It was a bright day in February 2021, at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya. A 75-year-old man just completed the climb. He asked to give him a two-minute rest before interviews. The old man sat down on a rock. But he never got up, just fell asleep and passed away. Thus ended the legendary life of Alexander Doba. He was a Polish adventurer and kayaker. His many adventures were sometimes unthinkable for a man of advanced years.
However, Doba was not just an ordinary kayaker. He won several national-level contests in Kayaking. We know him today because he became the first person to successfully kayak solo across the Atlantic Ocean on three occasions. Doba’s daring spirit and love for adventure led him to pursue various explorations. He had also kayaked across the Amazon, circumnavigated Lake Baika, and explored the Baltic Sea. We will explore Doba’s legendary kayaking adventures, his other significant explorations, and the events surrounding his final moments on Kilimanjaro.
Alexander Doba Solo Kayaking Across the Atlantic Ocean
Doba was born on January 9, 1946, in Swidwin, Poland. He was a mechanical engineer by profession. His first solo kayaking adventure across the Atlantic began on October 5, 2010, when he launched from Dakar, Senegal. Over the next 99 days, he navigated 5,394 kilometers (about 3,345 miles) of open water. Then he ultimately reached the shores of Brazil on February 7, 2011. This incredible journey was filled with challenges.
They included navigating storms, managing limited supplies, and enduring the isolation of the vast ocean. Doba utilized a specially designed sea kayak built for long-distance travel. It was equipped with a rudder system for steering and ample storage for food and equipment. He followed a carefully plotted route. Hence he relied on navigational charts, GPS, and his knowledge of ocean currents to guide him safely across the Atlantic.

His second crossing began on October 25, 2013, from Portugal, aiming for Florida, USA. Doba faced many of the same trials but completed the trip in 141 days, arriving on April 11, 2014. This journey was particularly notable for the extreme weather conditions he encountered, including hurricanes and turbulent seas. Despite the challenges, Doba maintained his spirits, often reflecting on the beauty of the ocean. “Each day brought new experiences,” he stated, “the sea is a beautiful teacher, but it demands respect.” Doba’s resilience and mental fortitude during this crossing inspired many to push beyond their limits.
“The sea is a beautiful teacher, but it demands respect.”
Alexander Doba
The Final Crossing
Doba’s third and final Atlantic crossing started from the U.S. on May 24, 2016, and concluded in France on September 11, 2016. This voyage took him 111 days and was filled with the same passion for exploration that characterized all his adventures. During this trip, he documented his experiences through social media, allowing followers to share in his journey. His posts often included updates about his location, reflections on the ocean’s beauty, and insights into his daily routines, including fishing for food and repairing his kayak.
During his Atlantic crossings, Doba experienced moments that he described as both terrifying and exhilarating. “Watching the storms approaching, moments before they hit me… this amazing silence, just before a storm… struggling with the heart of nature, the isolation… these were experiences that filled me to the core with profound emotions.” His ability to withstand the ocean’s fury made him a legend in the kayaking community and earned him recognition as one of the world’s most daring adventurers.

Doba’s remarkable skills and achievements led him to receive numerous accolades. He was honored as National Geographic’s People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year in 2015, receiving 521,000 votes, which highlighted the admiration and respect he garnered worldwide. His adventures not only showcased human endurance but also inspired countless others to pursue their dreams of exploration. Doba also published a book about his experiences, sharing insights and lessons learned from his time at sea, further contributing to his legacy as an adventurer.
Alexander Doba’s Other Adventures
Aleksander Doba’s adventurous spirit was not limited to his trans-Atlantic crossings. He embarked on several other notable expeditions demonstrating his versatility and determination as an adventurer.

Rafting the Amazon
One of Doba’s significant journeys was rafting along the Amazon River in Peru, where he navigated one of the world’s most famous waterways. This adventure required a combination of skills, including survival techniques and navigation, as he encountered various challenges from the Amazon’s diverse ecosystem. Doba’s journey along the Amazon highlighted the river’s breathtaking scenery and the unique biodiversity he faced, from exotic wildlife to indigenous communities.
The Narrowest Part of the Atlantic
Doba also completed a lonely voyage across the narrowest part of the Atlantic Ocean, further proving his dedication to exploring new frontiers. This expedition involved navigating the waters between the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, a route that presented its own set of challenges, including heavy boat traffic and unpredictable weather patterns.
Circumnavigating Lake Baikal
In 2016, Doba set out to circumnavigate Lake Baikal in Siberia, which is the world’s deepest freshwater lake. This expedition tested his resilience as he kayaked alone around the lake’s 636 kilometers of shoreline. The journey took over a month to complete, and during this time, Doba faced harsh weather conditions and the cold waters of Lake Baikal. He reported encountering ice flows, which posed significant challenges to navigation and safety.
Around the Baltic Sea
Another significant achievement was his 80-day solo kayak journey “from Police to Police,” where he circumnavigated the Baltic Sea. This expedition was marked by the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural history of the region, with Doba documenting his experiences of coastal towns and islands, and the varying maritime conditions he encountered along the way.
Doba’s adventurous life was characterized by a continuous pursuit of challenges that tested his limits. Each expedition reflected his unwavering spirit, curiosity, and love for the natural world. He became an icon of adventure in Poland and inspired many with his tales of resilience and determination. Through his journeys, Doba emphasized the importance of preserving the environment and often spoke about the impact of climate change on the oceans and waterways he loved.
Alexander Doba’s Final Moments on Kilimanjaro
Alexander Doba’s adventurous life came to a tragic end during an expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. On February 22, 2021, he and two guides reached the summit at 5,891.8 meters (19,331 feet). However, shortly after reaching the peak, Doba lost consciousness. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he could not be revived. His family confirmed that he died from asphyxia caused by high-altitude pulmonary edema, a condition that can occur at extreme altitudes when the body cannot acclimatize properly.
His family issued a heartfelt statement announcing his death: “It is with profound regret that we announce the death of the great kayaker Alexander Doba… he died like an adventurer after reaching Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, realizing his dreams.” This poignant end was fitting for a man whose life had been dedicated to adventure and exploration. Doba’s passing was a loss not only to his family and friends but also to the global community of adventurers and explorers who admired his courage and spirit. The adventure community mourned his death, recognizing his contributions to kayaking and adventure sports.
In a touching tribute, many fellow adventurers shared their memories of Doba and how he inspired them. “He showed us what it means to truly live,” one explorer remarked. “His spirit will always be a part of our journeys.” In the wake of his passing, various kayaking and adventure organizations honored Doba’s legacy by creating awards in his name, aiming to inspire future generations of adventurers to pursue their dreams with the same passion and commitment he exemplified.
Doba’s contributions to adventure and exploration have left an indelible mark on the kayaking world and beyond. His legacy continues to inspire adventurers, reminding them of the beauty of pursuing dreams and embracing challenges.
Conclusion
Aleksander Doba’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit. From his daring solo kayak crossings of the Atlantic Ocean to his various adventures across the globe, he embodied the essence of adventure. His achievements earned him a place in the hearts of many, both in Poland and worldwide. Tragically, Doba’s life ended on the summit of Kilimanjaro, where he passed away while fulfilling his lifelong dream of conquering Africa’s highest peak. His adventurous spirit will live on, encouraging future generations to explore the world and embrace the challenges that come with it.
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