Rowing
At the age of 14, I was recruited to the local rowing club in my village in Bosphorus. I dedicated myself to years of intensive training and became an elite athlete and a coach.
I never left my sport, visiting rowing clubs worldwide to participate in their training. I joined FISA World Masters Regattas in Sevilla, Spain (1997), Münich, Germany (1998), and Vienna, Austria (2009).
With the contribution of my former trainees, I started rowing clubs on the shores of Istanbul: first in Prince Islands (1994), then another on the Asian side (2003). Rowing will be a part of my life for as long as I live.
Portable Sculling Rig
After our circumnavigation in 2017, I discovered a portable sculling rig designed for inflatable SUPs. I started using it wherever we sailed with our boat Keyif.
Aluminium Skiff Design
In 2021, together with an older circumnavigator and experienced metal worker, Mr. Erkan Gürsoy, and with the help of my rowing friends, we designed and built an aluminium skiff. This skiff can be divided into two pieces, so we can carry her on our sailboat Keyif, allowing me to continue my sport in any harbor we sailed to.
Vaa Training in Martinique
Between 2018-2024, we had the chance to participate in ‘Vaa’ training in Martinique. I paddled hundreds of times in single, double, quadruple, and six-seaters in the clear and colorful waters of the Caribbean.
Running
Running was our secondary training in the rowing club, particularly when sea conditions were too bad. Over time, I grew to love the freedom and solitude of long-distance running. I have participated in marathons and countless half-marathons worldwide, running in places like French Polynesia, Fiji, New Zealand & Madagascar.
Hobiecat
In 1998 I purchased a Hobie 17s, the racehorse of the seas, and started learning to sail a sports catamaran. With my wife we sailed on this very fast and very athletic boat in the Marmara Sea from the Prince Islands to east and west next to the Topkapi Palace, sometimes catapulting, sometimes stalling with the dying wind, racing fast ferries along the way for many years. To this day, Hobiecat sailing remains among the most exhilirating adventures of my life at sea.
I love the mountains. During our circumnavigation we climbed the hills and mountains of French Polynesia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Reunion and many other islands. Later during our four seasons in the Caribbean, we climbed the famous ‘Pythons’ of Martinique, the summits around Mount Pelee and the Soufriere in Guadaloupe. In Spain, we enjoy canyoning and the via ferratas in Catalunya.
Other Favorite Sports
Swimming: I first swam across the Bosphorus from Asia to Europe at the age of 16. As part of rowing security training, I swam in all weather conditions, including harsh winters. Later, I participated twice in the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race with my wife and daughters. Swimming is a regular part of my training, though it is not my preferred sport.
SCUBA & Free Diving: I got my Padi license in Maui, Hawaii at 1993 and dove in Red Sea, Caribbean etc. However during our circumnavigation I dove only when conditions were safe. These years I enjoy free diving.
Triathlon: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to stop running marathons and try triathlon instead. We participated in the sprint triathlon in Barcelona (2021) and later in Mallorca and Barcelona Olympic triathlons. The combination of swimming, biking, and running made the races enjoyable and varied.
Windsurfing: I fell in love with windsurfing in 1982 when the first boards arrived in Turkey. Over the years I purchased new fast models. Although I never competed professionally, I still enjoy the sport whenever I have the chance.
Wingfoil: Started on the north shore of beautiful Sardinia Island, and continued in the bays of Martinique. Still trying to master the technique, working hard, never giving up, enjoying to the fullest…
Skiing: A recreational skier for 30 years, I enjoy skiing with my family in Austria, France, Slovenia, Andorra and North America.