Riaan Manser

Presentations by Riaan Manser

Riaan Manser is a world-renowned explorer, bestselling author, film producer, entrepreneur, and inspirational keynote speaker. His world-first achievements include cycling around the perimeter of Africa, kayaking around Madagascar and Iceland, and crossing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in a rowboat, holding two Guinness World Records. Manser captivates audiences globally with motivational talks grounded in courage, perseverance, and the power of attitude.

Core Presentation Themes:

• Master of Ceremonies / Inspirational Speaking: Riaan engages audiences personally, encouraging them to confront life’s challenges with the right attitude. Through his own adventures, he demonstrates that being average is never enough, and that mindset determines success in both personal and professional spheres.
• The Odyssey: Manser’s most recent ocean crossing highlights teamwork, endurance, and personal transformation. Alongside Fanafikile Lephakha, a South African competition winner, he endured extreme conditions across the ocean, exemplifying resilience, determination, and the triumph of human spirit over adversity. This story inspires audiences to embrace challenges and achieve their full potential.
• Take Me to New York: A 172-day Atlantic Ocean expedition with Vasti Geldenhuys, demonstrating courage, trust, and partnership. Facing giant waves, capsizing, equipment failures, and extreme physical strain, the couple made history by rowing from Africa to New York. The presentation emphasizes teamwork, commitment, and overcoming adversity under the most extreme circumstances.
• Africa: Manser cycled 37,000 km around the African continent alone and unaided, navigating 34 countries, some highly dangerous, and earning international acclaim. Adventures included imprisonment, encounters with rebels, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro while descending to Lake Assal, Africa’s lowest point. His stories combine humour, danger, and extraordinary perseverance.
• Iceland: Circumnavigation of Iceland in a double sea-kayak with a partner with mild cerebral palsy. The expedition demanded exceptional physical and mental endurance, navigating snow, rough surf, and rocky landings, while raising funds for underprivileged children. This talk illustrates adaptation, problem-solving, and the power of social contribution.
• Africa to North America: Rowing the Atlantic Ocean solo with Vasti Geldenhuys, covering over 10,765 km, this world-first expedition emphasizes courage, persistence, and self-belief. The narrative inspires audiences to confront fear, persist through hardship, and achieve extraordinary outcomes.
• Madagascar: Eleven-month, 5,000 km solo kayak circumnavigation, navigating cyclones, extreme sun, political instability, and wildlife encounters. This expedition highlights resilience, resourcefulness, and the capacity to overcome isolation and danger, earning Manser recognition as “OutThere Adventurer of the Year 2009.”

Riaan Manser’s presentations combine extraordinary adventure, humour, and practical life lessons. Audiences—from corporate executives to students—are inspired to embrace challenges, cultivate resilience, and realize their potential through courage, perseverance, and a positive attitude.