A MAN with six world records under his belt already now has Loch Ness in his sights to give him a seventh
David Haze, from Bournemouth, is an expert in stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and last September became the record holder for fastest paddle on the River Thames, tackling 129 miles in two days and four hours.
He previously earned four separate records for fastest paddling of the longest lakes in each of the four UK nations, over four consecutive days.
With all his feats fully endorsed by Guinness World Records, he now plans to try and achieve another record with fastest paddle across the waters of Loch Ness.
SUP company Water Rascals has designed a special paddleboard for the occasion, able to withstand any harsh conditions the loch might decide to throw up on the day, currently planned for March 7.
A keen surfer in his younger days, Mr Haze (37) has been paddleboarding for the past seven years.
Working as a criminal justice consultant he says the sport really helps him to focus on strength and achieving a sense of peace.
“It really grounds me and gives me purpose and drive in life,” he said.
“Adventure, for me, is helping me reconnect. When I push myself, that’s when I realise who I am and what I am capable of.
“That’s why I do this.
“When I get to the bottom of the barrel and have nothing left, I really realise what I can do.
“When I struggle mentally off the water I can revert back to the water and the skills I learned to put them back into my everyday life and overcome issues.”
Mr Haze also plans to use his latest world record attempt as a valuable fundraiser for the charity Jubilee Sailing Trust which provides disabled and under-privileged people with sailing experiences.
His specially designed paddleboard will be auctioned off after the Loch Ness crossing in aid of the charity.
