There is no more time for hesitation – it is time to act. With an ambitious and spectacular campaign, Zero Emissions Initiator Michael Walther wants to show that the journey towards a more climate-friendly future is long overdue. He will cross the Atlantic Ocean from Portugal to South America on a specially developed offshore stand-up paddleboard. It's an extreme challenge that symbolises how big changes can only be achieved step by step – or in this case, paddle stroke by paddle stroke.

The Atlantic crossing is not only a sporting challenge, but also a symbol of the need to take on long-term challenges. Walther relies on minimalist but highly functional equipment to help him endure the weeks of hard work – an analogy to climate protection, which also relies on clever strategies and long-term commitment.

The start of this project is the southwestern tip of Portugal, going south, passing the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde Islands, until Michael then takes a more southwestern course towards French Guiana. Cayenne is the destination of this journey, which is expected to take 3 months.

Michael expects about 4,000,000 paddle strokes on this journey, consume 600,000 kcal and endure 2500 hours of isolation – as well as stormy conditions, calm periods with strong sunlight, cold and windy nights, but of course also quiet and beautiful moments.

We will, of course, put a live tracker online for his journey, and thanks to modern communications equipment, the paddler will be able to send information, pictures and even videos from the middle of the Atlantic.

Preparations for this special challenge have been ongoing for many months. However, for a project like this to come together, a lot of things have to fit together perfectly.

In September 2025, Michael will finally set off on this journey.

If you have any questions about this trip, suggestions or would like to wish Michael a safe tour, please feel free to contact us using our contact form. You will find all further information here in the coming weeks.

A challenge as ambitious as this can only be realised with the help of true partners in one team. It is important that everyone works together and believes in a common goal. We are very pleased that we have been able to team up with the following companies, with whom we share a common interest in a future worth living.