Local 50 year old, father to three, and current SA champ Quinton Rutherford plans to take on the official World Record for the furtherest ocean paddle in 24 hours, this Friday, 13 November 2020.
It’s time we brought this world record home to South African soil. The current world record for the longest ocean paddle is held by a New Zealander, Tim Taylor who set the world record in 2015 when he paddled an incredible 214kms in 24 hours.
Quinton aims to break Tim’s record this year by paddling from Cape Vidal to Durban, a distance of approximately 250 kilometres. As with any Guinness World Record attempt, the veteran paddler will be under close scrutiny by the representatives of Guinness World Records.
Quinton refers to himself as a waterman and has spent his entire life actively pursuing his passion in the ocean. Having started his paddling career almost 30 years ago, he has completed numerous endurance feats, including 20 Cape Point challenges, 25 Duzi’s, 18 non-stop Duzi’s, including a paddle between PE and East London. All of these long distance efforts have led to where he finds himself today.
As a self employed businessman, paddling has also been a stress relief for Quinton and allows him to focus and stay motivated, Paddling has helped him navigate through all the stages of his life, and paddling offers a true sense of community and life-long friendships bringing him much joy.
Motivation remains a key element to the success of this record attempt and having recently lost a close friend who lived every day to the fullest, Quinton feels fortunate and inspired to take on this challenge and push his body to the limit, without fear.
In preparation for his world record attempt, Quinton recently completed a paddle from Richards Bay to Durban Undersea Club in Durban, a distance of 165 kms, and a recent unsupported paddle from Zinkwazi to Scottburgh, a distance of 133kms in 9hrs 20 mins.
All endurance events come with their physical and mental challenges, but Quinton tells us that his main concerns are whales and sharks. They can be incredibly unpredictable and Quinton has had his fair share of close shaves. In 2015, his ski was attacked by an inquisitive shark off Caradene, and Quinton ended up swimming 6kms back to shore.
Possibly the largest challenge is raising R180 500 to ensure Guinness World Records visit South Africa, monitor the event and recognise the record attempt. Furthermore, Quinton estimates the peripheral costs, including transport, renting a support boat and crew to cost a further R70 000.
Quinton has had a phenomenal response from the general public, companies and friends that have assisted with cash sponsorship in an attempt to reach this large financial requirement but If you would like more information regarding how you can contribute, please feel to contact Summer Rutherford on 078903 3374.
Or email summerrutherford.sr@gmail.com
