Vasti Geldenhuys will make most people feel a bit uncomfortable in a court room, but for Vasti, it is a familiar territory. In a world of exploration, dominated by men, Vasti always watched and supported from the sideline as her now husband, pioneering explorer, Riaan Manser, completed 3 World first’s. This inspired Vasti to do something […]
Vasti Geldenhuys will make most people feel a bit uncomfortable in a court room, but for Vasti, it is a familiar territory.
In a world of exploration, dominated by men, Vasti always watched and supported from the sideline as her now husband, pioneering explorer, Riaan Manser, completed 3 World first’s. This inspired Vasti to do something extraordinary with her own life.
After a seemingly innocent request for a holiday to New York, Vasti never imagined that she would exchange her legal surroundings to something very, very unfamiliar. The mighty Atlantic Ocean. On a journey humorously but aptly called “Take Me to New York”, Vasti and her husband embarked from Morocco, enduring a 6 month journey at sea on a 6.9 meter rowing boat.
On landing in Miami, USA on 7 May 2014 the pair became the first people ever in history to have rowed from mainland Africa to North America. Vasti also became the only woman from the African Continent to have ever rowed across any Ocean.
They continued their journey by tackling the East Coast of the USA to finally reach New York City on 20 June 2014. Rowing up the Hudson River and passing by the iconic
Statue of Liberty.
In 2015 Vasti Geldenhuys completed her pupillage at the Cape Bar and was admitted as an Advocate. The thrill of exploration remained. In 2016, after tying the knot, the now husband and wife pair decided to set new a standard for the term “Honeymoon”.
Vasti Geldenhuys again tackled the Ocean, this time the mighty Pacific, on the exact same row boat. They rowed from California to Hawaii in a record breaking time of 39 days. They earned themselves another Guiness World record for the fastest mid-Pacific row. This record was previously held by a 4-man rowing team.
Hit by a 6 meter wave and capsized, 2000 km from shore; Riaan getting separated from the boat and Vasti unable to stop the boat drifting further and further away; 12 hour rowing days while managing a new marriage in life threatening situations are just a few examples of life at sea.
Storms and ship traffic provided for harrowing escapes from natural and human threats. But there were the quiet moments when the couple could reflect, savour the sunsets on the ocean and be intrigued by the amazing wildlife.
Vasti Geldenhuys will intrigue the audience with a unique woman’s perspective of the world of adventure; a world usually reserved for rugged and very brave men. Her talk will not only inspire the audience to new possibilities but show ordinary men and women that one is capable of much more than one thinks.
Being inspired lasts longer than being motivated, real stories of having gone out and actually achieving what you set out to do.
As of July 2015, Vasti Geldenhuys can deservedly add the title of Advocate Geldenhuys to her growing status.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Allon Raiz is regarded both locally and globally as a pioneer and maverick in the business-incubation industry. He is the founder and CEO of Raizcorp which, according to The Economist, is the only genuine incubator in Africa and which currently supports over 500 businesses. Allon is the author of two best-selling entrepreneurial books – Lose […]
Meet The Muses, a dynamic ensemble whose love and passion for captivating audiences knows no bounds. In the vibrant heart of Johannesburg resides an electric string quartet that transcends the ordinary, infusing every event they grace with an electrifying aura of entertainment and excitement. With a penchant for turning the mundane into the extraordinary, They […]
Dr. Miriam Altman is recognised as a leading economist, strategist, thought leader and a passionate communicator. She has extensive proven experience in charting uncertainty and achieving great things in difficult circumstances. She speaks on the future of the South African economy, why South Africa needs a “China Strategy” and more broadly on economic strategy in […]
3 Tons of Fun has emerged over the last 8 years as one of Cape Town’s most loved-all female groups! Perfect for corporate events and conferences through Speakers Inc Bulelwa Sakayi (Mezzo Soprano) Bulelwa Sakayi was born and raised in East London. She moved from home to Cape Town to study chemical engineering. With music as a […]
Elma Smit – Sports MC is one South Africa’s most versatile media professionals, a young woman who comfortably holds her own in an all-male sporting environment. Elam Smit facilitates everything from intimate conversations, motivational talks at company-level and award shows for national broadcast with grace and ease. She creates custom, conversation-driven content for your event […]
Nicci Robertson is a renowned South African speaker and wellness consultant who has dedicated her career to helping organizations foster healthier, happier, and more productive work environments. Specializing in staff wellness, work-life balance strategies, executive wellness coaching, and stress management, Nicci has become a trusted advisor to companies seeking to enhance employee well-being and optimize […]
Peter Ndoro has more than 20 years’ radio and television broadcast experience. Prior to having been Anchor and also the Director for Corporate Communications for CNBC Africa, viewers across the continent saw him on SABC Africa presenting a flagship breakfast news programme. He worked for the pay TV Channel M-Net for many years doing entertainment […]
Unathi Msengana professionally known as Unathi Nkayi is a South African singer, radio host and actress. A Rhodes University Journalism and Drama graduate and a University of Utrecht International Media studies graduate. Unathi moved to Johannesburg in 2001 becoming a presenter for Castle Loud and then moved onto the YFM platform. The singer, songwriter, Idols […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
