Vasti Geldenhuys: Inspiring Motivation

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
Formats:
Audiences:
Outcomes:
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Cape Town

Keynote Topics

Talent Short Bio

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.

Vasti Geldenhuys | Inspiring Motivation

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

Speakers Contact

Speaker Enquiry Form

Talent Resources

Talent Resources to download

Speaker Gallery

View further speakers

Rugby World Cup legend, Springbok leader, and keynote speaker on teamwork, resilience, and high-performance leadership.
  • Springbok Legend

Sisanda Henna is the winner of the 2003 Best Actor in Drama duku duku award, who has acted in more than 35 international and local  film and television productions. Brought up in rural Eastern Cape and an over achiever at school, Henna started out writing and performing comedy skits before landing leading roles in prime […]

  • Event Emcee
Lizette Volkwyn is a transformational keynote speaker, sales coach, and master life coach who empowers individuals and teams to live and work beyond the obvious.
  • Sales Speaker
Jake White, 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok coach, delivers powerful talks on leadership, resilience, and achieving excellence under pressure.
  • Sporting Leadership
  • Featured
Graeme Smith, legendary former Proteas captain, is celebrated as one of cricket’s most successful leaders and a cornerstone of South African sport.
  • Cricket Legend
AI leader and entrepreneur who helps companies turn machine learning breakthroughs into production scale systems and measurable business outcomes.
  • Artificial Intelligence
Transformational leadership coach who builds high performing teams, equipping leaders with practical cultures, accountability systems, and inclusive decision frameworks today.
  • Transformational Leadership
  • Featured
Tech leader and innovator who helps organizations harness digital transformation, fintech solutions, and product strategy to scale responsibly in Africa.
  • Digital Innovation
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Speakers Inc Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

We promise to not spam you!

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

speakers inc
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.