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Man claims record after 43 hours on paddleboard

David Haze Smiling selfie of David Haze on his paddleboard with the sun setting in the backgroundDavid Haze
David Haze covered 249km (155 miles) during the challenge in and around Poole Harbour

A paddleboarder is claiming a new world record after paddling non-stop for 43 hours.

David Haze, from Bournemouth, covered 249km (155 miles) during the challenge in and around Poole Harbour.

He said the hardest aspect was "mind-over-matter" as sleep deprivation caused him to "space out".

The 39-year-old, who already holds numerous paddleboard world records, is waiting for his bid to be verified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

David Haze Close-up selfie of David Haze wearing a cap and a coat zipped up over his chin. He is surrounded by water and is looking tired with a furrowed browDavid Haze
Mr Haze's previous world records include the fastest time to paddleboard down the River Thames

Mr Haze's attempt was for the longest continuous paddle on a stand-up paddleboard.

To beat the previous record of 38 hours, he had to paddle continuously, stay awake and cover at least 4km an hour.

He said: "This is sort of challenge is all about mind over matter.

"The last darkness was really hard - I was paddling in the harbour and I zoned out and heard some voices so I turned and said 'what did you say' only to realise it was the water hitting my paddleboard - so I was losing my mind slightly.

"I took some Imodium to stop certain movements but I had plenty of food and water on the paddleboard - a lot of high-calorie packs, a lot of gloop and a lot of gel.

"I was really thankful to have a bacon sandwich when I got off."

David Haze David Haze standing on a beach with Brownsea Island and the entrance to Poole Harbour in the background. He is smiling at the camera and holding a paddle in his right hand. He's wearing sunglasses, a cap and a blue t-shirt bearing the Dorset Mind logoDavid Haze
To beat the previous record of 38 hours, he had to paddle continuously, stay awake and cover at least 4km an hour

Mr Haze's previous world records include the fastest time to paddleboard down the River Thames.

The former city trader began taking on sporting challenges in 2020 after serving time in prison - he had turned to a life of crime and cocaine after losing his job.

In 2024 he took the step to become a professional adventurer and decided to take on one challenge every month.

His latest stunt helped raise more than £1,000 for Dorset Mind.

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