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.

B次元官网网址淎s soon as I stood up on a paddleboard, I sold all my (kayaking) gear, and IB次元官网网址檝e been hooked ever since,B次元官网网址� 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, B次元官网网址楽tory of an Underdog.B次元官网网址�

Allison picked this name because the record was set by Bart de Zwart, a world-renowned Dutch paddleboarder who is also known as B次元官网网址淢r. Endurance.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 why IB次元官网网址檓 the underdog B次元官网网址� in comparison to him, basically, IB次元官网网址檝e had a long bath,B次元官网网址� 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 B次元官网网址榟ome away from homeB次元官网网址� while receiving medical treatment and care in the Metro Vancouver area.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 trying to push my own limits, both physically and mentally,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淏ut bigger than that, I want to help the Honour House B次元官网网址� theyB次元官网网址檙e an incredible organization and I want to be part of that.B次元官网网址�

Anyone interested in supporting AllisonB次元官网网址檚 effort may and include the attempt in the B次元官网网址榠n honour ofB次元官网网址� 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.

B次元官网网址淚 wish it was just simple math,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淏ut the wind changes and other variables change B次元官网网址� and obviously, after 12 hours, you slowly start to depreciate your speed.B次元官网网址�

AllisonB次元官网网址檚 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.

B次元官网网址淎t six hours, IB次元官网网址檓 hitting 51.7 kilometres on average, so IB次元官网网址檓 right there to be with my goal,B次元官网网址� he said.

During his attempt, Allison will wear a backpack with two reservoirs B次元官网网址� one containing water with electrolytes and another with B次元官网网址楶erpetuem,B次元官网网址� a specialized liquid food for endurance sports B次元官网网址� 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.

B次元官网网址淢y arms go numb, and I have to just kind of push through it,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淎t about six hours, my feet start to go numb, and at 12 hours, they feel like bricks. Not because of the cold, but itB次元官网网址檚 like laying on your arm for long periods B次元官网网址� they go completely numb and theyB次元官网网址檙e pinprick sensitive, which is really tough. Eventually too, my hands are each just one big blister.B次元官网网址�

To be able to push through this physical hardship, Allison has been focusing on mental preparation.

B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of positive reinforcement B次元官网网址� when things start to hurt, I acknowledge the pain and stay thankful for being able to keep going,B次元官网网址� 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.

For more news from Vancouver Island and beyond delivered daily into your inbox, please

READ ALSO:

sean.feagan@campbellrivermirror.com
Like us on and follow us on