A few weeks ago I wrote about Canadian Joe O’Blenis and his attempt to re-capture his record of fastest man to paddle around Vancouver Island. With an incredible target of over 1,150 kms in under 17 days, Joe was going to have his work cut out for him to beat the current record holder Sean Morley and his incredible time of 17 days.
Well I’m excited to report that today Joe came across the finish line after a couple of set-backs, including being rolled by bad weather on the west coast of the island and having to wait to change over boats after losing a skeg assembly, in the incredible time of 16d 12h 14m to re-claim the title he’d lost a few years ago.
Joe enjoying the fine Canadian summer weather on Day 13
This is an incredible feat of endurance and mental strength and I know Joe’s friends and family are very relieved to have him finish safe and sound. So from the Fat Paddler, congrats on a fantastic effort mate, look forward to hearing all about it once you’ve rested up and recovered from the celebratory beers! Cheers – FP
Congrats Joe! Knew you would do it. We are all so proud of you!
Congrats Joe – some photos from the finish at http://picasaweb.google.com/mhjackson123/20100905_joeoblenis#
Nice! He looks remarkably fresh!
and the record has been reclaimed with one of them paddles that are only good for “kindling” đŸ™‚
What’s next: a skin on frame boat that actually is good for “real” sea kayaking?….
Hey mr Garrly! Did you see how BIG the stick was? its a GP on steeroids! Nice paddel Joe O, beating mr morley is very tough to do.
I hear ya Gnarlydog! Viva La Stick Revolucion!
Just stumbled across your result on the Facebook – bloody good result pal; get your arse up to the Yukon 1000 next, see if you can whip our 6 day 2 hour time for 1000 miles!
Thanks for the posts everyone.
Rob… Yukon River Quest is high on my list for next year. Not sure about the Y1000 but that would be a fun one too.
Also considering a shot at Vancouver Island again next summer, this time in a fast tandem canoe with bent shaft paddles.