Do you remember how long it takes to cross the Danube? So this time our exercise will be about the Atlantic!

The Atlantic Ocean is the world’s second-largest ocean, after the Pacific Ocean. It extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Europe, Africa and Asia. The Atlantic covers an area of about 109,000,000 square kilometres, with a mean depth of 3,700 meters.

The Atlantic Ocean is considered one of the most difficult oceans to cross by kayak. The main challenge is long-distance endurance training. The route should be planned carefully and should include several stopovers where you can rest and get supplies. The best time to do this trip is between April and June when there are fewer storms and winds are more moderate.

But how long does it take to cross the Atlantic?

Crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a canoe is an extremely challenging and dangerous feat that requires a great deal of preparation, experience, and skill. In fact, it’s not recommended for anyone to attempt this feat in a canoe or kayak as it is a small and unstable boat, and the Atlantic Ocean is known for its unpredictable weather patterns, strong currents, and rough seas.

The distance of crossing the Atlantic Ocean varies depending on the route taken, as well as the starting and ending points. The shortest distance across the Atlantic is approximately 4,830 kilometres from Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa, to the northeastern coast of Brazil. However, most typical routes for Atlantic crossings are longer, ranging from around 6,400 to 7,400 kilometres for a direct crossing from Europe to the Americas. It’s important to note that these distances only represent the shortest or most common routes and that actual distances can vary based on specific start and end points, weather, currents, and other factors.

Considering all the previous information it looks scary to do something like that, but, what we all can do is some easy math considering different scenarios:

1 Scenario
An unrealistic non-stop paddling session 24/7.
Imagine that you never stop, not to rest, not to eat… Nothing just paddling along the way starting in Europe (Portugal/Lisbon) and only stopping in the USA (New York). Approximately 5.500Km.

Persona 1
Beginner level
Average Speed: 8Kmh
Km per day: 192Km (24h X 8kmh)
Duration: 28 days

Persona 2
Intermediate level
Average Speed: 12Kmh
Km per day: 288Km (24h x 12kmh)
Duration: 19 days

Persona 3
Advanced level
Average Speed: 15Kmh
Km per day: 360Km (24h X 15kmh)
Duration: 15 days

2 Scenario
A workable 2/5 sessions.
That means you paddle two hours a day for five days (weekend off).

Persona 1
Beginner level
Average Speed: 8Kmh
Km per day: 16Km (2h X 8kmh)
Duration: 343 Days (approx.)

Persona 2
Intermediate level
Average Speed: 12Kmh
Km per day: 24Km (2h x 12kmh)
Duration: 229 days (approx.)

Persona 3
Advanced level
Average Speed: 15Kmh
Km per day: 30Km (2h X 15kmh)
Duration: 183 days (approx.)

In short, crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a canoe would take a significant amount of time, always depending on the distance travelled, weather conditions, and the ability to paddle of the individuals involved.

Again, it is not recommended to attempt this feat in a canoe due to the inherent dangers and instability of this type of vessel in such rough and unpredictable waters, but there always someone to “break the rules” as Richard Kohler.

Richard Kohler, on February 19, 2023, kayaker Richard Kohler landed on the shore of Salvador, Brazil. Kohler completed a more than 4,000-mile, solo, unsupported kayak crossing of the South Atlantic Ocean in two months.

Source:
https://operationsmile.org.za/richard-kohler-makes-history-with-solo-kayak-atlantic-crossing/
https://paddlingmag.com/stories/news-events/kayaker-completes-solo-unsupported-crossing-of-southern-atlantic-ocean/