Friday, June 17, 2011
Longest nonstop paddleboard voyage: Cynthia Aguilar sets world record (Video)
KEY WEST, Fla., USA -- Ocean Minded Brand Ambassador, Cynthia Aguilar, a Miami Beach lifeguard, has completed a paddleboard crossing of the Florida Straits from near Cuba to Key West (a 103.2-mile journey) in 29 hours and 12 minutes , setting the world record for the Longest nonstop paddleboard voyage. . (enlarge photo)
The Guinness world record for the Fastest paddleboard crossing of the Florida Straits (women's team) was set by Hayley Bateup (Australia), Jenna Worlock, Nicola Mocke (both South Africa) and Aline Paterson (USA), who paddled across the Florida Strait between Cuba, and Key West, Florida, USA, a time of 25 hr 44 min.
Guinness World Records also recognized the fastest crossing of the English Channel by paddleboard: 5 hr 9 min, by Michael O'Shaughnessy (USA).
Aguilar dragged her paddleboard on the beach to cheering crowds. She hugged her parents and as a supporter uncorked a bottle of champagne, Aguilar grabbed it and doused her board.
"Everybody here kept me going to prove that anything is possible no matter what," Aguilar said describing her trip.
"You're knocked down, you get up, you keep fighting, you keep paddling no matter what."
Aguilar started her paddle 14 miles north of Cuba.
Aguilar's efforts were also recorded and will be part of a documentary.
She is the first solo prone paddleboarder - propelling the board with her arms - to cross the Florida Straits.
But she didn't make the attempt for a personal goal. The world record attempt will help raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Florida.
"I'm trying to give the kids hope, but I'm also trying to inspire as many people as possible" Aguilar says. "I'm hoping that everyone who hears about this will be driven to make an impact and have hope that they can do something, even something little, that will make a big difference for someone else."
For more information on Aguilar's journey and how to donate, visit www.keeppaddlin.org
