In this day & age of the 21st century, one would think that all credible world first explorations have been done... but they haven't. In the past decade, Riaan Manser has re-written the definition of tenacity & become the epitome of courage & determination.

Riaan shares that his adventure career began 20 years ago when he took the decision to climb on a bicycle and attempt to circumnavigate the continent of Africa, “Through the most dangerous and difficult countries on the continent. But I made it back safely two years, two months and 15 days later,” says the explorer. His impressive list of world firsts includes circumnavigating Iceland on a kayak with Dan Skinstad, kayaking around Madagascar and rowing from Cape Town to New York with his now wife Vasti.

This undoubtedly adventurous spirit has been putting his can-do attitude to good use; educating other young South Africans about climate change in an incredibly adventurous way. As founder of The Matrics in Antarctica program, Riaan took 5 matric learners to the Antarctic this year.