Going from a boy who dreamed about being everything from an airline pilot to a radio presenter and a nightclub DJ, Chaplin a recognised adventurer and gear tester for outdoor magazines, now plans to become the first person to vertically circumnavigate the world using only human power – a journey that is expected to take six years to complete.
Around the world in 6 years
Setting off from Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, Chaplin plans to cycle 9,450km to Djibouti. Followed by 3,350km by boat across the Red Sea, and via the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean landing in Turkey, the starting point of Chaplin’s 7,270km cycle across Europe to Norway.
The former IT professional who matriculated from SA College High School, before going on to complete his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MSCE) course, will then power 1,000km across the Barents Sea in his specially designed combination pedal and paddle boat, and ski 4,250km across the Arctic via the North Pole to Iqaluit in Canada. From there, it’s back into the boat for 3,500km to Ottawa, followed by a mind-numbing 20,775km cycle from Canada to Argentina.
Then it’s back to self-propelled boat power to cross to the Arctic Peninsula, and a return ski journey of 6,600km to the South Pole and back before tackling mental and physical fatigue across the Drake Passage, passing through the Falkland Islands and crossing the Southern Atlantic to return back home.
Chaplin, the younger of two brothers, is no stranger to endurance adventures. In 2007 he cycled 2, 450km from between two major South African cities and has completed several stationary cycle marathons for charity, the longest being 57,5 hours non-stop for a fundraiser.
Last year he walked solo across South Africa, from Cape Point to Beit Bridge, pushing a cart with his equipment and food, and then immediately cycled from Johannesburg to Cape Town along the N1 using an old single-speed bike with back-pedal brakes.
Raising awareness
Chaplin also plans to use his trip to campaign for several important causes. His trip incorporates 100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites through which he hopes to showcase conservation and preservation initiatives and needs.
He also plans to distribute educational material to those in need across Africa, concentrating on the provision of self-sustainable computer centres powered by solar and wind. Through the use of sustainable transport Chaplin also hopes to create awareness of climate change, road congestions and health issues caused by our modern forms of transport.
From IT to adventurer
Chaplin’s move from IT to adventurer was more by chance than by design.
“I started feeling like a glorified babysitter or firefighter – always battling against the world of hackers and viruses, and end users. The general lifestyle was also getting to me. I was unfit, unhealthy and more often than not chasing my own tail,” explains Chaplin.
When he was selected to represent South Africa on an international youth expedition, Chaplin resigned. The expedition was called off, but Chaplin decided to do his own adventuring. “Putting my diverse knowledge and skills to better use seemed like a far better plan,” he says.
The intrepid adventurer is currently taking a break from training and fattening himself up while supporting stroke survivor, George Scola, walk the reverse of Chaplin’s 2010 trip across South Africa. Chaplin plans to climb back into the saddle at the end of January to prepare for the lengthy days in the saddle to come.
Looking ahead, Chaplin admits he is nervous.
“Staying healthy and strong enough to continue will be a constant worry, and choosing the north and south poles as my antipodal points adds complications – vast areas of extreme weather that can quickly become lethal, and little logistical support.”
“Then the Drake Passage back to South African is going to take every bit of luck, skill and prayer that one can muster. The ocean is big and my boat is small,” says Chaplin.
Chaplin's IT expertise has been invaluable in his preparations – from thinking big, being bale to plan all the required elements, to problem solving and communication.
“I’m also always on the lookout for new technology to bring to my adventures… like live GPS tracking with heart-rate data on my website,” says Chaplin who is rated as one of the most technologically advanced and best connected adventurers.
