With roots in a small Romanian town, a love for adventure ignited by childhood hikes, and a dream born from reading Bear Grylls' autobiography, Cris has transformed his life from humble beginnings to an inspiring global pursuit of human potential.

The Sea-to-Summit Dream is Born

Cris’s passion for mountaineering was fueled by a pivotal moment when his brother handed him Grylls’ autobiography during a visit to the UK. At a time when Cris was stuck in a cycle of low-paying jobs and struggling to find direction, the book inspired him to set his sights on the Seven Summits. Yet, Cris wanted to go beyond the traditional goal and settled on a unique variation: starting from sea level, climbing each peak, and returning to the sea again.

A Journey of Firsts: Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro

In January 2024, Cris took his first steps toward this ambitious goal, starting in Concon, Chile. He dipped his hand into the Pacific Ocean and set out on foot for the summit of Aconcagua (6,961m), the tallest peak in South America. The journey was grueling: 500 kilometers of hiking, dodging unexpected setbacks like missing bridges and navigating rugged landscapes, followed by a tough climb to the summit. Despite the challenges, Cris completed the full route, touching the Pacific Ocean once again after his descent.

Not content with one major accomplishment, Cris then flew to Tanzania to tackle Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Starting at the Indian Ocean, he trekked 800 kilometers through Tanzania’s diverse terrain, becoming the first person to complete both South America and Africa’s highest peaks sea to sea.

Shaping the Journey: Setbacks and Successes

Cris’s path hasn’t been without its share of obstacles, including injuries, financial hurdles, and self-doubt. In the months leading up to his first climbs, he grappled with Achilles tendinopathy, neck strain, and the logistical challenges of saving for and planning such massive undertakings. Cris and his wife, Viv, made sacrifices like selling possessions, downsizing, and even parting with sentimental items like Viv’s wedding dress to fund the project.

Building Skills and Tackling Challenges

Preparation for the sea-to-summit challenge required more than physical fitness—it also meant acquiring new skills and adapting to diverse terrains. Trips to Scotland, Georgia, and the Alps allowed Cris and Viv to practice mountaineering techniques and test their equipment.

The Road Ahead: Carstensz Pyramid

The next chapter in Cris’s journey is set for April 2025, when he will attempt Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m) in Australasia. This expedition promises to be one of the most demanding yet, with a 900-kilometer trek through the dense jungles of Papua, Indonesia. The route will pass through remote Dani tribal villages and culminate in a technical ascent up Carstensz’s 500-meter granite wall.

Powered by Passion and Innovation

Cris’s success isn’t just about grit—it’s also about the gear that keeps him safe and comfortable in extreme conditions. PHD’s Rondoy K Series Down Jacket is indispensable part of his kit. The jacket was custom-sized for Cris, a service we offer to all our customers.

You can follow Cris on Instagram.