Dallas Allison, a Campbell River paramedic, is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest stand-up paddleboard trip in 24 hours, while raising money for a charity helping veterans and first responders.
Allison, an experienced kayaker, became enthralled by paddleboarding after trying it for the first time two years ago.
害羞草研究所淎s soon as I stood up on a paddleboard, I sold all my (kayaking) gear, and I害羞草研究所檝e been hooked ever since,害羞草研究所� he said.
On Aug. 25, starting at 2 p.m, Allison will be attempting to break the record of 193.8 kilometres paddled over a day. His attempt, to be performed on Mohun Lake, is the culmination of a journey of preparation and learning, as documented on his Facebook page, 害羞草研究所楽tory of an Underdog.害羞草研究所�
Allison picked this name because the record was set by Bart de Zwart, a world-renowned Dutch paddleboarder who is also known as 害羞草研究所淢r. Endurance.害羞草研究所�
害羞草研究所淭hat害羞草研究所檚 why I害羞草研究所檓 the underdog 害羞草研究所� in comparison to him, basically, I害羞草研究所檝e had a long bath,害羞草研究所� said Allison.
The attempt will be a personal test of will, but also a chance for Allison to raise funds for the Honour House Society, a charity providing military, veterans and first responders a 害羞草研究所榟ome away from home害羞草研究所� while receiving medical treatment and care in the Metro Vancouver area.
害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檓 trying to push my own limits, both physically and mentally,害羞草研究所� he said. 害羞草研究所淏ut bigger than that, I want to help the Honour House 害羞草研究所� they害羞草研究所檙e an incredible organization and I want to be part of that.害羞草研究所�
Anyone interested in supporting Allison害羞草研究所檚 effort may and include the attempt in the 害羞草研究所榠n honour of害羞草研究所� box on the bottom of the page.
For the attempt, Allison has set a goal of 210 kilometres for ideal conditions. But to break the record, he will need to maintain an average speed of about 8.1 kilometres per hour.
害羞草研究所淚 wish it was just simple math,害羞草研究所� he said. 害羞草研究所淏ut the wind changes and other variables change 害羞草研究所� and obviously, after 12 hours, you slowly start to depreciate your speed.害羞草研究所�
Allison害羞草研究所檚 preparation for the attempt extends beyond the paddleboard. He trains three to five hours per day doing yoga, stretching and balancing exercises and also cross-trains with running, slacklining, swimming and other activities.
On the paddleboard, Allison has been completing either six- or 12-hour long endurance sessions.
害羞草研究所淎t six hours, I害羞草研究所檓 hitting 51.7 kilometres on average, so I害羞草研究所檓 right there to be with my goal,害羞草研究所� he said.
During his attempt, Allison will wear a backpack with two reservoirs 害羞草研究所� one containing water with electrolytes and another with 害羞草研究所楶erpetuem,害羞草研究所� a specialized liquid food for endurance sports 害羞草研究所� to keep fed and hydrated. He aims to not get off the paddleboard during the attempt and will be aided by a support team, providing him with refills.
The attempt will be a grueling physical challenge for Allison.
害羞草研究所淢y arms go numb, and I have to just kind of push through it,害羞草研究所� he said. 害羞草研究所淎t about six hours, my feet start to go numb, and at 12 hours, they feel like bricks. Not because of the cold, but it害羞草研究所檚 like laying on your arm for long periods 害羞草研究所� they go completely numb and they害羞草研究所檙e pinprick sensitive, which is really tough. Eventually too, my hands are each just one big blister.害羞草研究所�
To be able to push through this physical hardship, Allison has been focusing on mental preparation.
害羞草研究所淭here害羞草研究所檚 a lot of positive reinforcement 害羞草研究所� when things start to hurt, I acknowledge the pain and stay thankful for being able to keep going,害羞草研究所� he said.
To break the record, Allison will need to record a video of himself, his GPS and a clock at the same time, so his attempt can be verified.
Allison is also looking for more volunteers to help document his attempt. Those interested in volunteering may contact gibson3@ualberta.ca. Observers are being asked to follow all BC parks regulations, and the event command post will be set up in Sit 24 of Pacific Yew Recreation Site.
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