Like most great ideas, the idea to cross the Strait of Gibraltar came up while having a beer with some friends. Besides being the second most frequented shipping lane in the world, the strait hosts strong currents and rapidly changing wind conditions.
Geographically, the Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separates Spain from Morocco. This is roughly 7.7 nautical miles.
Chris Ziaja and Nik Benner began their SUP adventure on October 4th.
They set out from Punta Carnero, Spain, each riding a Naish Glide 14’0”. Besides the paddlers, there was a skipper, a photographer, and a sailing yacht for backup.
What started out easy, turned into a major challenge as the wind and current pushed them into the Mediterranean. They powered on despite the obstacles. A bit of relief was offered by ferries that they passed, creating little swells for them to surf on.
After much drifting, an almost constant paddle against the wind, and many sore muscles, they made it across the Strait — ending just over four and a half hours later at the harbor of Ceuta in Morocco.