Gábor Rakonczay, the audacious extreme sports athlete, is on the brink of embarking on a monumental retirement expedition — a daring east-to-west ocean row set to traverse a staggering 5,000 kilometers across the vast Atlantic Ocean within a span of 65 days.
This Sunday, Rakonczay will take flight to La Palma to kick off his final grand voyage, a profound chapter concluding his 18-year saga in the realm of extreme sports. “While ultrarunning and various other endeavors will certainly figure into my life post-retirement, the high-octane adventures must draw to a close. My focus now shifts from records and reckless speeds to cherishing each fleeting moment,” he reflected. In orchestrating this last hurrah, meticulous safety measures and a well-crafted timeline for life at sea take precedence.
“I’ve distilled years of rowing experience into this journey, crafting a unique expedition,” he remarked, underscoring his reliance on a specially designed canoe, outfitted with a cabin — a masterpiece previously conceived by renowned Hungarian boat designer Nándor Fa. Rakonczay meticulously modified it, incorporating enhancements gleaned from his grueling 77-day ocean crossing in 2012, including an upgraded cabin, strategic weight distribution, a precise steering mechanism, and cutting-edge technological apparatus.
The vessel had been a forgotten relic in his parents’ garden until its rediscovery stirred poignant nostalgia. He aptly named it ’42’, a tribute to the age at which he resolved to retire from the tantalizing yet risky lifestyle.
Earlier this year, Rakonczay honed his skills during a 1,400-kilometer odyssey from Portugal to the captivating Canary Islands — a prelude to his imminent adventure.
“It’s imperative to end a career thoughtfully, with foresight, not impulsively,” he emphasized, vividly detailing the formidable journey ahead. Launching from the Canary Islands, he will navigate through the relentless waters of the Atlantic towards Antigua, where depths plunge to an average of five kilometers and waves rise even when the ocean seems calm. Thanks to contemporary technology, followers can track his expedition in real-time via satellite phones and internet connectivity, supplemented by surprise updates on his social media every 500 kilometers.
Remarkably, Gábor Rakonczay stands as the only individual on the planet to have canoeed across an ocean.
In an exchange with MTI, he expressed that “this genre of adventure lacks predictability.” He admits to a palpable excitement and rigorous preparation akin to his earlier quests; however, this journey will be unmarred by haste. “If it takes longer than scheduled, so be it — I intend to bask in every moment of this experience. The boat carries enough provisions for eighty days of nourishment,” he disclosed, adding his intention to transport and preserve the vessel post-journey.
Rakonczay’s illustrious 18-year trajectory in extreme sports boasts milestones including four ocean passages with sailboats, two daring canoe crossings, two expeditions across Greenland, a grueling 44-day Antarctic venture, and an accolade as a world champion in ultra-running races. A two-time holder of the Guinness World Record, he has also earned recognition as the American Adventure of the Year and the Hungarian Design Award recipient.
