Olek finishes his epic transatlantic journey

World-famous adventure kayaker, Aleksander Doba, also known as Olek, officially landed on American soil in Florida on Sunday, April 20, following his 165-day crossing of the Atlantic ocean from Lisbon, Portugal, in his kayak named Olo.

 During his voyage he fought  against storms and a broken rudder that landed him in Bermuda for a month, before riding with the Spirit of Bermuda back out to his last coordinates — only to face another loss — when the wings of his kayak broke during his launch into the ocean.  

At ‘Merks’ bar in New Smyrna Beach, Doba smiled into his second large glass of Guinness and said: “At first, people were gathering on the left bank (of the Indian River), and the boats and other kayakers started following me into the harbour… and after seeing hundreds, maybe even thousands of people, waiting for me to get to them! In that moment   I was happy.” 

On Saturday, April 19, at 3pm, Doba was met by hundreds of Floridians from New Smyrna Beach, including local Commodore Don Kolassa of the New Smyrna Beach Yacht Club, and mayor Adam Barringer, who presented Doba with a document that declared April 20, 2014, as “Welcome Alexander ‘Olek’ Doba Day”.

The explorer was followed into the marina  by at least 27 other enthusiastic kayakers, and several local boats, who trailed behind the 67-year-old transatlantic kayaker, cheering him on as Doba kayaked over his last nautical mile to shore.  

A little wobbly at first, Olek reached the docks of the marina, and was helped out of his kayak by Commodore Don Kolassa.  

Historic achievement

After reaching a grassy patch of earth, Olek waited while the crowd counted down to one, then jumped onto the ground, staking his claim as the first kayaker to ever paddle across the longest route of the Atlantic from Lisbon to Florida — a total of almost 6,000 miles. Truly an accomplishment that will stand out in history.

The immense excitement and support from the residents of New Smyrna Beach would make any man forget his fatigue after such an epic journey. Olek met every single person who stood in line for an autograph and his picture, while the residents of the quiet town met their revered hero.  

Showing his open and friendly nature, it was exactly that — his spirit and his courage — that allowed all who met him during his stay in Bermuda, to feel an instant connection.  

After a satisfying celebration, Olek is currently making his way to Washington (by car) where he will be presenting his story to National Geographic, the prestigious Explorers Club and the Polish Embassy of the United States.

Congratulations once again, Olek!