

Despite some chronic joint pain and perpetual cramps in his lower back, his mind is as strong as ever. The next section to Tulear should be complete by the middle of March; then it’s on to Fort Dauphin on the southern tip by the middle of April. That will leave him one month to complete 750km of almost dead-straight coastline to the finish line.

Riaan uses a portable solar solution designed and supplied by Flexopower in Johannesburg to power his on board electronics: navigation-, tracking-, digital video- and communication equipment.

Loneliness is still the biggest challenge he faces so please send him your messages of support – they really do refill his tank and help him push on through those tough days.