Halil Uzel, who set out from Istanbul by canoe, reached Hatay in 158 days!

Former air petty officer Halil Uzel, who lives in Istanbul, set out from Poyrazköy on June 5 to cover the coastline of the country with his 5-meter canoe named İnci in order to draw attention to water resources, coasts and nature. Uzel, who went down to the Mediterranean via the Northern Aegean, completed his journey on the coast of Hatay's Samandağ district on November 9, covering 3 thousand 842 kilometers at the end of 158 days.

"I WANT TO BE AN EXAMPLE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS"

Stating that the purpose of his journey is not just to row for kilometers, Uzel said that he aims to set an example for people who want to realize their dreams. Uzel said, "I made my plans step by step in pursuit of the dream I have had since 2012. As a former air petty officer, I prepared for the journey in a disciplined manner. My aim here is to be an example to people in making plans to realize a dream, going to the end of the dream, working hard for this cause and paying the price."

"I AM PLANNING TO INCREASE THE JOURNEY TO 10 THOUSAND KILOMETERS"

Uzel, who aims to cross the Black Sea coast from Batumi to Poyrazköy next April, and then complete the Anatolian coast of the Marmara Sea, noted that he aims to be the first person to cross the entire coast of Türkiye with a canoe on this scale. Uzel said, "With the addition of the Black Sea and Marmara routes, the journey will reach approximately 6-7 thousand kilometers. After passing all the islands of Türkiye and all its lakes, including Lake Van, I plan to increase the total journey to 10 thousand kilometers."

"IT IS NECESSARY TO STAY CALM IN THE STORM AND REACH THE SAFE SHORE"

Explaining that he encountered strong winds during the journey, especially in the Gulf of Iskenderun, Uzel said that he was caught in severe storms several times in Gökova, Patara, Hatay and Antalya regions. Stating that he follows the weather reports from phone applications and the surrounding people, Uzel said, "The wind at sea can be very challenging. There are very strong winds in the Hatay region and especially in the Gulf of Iskenderun. Plans may not always go as you wish. In such situations, it is necessary to stay calm, use the equipment at hand correctly, act with experience and reach the shore in the safest way."

"PEOPLE SHOULD MEET THE COASTS AT PEACE WITH NATURE"

Uzel, who had to wait about 40 days in Karaburun, Kumbağ and İskenderun Bay due to weather conditions, said that he normally rows for 8 hours a day, depending on the weather and physical performance. Uzel stated that wave surfing, diving and different water sports can be done in the region, and pointed out that the coasts should be used in harmony with nature. Uzel, who aims to observe the life stories of people in different regions and bring them together with the society during his journey covering four seas and four borders, said, "It would be best for both our nature and our lands for people to be at peace with nature, without exploiting it, and meeting the shores as a guest."