Stand-up paddleboarder sets world record time navigating Lough Corrib

A paddleboarder has broken a world record by navigating the length of Lough Corrib standing up, despite heavy fog impeding his sense of direction.

But David Haze cannot mention his time until his record is officially recorded by the Guinness Book of Records in case other people are attempting the challenge!

However, he had to beat eight hours and he was successful in doing that on Saturday of last week, starting at Menlo and ending in Maum.

But it was no easy feat to clock up his sixth world record as a stand-up paddleboarder, having crossed the longest lakes of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Wales and recording the fastest time down the River Thames.

“The lake was magnificent. However, when I came off the River Corrib and onto Lough Corrib, there was so much fog and I couldn’t see anything around me and I had no point of reference so I had to keep referring to my GPS,” he recalls.

“When I reached the larger section of the lough the wind changed and went against me becoming my worst enemy. I was heading straight into it and not making much progress but the moment I stopped paddling I would be blown in opposite direction.”

The feat has given him a fresh impetus to embark on his next adventure – conquering, Iceland’s longest lake.

“With this new determination, drive and mindset I have that got me through this challenge, I now know I can tackle any challenges life throws at me on or off the water. Adventure is a powerful tool and anyone can harness that power as long as they are willing to commit.”

Gilles Varette, who is part of the Galway SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) community, supported him off the water.

“His wife cooked me some amazing soup for when I finished, which I was very grateful. The whole Galway SUP community were amazing.”

His Galway jaunt has seen him raise £2,567 for Alliance of Sport, which helps those caught up in the criminal justice system through sport.

The 36-year-old from Bournemouth in the UK now works as a consultant with Penal Reform Solutions. David has used paddleboarding to help put his time in jail for burglary behind him.