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.
鈥淎s soon as I stood up on a paddleboard, I sold all my (kayaking) gear, and I鈥檝e been hooked ever since,鈥� 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, 鈥楽tory of an Underdog.鈥�
Allison picked this name because the record was set by Bart de Zwart, a world-renowned Dutch paddleboarder who is also known as 鈥淢r. Endurance.鈥�
鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 the underdog 鈥� in comparison to him, basically, I鈥檝e had a long bath,鈥� 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 鈥榟ome away from home鈥� while receiving medical treatment and care in the Metro Vancouver area.
鈥淚鈥檓 trying to push my own limits, both physically and mentally,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut bigger than that, I want to help the Honour House 鈥� they鈥檙e an incredible organization and I want to be part of that.鈥�
Anyone interested in supporting Allison鈥檚 effort may and include the attempt in the 鈥榠n honour of鈥� 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.
鈥淚 wish it was just simple math,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut the wind changes and other variables change 鈥� and obviously, after 12 hours, you slowly start to depreciate your speed.鈥�
Allison鈥檚 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.
鈥淎t six hours, I鈥檓 hitting 51.7 kilometres on average, so I鈥檓 right there to be with my goal,鈥� he said.
During his attempt, Allison will wear a backpack with two reservoirs 鈥� one containing water with electrolytes and another with 鈥楶erpetuem,鈥� a specialized liquid food for endurance sports 鈥� 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.
鈥淢y arms go numb, and I have to just kind of push through it,鈥� he said. 鈥淎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鈥檚 like laying on your arm for long periods 鈥� they go completely numb and they鈥檙e pinprick sensitive, which is really tough. Eventually too, my hands are each just one big blister.鈥�
To be able to push through this physical hardship, Allison has been focusing on mental preparation.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of positive reinforcement 鈥� when things start to hurt, I acknowledge the pain and stay thankful for being able to keep going,鈥� 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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