Richard Kohler started sailing at the tender age of 6 becoming a professional yachtsman until 2000 when he retired from the profession and started his own business. He then got a call to try out for SA’s Americas Cup team and went on to sail for the Americas Cup Team “Shosholoza” 2006-2007.
Richard started his paddling career in 2000 and quickly adapted to the sport. He got provincial colours in 2004 & 2010. His paddling career continues to flourish taking the 2010 WP Vets Presidents Trophy. Completing 4 Port Elizabeth to East London Surf ski Challenges and 6 Berg river marathons with the best position being a top 20.
Richard has a soft spot for the youth and has founded a number of development programs including the successful program for Milnerton Canoe Club.
With a love for the ocean and adventure, Richard has decided to attempt something that has never been done before. To paddle the entire coastline of South Africa in a single surfski in one unbroken attempt, covering between 50 – 80 km per day and ultimately covering a distance of around 3000 km.
The paddle will start the beginning of December 2011 and he hopes to be completed by the end of January 2012. He will be unsupported at sea but will have a land based team assisting with daily beach landing and surf condition advice.
As many other sportsmen and women are now taking up the Miles for Smiles Challenge to make their journey count by making a difference, Richard will be setting out to inspire the paddling community of the country to come out in support of this worthy cause.
Richard started his paddling career in 2000 and quickly adapted to the sport. He got provincial colours in 2004 & 2010. His paddling career continues to flourish taking the 2010 WP Vets Presidents Trophy. Completing 4 Port Elizabeth to East London Surf ski Challenges and 6 Berg river marathons with the best position being a top 20.
Richard has a soft spot for the youth and has founded a number of development programs including the successful program for Milnerton Canoe Club.
With a love for the ocean and adventure, Richard has decided to attempt something that has never been done before. To paddle the entire coastline of South Africa in a single surfski in one unbroken attempt, covering between 50 – 80 km per day and ultimately covering a distance of around 3000 km.
The paddle will start the beginning of December 2011 and he hopes to be completed by the end of January 2012. He will be unsupported at sea but will have a land based team assisting with daily beach landing and surf condition advice.
As many other sportsmen and women are now taking up the Miles for Smiles Challenge to make their journey count by making a difference, Richard will be setting out to inspire the paddling community of the country to come out in support of this worthy cause.