In 2006 Riaan Manser became the first person to cycle around Africa. Over two years, alone and unaided, he pedalled 37,000km through 34 countries, some of which are war-zones. Riaan was voted "Adventurer of the Year" and his "Around Africa on my Bicycle", is a bestseller.
In 2009, alone and unaided, Riaan paddled 5000km in eleven months to become the first person to circumnavigate Madagascar by kayak. Riaan was again voted "Adventurer of the Year" and his book has received acclaim.
Riaan recently completed another odyssey. Battling Arctic elements with partner, Dan Skinstad, who has mild cerebral palsy, the two paddled 2300km in five months in a double kayak to circumnavigate Iceland.
Riaan,
What an honour, pleasure and 'inspiration' it was for me to see you and Dan finally reaching your goal by completing the Iceland expidition!!
I watched the final episode last night and cried tears of joy, accomplishment and victory for both of you! I've never missed a single episode and felt as though I had been with you every single step of the way!
Your ability to remain focused, encouraging and positive throughout the most difficult and daunting moments of your journey has given me new hope in my long, endless battle with depression!
Riaan I must say that you are the most unique and special person I have EVER encountered in my entire life!!!!
Everytime you encouraged Dan or even gave him flack (which was obviously very necessary at the time), I internalised every word you were saying as though you were talking to me!
I learned more from you than I ever did from any psychiatrist or psychologist!!
You were not 'playing a game out there' - that was YOU and who you are.
I am totally lost for words right now Riaan, but THANK YOU and God bless you!
Carry on being and believing in yourself and inspiring others to 'hear' you!
Best regards,
Liz
What an honour, pleasure and 'inspiration' it was for me to see you and Dan finally reaching your goal by completing the Iceland expidition!!
I watched the final episode last night and cried tears of joy, accomplishment and victory for both of you! I've never missed a single episode and felt as though I had been with you every single step of the way!
Your ability to remain focused, encouraging and positive throughout the most difficult and daunting moments of your journey has given me new hope in my long, endless battle with depression!
Riaan I must say that you are the most unique and special person I have EVER encountered in my entire life!!!!
Everytime you encouraged Dan or even gave him flack (which was obviously very necessary at the time), I internalised every word you were saying as though you were talking to me!
I learned more from you than I ever did from any psychiatrist or psychologist!!
You were not 'playing a game out there' - that was YOU and who you are.
I am totally lost for words right now Riaan, but THANK YOU and God bless you!
Carry on being and believing in yourself and inspiring others to 'hear' you!
Best regards,
Liz
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