SUP: How did you come up with the idea of paddling from Elba to Corsica - that's 50 kilometres across the open sea?
Because we wanted to escape the daily grind, feel alive and dare to do something. The idea came from my mate Andi Prielmaier. I wouldn't have minded "just" paddling around Elba, discovering the coast, sleeping on the beach and sipping cappuccinos - that would have been enough of an escape from everyday life for me.
What was the challenge?
In finding the right weather conditions. The sea had to be calm and the wind light. That's why we made sure we were well informed before we set off. Of course, you have to be prepared to paddle for a long time. It's not for everyone.
Why?
Because that's quite a long distance. As the crow flies, it's usually more than that. In our case, just under 60 kilometres. That means a lot of paddling with a certain residual risk. But that's what makes it exciting. It's good to trust your own abilities, to leave your comfort zone and do things instead of just talking about them.
How high was the residual risk?
Very little. We were well equipped: enough water, sun protection, spare paddles, GPS, signalling rockets (Nico signal), even wetsuits, emergency direction finders, diving goggles and fins so that we could swim in extreme cases.
To swim?
We used inflatable Starboard touring boards. Although they have a second safety air chamber, they are better "safe than sorry". But I admit: a great white shark would have had to bite into both boards.
How long did it take you?
Twelve hours. The boards were loaded, so we paddled at around six kilometres per hour. We took 15-minute breaks every hour, drank, ate nuts and fruit and bathed. After all, we wanted to enjoy the crossing. Just before we reached our destination, the French Coastguard detained us for an hour.
Why is that?
If you paddle from Elba to Corsica, you will inevitably cross a sea route. Ferries and container ships are often travelling here. SUPs and sea kayaks are not allowed - you supposedly have to stay within the three-mile zone. We didn't realise this and were surprised when a reconnaissance plane flew low over us several times. Later, a motorboat arrived with two officers. They took our personal details. We were allowed to continue paddling, but only because we had the prescribed safety equipment with us. The officers couldn't tell us whether we would actually be charged, because apparently nobody had ever done anything like this before.
So you're the first?
Probably already with the SUP. Or they didn't get caught.
Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf
